Tankers for the fishing industry and fish production

VM Tarm specialises in high-quality tankers for the transport of fish. We provide custommade tankers for transport of pelagic fish, smolt, slaughtered fish, fish waste, live fish (and shellfish) in all sizes, fish cuttings, fish silage, etc.

Our fish tankers are made from stainless steel, and are long-lasting, hygienic, and easy to clean. The tankers are insulated, with the options of oxygen supply and oxygen monitoring. With oxygen equipment and fish monitoring, it is possible to integrate a cleaning system (CIP) that complies with current food safety standards.

Furthermore, all welds and surfaces that are in touch with products are inspected and approved by an external company. We are also ready to fulfil other special customer requirements, so that the tanker can meet your specific needs.

Customised solutions for individual fish tankers

All of our fish tankers are customised and always developed in close collaboration with the customer. This means that we custom-make each tanker with the exact features and solutions that you need – from oxygen supply and water circulation to custom inlet systems. This is how we ensure that each transport solution matches your needs and ensures optimum handling of your fish.

Transport of live fish

When transporting live fish, typically salmon, trout or eel, the goal is to keep the fish alive and in good condition until delivery. Tank trailers and containers from VM Tarm A/S are made of stainless steel or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and divided into several sections so that different batches can be kept separate.

Each section has:

oxygen supply
water circulation
temperature control

To avoid stress and damage, soft inlet and outlet systems are used, and the water quality is continuously monitored via oxygen, CO₂ and temperature sensors. Transport often takes place in close collaboration with farming and receiving facilities where quick and gentle handling is important.

Transport of smolt

Smolt – young fish that are moved from freshwater farms to saltwater facilities are particularly sensitive and require precise management of the environmental conditions. Transport typically takes place in insulated stainless steel tank trailers, where the water is kept at approx. 8-10 °C.

Oxygen supply and water movement prevent the smolt from gathering in corners and becoming stressed. The tankers are cleaned and disinfected between each transport to avoid the spread of infection as required by law.

Transport of slaughtered fish

Slaughtered fish is transported under completely different conditions, where the goal is to ensure the freshness of the product until processing or export. Stainless tank trailers and containers from VM Tarm are typically used for refrigerated transport where the fish is stored in ice water (RSW – refrigerated seawater) or chilled freshwater.

Advantages:

temperature control 0-2 °C
easy cleaning and resistant to corrosion
complies with strict EU hygiene requirements

This preserves the quality and texture of the fish.

Hygiene, safety and environmental concerns

All types of fish transport require thorough cleaning, disinfection and documentation. We have extensive know-how from tanker transport of milk and beer, and stainless steel tankers can withstand both high temperatures and strong cleaning agents.

Drivers and operators must be trained in:

handling of live animals
current fish welfare legislation

There is also increasing focus on environmental concerns, with new trailers and containers being designed with energy-saving pumps, the ability to recycle oxygen and efficient cooling systems to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Overall assessment

Transporting fish in stainless tank trailers and containers is a specialised area that combines technology, biology and logistics. When executed properly, transport ensures: