MAT-KULING advances large-scale RAS hatchery in Saudi Arabia as feed innovation accelerates

SAUDI ARABIA – MAT-KULING, a Norwegian aquaculture technology company, has launched the procurement, supply and construction phase of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) hatchery for the National Aquaculture Group in Al Lith, marking a major step in scaling aquaculture production and feed demand in the Kingdom.

The hatchery is designed to produce up to 40 million baby fish (fry) every year, positioning it among the largest integrated aquaculture hatchery systems in the region.

The facility will include four broodstock systems, three larval rearing systems, and dedicated live-feed production units for rotifers and Artemia, along with 85 prefabricated tanks made from thermoplastic materials.

Spanning a main building area of 3,412 m² and a total constructed area of 4,143 m², the hatchery will incorporate advanced feeding technologies, PLC-based automation and strict biosecurity zoning to ensure controlled, high-efficiency production.

The agreement between NAQUA and MAT-KULING was signed in May 2025, formalising the development of a high-capacity hatchery to support Saudi Arabia’s growing aquaculture sector.

The deployment of RAS technology reflects a broader shift toward intensive, controlled aquaculture systems that require precise nutrition and consistent feed supply.

Large-scale fry production directly increases downstream demand for aquafeed, particularly during grow-out phases, where feed accounts for the majority of production costs.

As production scales, the need for high-performance feed formulations, including specialised starter diets and functional additives, is expected to rise.

The integration of live feed systems, such as rotifers and Artemia, also highlights the importance of early-stage nutrition in improving survival rates and overall production efficiency.

Saudi Arabia strengthens feed and protein strategy

The hatchery investment comes amid Saudi Arabia’s broader push to strengthen domestic protein production and reduce reliance on imports.

Just last week, Unibio International PLC and Saudi Industrial Investment Group confirmed plans to build the world’s largest single-cell protein plant in Al Jubail.

The facility will produce 50,000 tonnes of UniProtein® annually, with plans to scale up to 300,000 tonnes, using natural gas-based fermentation technology.

UniProtein® is a high-quality, sustainable feed ingredient for aquaculture and livestock, providing an alternative to traditional inputs such as fishmeal and soybean meal.

Together, these investments reflect a coordinated effort to build a more integrated feed and aquaculture value chain in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture sector is expanding as part of its broader food security and economic diversification strategy.

The combination of large-scale hatchery infrastructure and alternative protein production is expected to reshape feed demand in the region.

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