Blueshell signs deal to develop Shetland mussel farming

UK: Blueshell Mussels, a family owned company based in Brae, Shetland, has signed a deal with two other mussel businesses - Demlane and SI Seafarms - that should protect and develop the long-term mussel farming industry in the Shetland Islands.

Blueshell has purchased the sea service assets of Demlane, which consists of workboats and equipment, as well as taking on the current Demlane sea crew. This will allow Demlane to concentrate its business on its newly-extended processing factory based in Walls and create a platform of excellence to launch a new seafood range of products.

The firm has also signed a management agreement to manage the 15 Shetland mussel sites held by SI Seafarms Limited which was previously managed by Demlane.

Managing director of Blueshell Mussels, Michael Laurenson, said: "Our core business strength and expertise is in mussel production and primary mussel processing. I believe it makes sense for us to concentrate on this, and in so doing can bring growth, economic benefit and efficiency through this development."

David Fell, chairman of SI Seafarms Limited, said: "We look forward to working closely with Blueshell Mussels to continue to develop a European-class mussel-growing industry based in Shetland."

Chairman and nanaging director of Demlane, Malcolm Parkinson, said: "This agreement allows each of the companies concerned to play to their strengths, creating economies of scale, efficiencies in processing and adding value throughout the supply chain, bringing new and exciting products to the UK and EU marketplace."