Royal Greenland automates cod handling at Greenland processing plant

Royal Greenland has selected Carsoe to automate the flow of cod from reception to sorting at one of its onshore processing plants in Greenland. The new factory setup in Nuuk will reduce manual handling, improve working conditions and help maintain a continuous production flow.

Today, fish are moved manually through several stages of production using carts. While effective, the process is physically demanding and can create interruptions in production flow.

The new setup will establish a continuous transport system through the factory. After unloading and weighing, the fish will move automatically between process steps, reducing manual handling and helping production maintain a steady pace throughout the day.

The solution is being designed around Royal Greenland’s existing equipment and production layout. It will integrate with equipment including the roller grader, KM Mark 5 and heading machines. This allows Royal Greenland to improve the overall process while continuing to use existing machinery.

"With the new setup, we are ready to handle an increasing volume of fish at our factory in Nuuk. At the same time, we are providing our staff with modern working conditions that reduce the need for heavy lifting. The investment is part

of a wider strategy to upgrade factories and onshore facilities along the coast.

We would like to thank Carsoe for finding solutions that work for both our people and our production

- Miki Brandt, Corporate Project Manager at Royal Greenland.

A more consistent flow through the factory

The new setup includes Swingloaders that transfer fish into buffer bins, conveyors that connect the individual processing stages and adjustable working platforms for operators.

Together, these systems will reduce the need to move fish manually and limit waiting time between processes. Operators can focus on the production tasks that require their attention, while the transport system maintains a steady supply of fish through the factory.

The buffer capacity will also help balance variations in the incoming volume. This supports a more consistent flow and reduces the risk that one process affects the performance of the rest of the line.

Experience from vessels strengthens landbased processing

Carsoe draws on decades of experience from designing and integrating seafood factories on board fishing vessels. At sea, limited space, changing catch volumes and demanding operating conditions make reliable product flow essential.

We apply the same practical approach when developing onshore seafood factories. We look at how equipment, operators and available space work together across the full process. This experience helps us integrate new systems into existing facilities, where production requirements and physical constraints often leave little room for unnecessary complexity.

"By working closely with Royal Greenland, we have designed a setup that fits the existing factory and supports the people responsible for operating it every day.

- Karstin Kristiansen, Sales Manager at Carsoe.

Better working conditions and fewer interruptions

When the new system is in operation, Royal Greenland will have a more connected process from fish reception to sorting. The automated flow will:

Reduce physically demanding transport tasks
Improve working conditions for factory operators
Limit waiting time between processing stages
Support stable and continuous production
Make better use of existing processing equipment

The project shows how carefully planned integration can improve an existing factory without replacing equipment that continues to perform. By connecting the individual processes, Carsoe and Royal Greenland are creating a more practical working environment and a production flow that is easier to manage.