What is the difference between block frozen and IQF shrimp?

In the IQF method, shrimp are frozen individually instead of in a solid block. This results in each shrimp being separate and loose within the packaging, offering greater convenience for use.

What is the purpose of IQF shrimp processing?

Rapid freezing in the IQF process prevents the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the cell structure of shrimp. This method preserves the shrimp's texture, nutritional value and quality better than slower freezing methods.

What are the benefits of IQF in shrimp processing?

The quality of the shrimp before freezing and after thawing will remain largely unchanged, and the IQF process is also energy efficient in its rapid freezing technique.

IQF freezing of shrimp

Onboard shrimp production depends on a stable flow through every process. Our IQF freezer is a proven and reliable part of an automated shrimp processing line. It freezes individual shrimp quickly and consistently while reducing the need for manual handling during the freezing process.

What does IQF mean for shrimp processing?

IQF stands for Individual Quick Freezing. In shrimp processing, the method freezes each shrimp individually instead of freezing the product together in a block.

Rapid and uniform freezing helps preserve the texture and quality of the shrimp. It also keeps the individual shrimp separate, making the frozen product easier to handle, pack, portion and store.

The key advantages of IQF in shrimp processing

IQF freezing supports continuous shrimp production while protecting the quality of each individual shrimp. Fast and uniform freezing reduces the risk of shrimp freezing together and creates a consistent product for further handling and packing.

The key advantages include:

Individual freezing: Each shrimp freezes separately, which reduces clumping and makes the frozen product easier to handle.
Preserved texture and quality: Rapid freezing helps retain the natural texture and quality of the shrimp.
Consistent freezing: Controlled vertical airflow creates uniform freezing conditions across the product flow.
Reduced manual handling: Automated transfer through the freezer gives operators fewer product movements to manage.
Stable production flow: The freezer works continuously with the surrounding shrimp processing equipment.
Hygienic processing: Fewer manual product transfers support clear hygiene routines during production and cleaning.

Consistent freezing in an automated shrimp line

The IQF freezer is designed to fit into a continuous onboard shrimp processing line. Shrimp move automatically from the preceding process into the freezer. This eliminates manual handling.

The freezer uses the vertical blowing principle. Cold air moves vertically through the product zone to create efficient and uniform freezing conditions across the belt. This ensures a high product quality.

Learn more about the IQF tunnel freezer and how it supports continuous freezing.

Conditions that affect shrimp freezing

Fast freezing alone does not determine the final result. Shrimp size, incoming product temperature, loading and product distribution all influence how quickly and consistently the shrimp freezes.

Correct and even feeding helps create uniform freezing conditions across the full product flow.

When we dimension and configure the freezer, we review:

Shrimp size range
Incoming product temperature
Required product load
Product distribution across the belt
Refrigeration conditions
Production targets
Daily operating setup

We use this information to match the freezer to your actual onboard production conditions. This gives your operators a practical setup and helps maintain predictable freezing performance when production is running.

Common IQF shrimp freezer configurations

We select the freezer configuration based on your shrimp size range, required throughput, refrigeration conditions and available deck space.

10T/21H, 20T/21H and 25T/21H identify different freezer configurations and sizes. We use these designations to select and integrate the right freezer for your production requirements. Actual capacity depends on the complete operating setup.

Three common configurations are:

Freezer configuration

Freezer length

10T/21H

6,900 mm

20T/21H

12,000 mm

25T/21H

14,600 mm

A longer freezer provides more space for the freezing process, but physical length alone does not determine actual throughput. Capacity also depends on shrimp size, incoming product temperature, product load, belt loading and refrigeration conditions.

We use your production data to select the right configuration and balance the freezer with the surrounding shrimp processing equipment.

The freezing specification is based on Pandalus borealis and NH3 refrigerant with a coil evaporation temperature of minus 38°C. The final operating specification depends on the agreed freezer configuration and production conditions.

See all references

IQF Freezing adapted to your production deck

Space is limited and valuable onboard. We adapt the freezer configuration to the available deck area, deck height and structural conditions into new vessels as well as existing onboard factories.

Our layout work covers:

Feeding and discharge equipment
Operator access
Cleaning and hygiene requirements
Maintenance and service access
Refrigeration connections
Connections to the surrounding equipment

We work side by side with your team throughout the layout process. Together, we find a configuration that uses the available space effectively without creating difficult access points for operators and technicians.

Integrate IQF shrimp freezing into an existing factory

An IQF shrimp freezer can be installed in both new and existing onboard factories. For an existing factory, we assess the current layout and shrimp flow before recommending a configuration.

Adapting the factory layout is an important part of getting the most from your quotas and catch. A freezer can have sufficient capacity on its own, but poor integration can still create interruptions elsewhere in production.

We support you with:

Production deck assessment
Review of current capacity and bottlenecks
Freezer and layout adaptation
Connections to existing equipment
Installation and commissioning
Operator and technician support

We take responsibility for how the IQF freezer works with the complete shrimp process. The goal is a factory where shrimp move smoothly through freezing and your crew has practical access to operate, clean and maintain the equipment.

Installation, commissioning and service support

Stable operation begins with correct installation and commissioning. Our service technicians understand the practical challenges of working in compact onboard factories and connecting new equipment to an existing production flow.

During commissioning, we work with your crew to adjust the equipment and establish practical operating routines. We make sure operators and technicians understand the daily checks, cleaning procedures and operating conditions that support consistent freezing.

Our involvement continues after startup. We support your team with service, spare parts and practical process knowledge. This helps you maintain freezing performance and reduce avoidable interruptions during production.

FAQ on Shrimp Processing with IQF

Additional Products for shrimp processing

Browse through the various products part of our shrimp processing line.

Combining our machines will allow you to design an efficient cold-water shrimp processing plant. This is where Carsoe's expertise and year-long knowledge comes in.