Five years after Faroese salmon producer Hiddenfjord stopped transporting its fish by air, the results speak for themselves.
Since 2020, the company has reduced emissions per kilo of salmon from 7.1 kg CO₂ to just 0.35 kg CO₂. The total carbon footprint for salmon sold to the U.S. has dropped from 12.2 kg in 2020 to 3.85 kg in 2025 — a cut equal to half of the Faroe Islands’ annual emissions.
Hiddenfjord’s decision, once seen as risky, has turned into a global sustainability success story. It also shows how pressure to change can drive innovation and quality.
From challenge to opportunity
At first, customers were sceptical that sea freight could replace air. But by optimising every step — harvest, handling, temperature, and logistics — Hiddenfjord managed to improve freshness and shelf life. The salmon now arrives in the U.S. market fresher than before.
Today, the company ships 40% of its total production to the U.S., where leading restaurants feature it. Meanwhile, new freezing and thawing technologies are opening a sustainable path back to distant markets like Asia.
Inspired by action, not talk
The decision was sparked by musician Bob Geldof’s 2019 call in the Faroe Islands to move from “endless contemplation” to action, for Hiddenfjord CEO Atli Gregersen, that became the turning point.
“Our reputation has grown steadily since we stopped air freight,” says Gregersen. “We’re proud to produce world-class salmon with the lowest possible emissions.”