By Martin Søreide, Håkon Tønne, Anders Sletten, Kjell Roger Jensen, Truls Øksnevad and Ståle Sæther
Our robust constructions in Sea-based are completely dependent on subcontractors and production environments that deliver top quality. For more than 20 years, Scale Aquaculture AS has built up a supplier network in China that today is business-critical and decisive for the quality of cages and equipment put to sea. DNV is closely involved in steel inspections, directly linked to the product certification that takes place in Norway, and ensures that all products meet applicable requirements.
Significant value creation
The Beijing branch is a direct reason why the product areas Floating collars and Anchoring delivered NOK 265.9 million in contribution margin (DG2) in the first eleven months of 2025. The collaborative model gives us an annual competitive advantage of around NOK 100 million compared with similar production in Europe. In specialized product areas, we also have a strong position compared to Vietnam. Although salary levels in China are among the highest in Asia, a high level of specialization, experience and operational efficiency provide a solid advantage that is difficult to match.
Our team in Beijing
The team consists of Zhang Cheng (manager), Xiao Wen Yi (engineer), Peiran Zhang (engineer and coordinator), Fan Zhang (PhD in chemistry) and Hanjie Su (finance + admin). Zhang Cheng and Xiao Wen Yi have been with the company since its inception over 20 years ago, following introductions from Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Embassy. With backgrounds in major international industrial projects, they have played a key role in the development of our supplier network and in establishing the trust we have with manufacturers.
Long-term and targeted development
In 2008, we established our own company in China, and in 2024 we changed the name to Scale Aquaculture Rep. Office Beijing. In 2011, Zhang and Xiao established an export-oriented business with operational management from ScaleAQ in Beijing and Norway, which has been important in building a robust and flexible structure around the supplier network.
The team has grown over the past twelve years. Peiran coordinates weekly with Supply Chain and Marine Engineering and ensures close interaction between Norway and China. Fan brings valuable specialist expertise in materials chemistry and process optimization after several years as quality manager in a major pharmaceutical company. In addition, her husband, who is a professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Beijing, contributes with insight and advice to our manufacturers on how increased robotization of existing high-tech production lines can further streamline processes.
Our purpose, shaping safe and sustainable aquaculture, is deeply rooted in the collaboration between the departments and subcontractors in China. The Beijing branch works continuously with subcontractors to reduce risks to people and the environment, as well as finding material- and energy-efficient solutions at all stages of the supply chain. In 2023, the focus on sustainability resulted in Scale being the first company in Norway to enter into an agreement on carbon-free sea transport between China and Norway. Until the end of 2025, this corresponds to a saving of over 2,100 tons of CO2. The agreement would not have been possible without the good cooperation between Norway and China
for many years. PHOTO: Ståle Sæther
Quality and capacity at all levels
The Beijing team ensures quality control and logistics for around 660 20-foot containers annually, which includes a significant volume of steel and component deliveries. The products shipped from China are consistently of very high quality and set the standard for what we expect from our suppliers. From January to November 17, the team conducted 49 inspections and supplier visits in 2025. During the most recent trip in November, ten factories were visited, including a full audit of all existing subcontractors and assessment of four new ones, using established P-U-K-K methodology. The journeys are tightly planned and often carried out by express train to ensure the most efficient inspection process possible.
A strong digital bridge between Norway and China
Together with the team in Norway, the Beijing office has established a sharing platform with daily updates on drawing changes, inspection results, material certificates, raw material prices, shipments, production status, process development, deviations and documentation of welding results. This ensures quality, transparency and a very precise flow of information throughout the value chain.
Thank you for your efforts
On behalf of Scale Aquaculture AS, we thank you for ensuring that we are optimally rigged at all times to give us the best possible competitiveness. The work is significant!