Polar Algae: Harvesting Wild Seaweed Above the Arctic Circle
2025-09-02
At the very top of Norway, in Hammerfest, one of the northernmost towns of the world, Polar Algae is building a business around one of nature’s toughest crops: wild seaweed. With drying facilities in Hammerfest in the county of Finnmark and harvesting locations along the Arctic coast, the company is bringing a traditional practice into the modern bioeconomy.
From Tradition to Modern Industry
Although founded in 2017, Polar Algae builds on Norway’s long seaweed heritage. “When I talk to people in the region, they tell me stories about using seaweed as supplements for cows and sheep, or even as an ingredient in traditional health remedies,” says CEO Trine Bredal Hauan.
But today, the focus is different. With diverse industries shifting their focus towards renewable resources, Polar Algae sees opportunities across agriculture, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Their main species, Ascophyllum nodosum, thrives in extreme conditions such as stormy seas, freezing winters, and endless summer daylight. “It survives everything,” Hauan explains. “That makes it a fantastic and very high-quality seaweed. And harvesting it wild at 70 degrees north, above the Arctic Circle, gives us a very unique position.”
A Sustainable Approach to Wild Harvesting
Sustainability is at the heart of Polar Algae’s operations. Harvesting is done by carefully cutting only the tops of the plants, allowing them to regrow. And harvesting sites are only revisited every three to five years. “We are very humble about working with a renewable resource,” Hauan stresses. “It is crucial that we take good care of it.”
The Gulf Stream keeps the coastal waters ice-free, which enables harvesting even in the Arctic winter. Still, the environment is challenging. “The weather can be rough, and planning is key. But we see this as an opportunity to show that seaweed can be harvested responsibly, even under tough conditions.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Like many seaweed businesses, Polar Algae faces the challenge of balancing efficiency, cost, and sustainability. “It is about getting harvesting right, cost-efficient and technically reliable, while also running a new processing plant. It is not easy to get everything in place at the same time, but we are optimistic about the next step.”
Looking to the International Community
Polar Algae joined the North Sea Farmers in 2024 to connect with the wider international seaweed community. “For us, being part of this network is about learning from others, sharing knowledge, and exploring market opportunities,” Hauan explains.
She also hopes to bring value in return. “If someone is looking for Ascophyllum or wants to cooperate on reaching markets, we are very open to ideas. Technology development and partnerships are key.”
🌊 Meet Polar Algae and other pioneers of the European seaweed sector at North Sea Seaweed 2025 on 28 October in Rotterdam. Discover the opportunities, connect with the community, and be part of the movement from promise to business.
