Icelandic company submits new seaweed processing application at Húsavík Harbour

Icelandic company Íslandsþari has submitted a new application for a site at Húsavík Harbour, specifically at Búðarfjöru 1, aimed at establishing a facility for processing seaweed. This application follows a controversial proposal made last year, which was ultimately withdrawn after it faced significant opposition regarding the suitability of processing operations in the harbour area.

The company is seeking permission to build a 1,000 square meter facility dedicated to processing large seaweed, with potential future expansions planned. Initially, they anticipate processing up to 20,000 tons of seaweed annually. The project is expected to create 15 jobs in its early stages, moving away from previously considered methods of chemical use for drying the seaweed.

Discussions regarding the new application were held by the Planning and Implementation Council of Norðurþing last week, and while a majority supported the proposal, there were differing opinions among council members, leading to a vote that saw three in favor, one against, and one abstention.

The final decision on the application will be made by the local council on December 5. The developers are optimistic that this proposal will proceed more smoothly than the previous one, allowing for the expansion of the local industry and job creation while managing environmental concerns associated with such projects.