Aker QRILL Company is an Antarctic krill-harvesting company dedicated to improving health across species. We develop krill-based ingredients for nutraceutical, aquaculture, and animal feed applications, backed by rigorous science and research into krill’s benefits. Sustainability is at the core of our operations, rooted in world-class standards.

The company develops krill-based ingredients for aquaculture (QRILL™ Aqua), animal feed applications (QRILL™ Pet), and nutraceutical human health products. 

Our core priorities are ensuring the well-being of the krill biomass and contributing to a thriving Antarctic ecosystem. Before we even started fishing for krill, we ensured that sustainability was a priority every step of the way, from developing eco-friendly technology and endorsing sustainable fishing practices to facilitating research on the Antarctic ecosystem. To us, it makes no sense to remove something from the ocean to improve health if it simultaneously compromises the health of the ocean.

Our business spans the entire value chain – from sustainable harvesting in pristine Antarctic waters to our logistics hub in Montevideo, ensuring a fully transparent process that brings products to customers worldwide.

Aker QRILL Company was a part of Aker BioMarine until September 2024. Since our founding in 2006, we’ve introduced sustainable, health-promoting krill as a premium marine ingredient to the world.

We are dedicated to developing and documenting the benefits of krill in both fish and animal feeds. We have combined Norwegian expertise in the fishing industry with advanced capabilities in biotechnology, catch technology, the global market, and marketing.

Through extensive innovation and research partnerships, Aker QRILL Company contributes to skills development and value creation across the industry. Our Eco-harvesting technology and research on krill’s impact on fish health are just a few examples. Innovation is at the core of our company – from pioneering harvesting and production technology to product development and commercialization.

In September 2024, our company was spun out of Aker BioMarine, beginning a new chapter with American Industrial Partners (60%) and Aker Capital (40%) as our owners. Under our new ownership structure, we aim to drive growth and lead the industry with the highest sustainability standards.

Ocean Stewardship

Sustainability and transparency are at the core of our corporate governance and operating style. Among our highest priorities is to ensure the health of the krill biomass and contribute to a thriving Antarctic ecosystem. From the early days of Aker’s krill fishing operations, we have prioritized sustainability at every step -from developing eco-friendly technology and promoting sustainable fishing practices to supporting research on the Antarctic ecosystem. To us, it makes no sense to remove something from the ocean to improve health if such action compromises the ocean's health.

Ecosystem

Antarctic krill is one of the largest single species biomasses on Earth. The biomass is in fact so large it can be seen from the moon. Krill is managed and conserved by the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). The catch limit constitutes less than 1% of the estimated biomass in the same area, which makes the krill fishery among the most conservative for any fisheries globally. The actual catch is even lower and has never surpassed 80% of the catch limit. The krill fishery will always be closely managed to maintain the health and balance of the ecosystem. Scientific studies show that whale and seal populations in Antarctica are generally on the rebound. The resurgent populations of these marine predators are good news and a testament to their access to, and the surplus of, their primary feed source: krill.