Easy-to-Cook Shrimp and Prawn Meal

The National Prawn Company: A Sustainable Shrimp Farming Pioneer

Overview of NPC's Operations

The National Prawn Company (NPC) has been at the forefront of sustainable shrimp farming for over two decades. Located on the Red Sea, 150 kilometers south of Jeddah, NPC has invested $350 million into a "modified extensive" shrimp farm. The first phase, costing $200 million, resulted in the establishment of 11 farms and 2,800 hectares of ponds, with an annual production capacity of 13,500 metric tons of whole shrimp. The second phase aims to add 15 more farms and 3,500 hectares of ponds, increasing production to 17,500 metric tons per year.

Sustainable Practices

NPC adheres to the United Nations' definition of "Sustainable Development," producing antibiotic-free shrimp without hormones or preservatives. The company employs eco-friendly farming techniques, including low stocking densities and settling ponds, to protect the local aquatic ecosystem.

Product Range and Market

NPC's products are marketed both locally and internationally under the brand name "Al-Watania" and other labels. The company employs over 2,000 workers from 25 countries, ensuring a diverse and skilled workforce.

Broodstock and Production

• Broodstock: NPC uses specific pathogen-free, pathogen-resistant Penaeus indicus, now in its 24th generation.
• Nauplii Production: 60 million daily.
• Postlarvae Production: 180 million per cycle.

Processing Plant

The processing plant can handle 80 metric tons of head-on shrimp daily. Key equipment suppliers include Marel/Carnitech (Denmark) for processing equipment, Jonsson (USA) for peeling machines, and Mycon (Japan) for refrigeration systems. The plant processes a variety of products, from simple block frozen items to high-value, ready-to-eat, individually quick-frozen, and cooked goods.

Processing Efficiency

Shrimp reach the plant within an hour of harvest and are processed and packed within six hours. The plant features a large, fully automated chill room that can store up to 25 tons of whole shrimp. There are three main processing lines:

• Head-on Line: 2 tons per hour.
• Headless Line: 1.2 tons per hour.
• Peeling Line: 1 ton per hour.

Three plate freezers can freeze 20 tons of shrimp daily, and two spiral freezers can freeze 3 tons per hour. The plant also includes two flow pack machines from Sandiacre. NPC places significant importance on implementing HACCP and ISO quality control systems as part of its global marketing strategy.

Feed Mill and Pumping Stations

• Feed Mill: 10 tons per hour capacity, with machinery and engineering provided by BUHLER (Switzerland).
• Intake Pumping Station: Designed for a flow of 90 cubic meters per second with a static head of 2.5 meters, equipped with 12 Amacan submersible vertical pumps. The intake canal is 35 kilometers long.
• Drain Pumping Station: Designed for a flow rate of 90 cubic meters per second with a static head of 1.1 meters, equipped with 17 Amaline submersible horizontal pumps. The return water canal is 38.2 kilometers long.

Shrimp Head Powder

NPC processes fresh shrimp heads into shrimp head powder, sold as a feed ingredient in laminated polypropylene bags weighing 25 or 50 kilograms.

Infrastructure and Community

• Roads: 157 kilometers of roads, with 57 kilometers asphalted.
• Employee Community: Furnished bachelor accommodations with dining halls, relaxation amenities, indoor sports facilities, supermarkets, and a mosque. Essential utilities like electricity, water, and sanitation are available 24/7.

Distribution and Employment

NPC has exclusive distribution agreements in the USA, Canada, Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Australia, Japan, China, UAE, Korea, Egypt, Bahrain, and Jordan. The company is seeking distributors in Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, and Tunisia. With the second phase of expansion, NPC is hiring individuals at all levels.

Interesting Stats

• Global Shrimp Production: The global shrimp market was valued at $45.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $69.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% (Source: Mordor Intelligence).
• Sustainable Seafood: According to the World Wildlife Fund, sustainable seafood can help meet the growing demand for protein while reducing environmental impact (WWF).

Conclusion

The National Prawn Company exemplifies sustainable shrimp farming, combining advanced technology with eco-friendly practices. Their commitment to quality and sustainability sets a benchmark in the industry, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality shrimp to markets worldwide.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of NPC's operations, highlighting their sustainable practices and impressive production capabilities. For more information on sustainable seafood, visit the World Wildlife Fund.