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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Belgium: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Belgium source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are shrimp, trout, salmon; typical water temperatures are 8–20 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.26 per kWh.

Belgium's Antwerp-Bruges port makes it a hub for seafood trade; new production is almost entirely indoor RAS for shrimp, trout and salmon.

Open the Belgium fish farm cost calculatorRequest a reviewed quote

Key planning facts

Main species
shrimp, trout, salmon
Common systems
RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
8–20 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.26 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 4.00 / m³
Compound feed
≈ €1 (≈ $2) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
21%
Currency
EUR (≈ 0.92 / USD)
Licensing authority
Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) and regional authorities
Main import ports
Antwerp-Bruges and Ghent
See vetted supplier categories for Belgium

What to check before requesting quotes in Belgium

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (8–20 °C) for shrimp.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.26/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) and regional authorities.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Antwerp-Bruges and Ghent.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 4.00 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 21% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Belgium?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Belgium costs roughly €2.6M (≈ $2.8M) – €4M (≈ $4.4M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Belgium?

Commercial projects in Belgium mainly focus on shrimp, trout, salmon.

Who licenses aquaculture in Belgium?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) and regional authorities. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Belgium questions: see the market FAQ

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