Benchmark Holdings PLC (LON:BMK) shares jumped on Friday as the firm said it has signed its first customer agreements for the delivery of its CleanTreat novel water purification system.
The company said the deals secure customer access to one of its CleanTreat units, which will be deployed in conjunction with the new sea lice treatment BMK08.
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Benchmark added that the agreements are subject to obtaining marketing authorisation for BMK08 in Norway.
“BMK08 and CleanTreat is a transformational solution addressing the biggest biological challenge in salmon farming. Benchmark's breakthrough solution is the result of almost a decade of research and development conducted by leading scientists and involving a rigorous trial programme as well as substantial capital investment”, the company said.
CleanTreat captures the medicine from treatment water to avoid its discharge into the ocean, with Benchmark saying the technology has the potential to be used in conjunction with other medicines in aquaculture to address an important environmental concern.
"I am very pleased to be signing our first customer agreements for Benchmark's transformational solution. Our solution addresses the biggest challenge facing the salmon industry today in a sustainable way both in terms of animal welfare as well as environmental impact”, Benchmark chief executive Trond Williksen said in a statement.
“BMK08 and CleanTreat are testament to Benchmark's commitment to its mission of driving sustainability in aquaculture", he added.
The company’s shares rose 3.9% to 57.6p in early deals.