Saturday, 16 August 2025
Dundalk Bay Seafoods Unveils Ireland’s First AI-Powered Shellfish Grader Dundalk Bay Seafoods, based in Clogherhead, Co. Louth, has developed Ireland’s first AI-powered shellfish grader, marking a major technological milestone in the seafood industry. An AI-powered shellfish grader works by using high-speed cameras and laser scanning technology to capture detailed images of each shellfish as it […]
Dundalk Bay Seafoods, based in Clogherhead, Co. Louth, has developed Ireland’s first AI-powered shellfish grader, marking a major technological milestone in the seafood industry.
An AI-powered shellfish grader works by using high-speed cameras and laser scanning technology to capture detailed images of each shellfish as it moves along a conveyor belt. These images are analysed in real-time by artificial intelligence algorithms trained to identify specific quality markers such as size, weight, shell condition, and internal defects like cracks, sand, or soft shells that are not visible to the human eye.
Based on this analysis, the system automatically sorts the shellfish into different categories, such as premium-grade for export or lower-grade for further processing, ensuring consistent quality, enhanced food safety, and reduced waste across the production line.
After five years of in-house research, the company’s AI and laser-vision-based grader can process up to 10 shellfish per second, specifically targeting Dublin Bay Prawns and Razor Clams. In addition to grading on size and weight, the system detects internal defects (like soft shells, sand, cracks, and other contaminants) without damaging the product, enabling more precise quality control.
One of the critical environmental challenges in seafood processing is post-harvest loss, which is waste that occurs due to damage, contamination, or improper sorting. The AI system’s precision grading ensures that more of each catch is utilised effectively, directing sub-optimal shellfish into appropriate secondary uses. This contributes to a circular seafood economy and reduces pressure on marine resources.
As ocean temperatures rise and marine ecosystems shift, shellfish populations are increasingly affected by climate change. AI-enabled grading also allows processors to respond more dynamically to quality fluctuations that might result from these environmental stressors, helping maintain consistent product output in a changing world.
The shellfish grader was made possible through a €213,000 grant under the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, funded jointly by Ireland’s government and the EU’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State Timmy Dooley TD commended the initiative, emphasising the role of Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme in promoting productivity, sustainability, and international competitiveness.
Enhanced safety: Identifies foreign contaminants like glass or metal.
Traceability: Every inspection is recorded and archived.
Waste reduction and quality assurance: Defective items are automatically rerouted; only premium-quality shellfish enter high-value markets.
Sales Director Patrick Lynch noted, “We are grading for true quality. This is a game changer not just for Dundalk Bay Seafoods, but for the entire Irish seafood industry.”
“At a time when seafood processors are coping with challenges ranging from sustainability demands to market volatility, we are hoping to prove that the smart use of technology and innovation can deliver real-world solutions.”
The grader is central to Dundalk Bay Seafoods’ three-year, sustainability-driven transformation plan, which includes:
Greener energy systems
Sustainable packaging
Logistics optimisation to reduce carbon footprint
Reinvestment of 35% of cashflow into R&D, innovation, and development
BIM Development & Innovation Services Director Richard Donnelly stated that such technological investments help position Ireland as a leader in seafood industry innovation.
Founded in 1975, the third-generation family business is the longest-serving Dublin Bay Prawn processor in Ireland. The company processes around 4 tonnes of shellfish daily (≈100,000 individual pieces) and specialises in Dublin Bay Prawns, Razor Clams, King Scallops, and Blue Lobster. Its products are exported to Italy, France, Spain, and China.
Innovation: Ireland’s first AI-powered shellfish grader
Speed: Processes up to 10 pieces per second
Funding: €213,000 from the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme
Sustainability Commitment: 35% of cashflow reinvested into tech and R&D
Industry Impact: Improved safety, quality, and efficiency
Strategic Leader: Dundalk Bay Seafoods’ ongoing investment in its future
The introduction of AI-powered grading by Dundalk Bay Seafoods marks a transformative moment for Ireland’s seafood industry. By combining tradition with cutting-edge technology, the company is setting new standards in quality, efficiency, and sustainability. This innovation not only strengthens global competitiveness but also reinforces Ireland’s commitment to smart, responsible seafood processing.
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