Dundalk Bay Seafoods, a family-owned seafood processor in Co Louth, has introduced an artificial intelligence system to grade shellfish. The company, which processes around 4 tonnes of shellfish daily, has spent over five years developing the technology in-house.
The AI grader uses laser vision and machine learning to inspect up to 10 pieces of seafood per second. It can detect internal defects such as soft shells, cracks, sand, or contaminants, while leaving the product intact. The system will initially be applied to langoustine and razor clams, two of the company’s main products.
Founded in 1975, Dundalk Bay Seafoods specialises in frozen-at-sea prawns, razor clams, scallops, and lobster. Its exports reach markets including Italy, France, Spain, and China. The processor previously relied on manual sorting and simple grading by size or weight.
The new grader records and archives every inspection, enhancing food safety and traceability. Products with defects can be redirected for secondary processing, while only premium-grade seafood is supplied to high-value markets.
The project received a €213,000 grant from the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, part of Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme funded jointly by the Irish government and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
Irish seafood bodies have highlighted the technology as a step forward for industry innovation and quality assurance.