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The Unexpected Dimension of Autonomous Aquafarming

China Launches Autonomous Offshore Aqua Farm: A Game-Changer for Aquaculture?

A recent industry newsletter covered an exciting story: China has introduced an autonomous offshore aqua farm in the resource-rich Liusha Bay area in the South China Sea. While this step forward in aquaculture technology is significant, the innovation raises key questions: how will China’s new approach impact sustainability, operational efficiency, and the global aquaculture market? Is this a great discovery of new innovative BlueTech?

Traditional offshore fish farming, like Iceland’s salmon aquafarming by Arnarlax or Germany’s indoor shrimp farming by Neue Meere, relies heavily on human oversight. These methods demand intensive supervision to ensure animal welfare and minimise environmental impact. In contrast, autonomous offshore breeding facilities could revolutionise the industry by reducing manual intervention.

A Seafood Aircraft Carrier

The article in Baird Maritime piqued our curiosity and prompted us to do further research on Zhannnong 1, the official name of the facility to be positioned in the South China Sea, although publicly available Chinese sources were limited and repetitive.

The information, while sparse, is astonishing: the platform measures 90 metres long, 58 metres wide, and 12 metres high, with legs extending to a height of 47 metres. It features a breeding cage with a capacity equivalent to 25 standard swimming pools, or 62,000 cubic metres.

source: Nanfang Press Media Group (Nanfang Daily)

Technical Features

According to media reports, four key features stand out:

Reports suggest an investment of around USD 4.5 million for this platform, which has an expected lifespan of 25 years. Each platform is equipped with automatic feeders, net scrubbers, photovoltaic systems, and Internet-of-Things information systems. It also includes an independent lifting mechanism to protect the aquaculture from typhoons and extreme weather. Additionally, the platform supports space for staffing, aquafarm monitoring, goods delivery, and even recreational fishing.

source: Nanfang Press Media Group (Nanfang Daily)

The platform carries large-scale cages that can be deployed in various areas and water depths. It supports the breeding of high-value seafood like golden pomfret, cobia, and octopus – key species for sustainable aquaculture.

Its features prioritise safety, fishery standards, economic efficiency, and environmental protection. According to Chinese sources this innovation can ensure national food security while promoting the development of ecological civilization.

A Blessing or a Potemkin Facade

Zhannong No. 1 is probably a regional blessing and no Potemkin facade of ground-breaking innovations for food security. The innovative ‘autonomous feature‘ is not about removing direct facility control from the breeding platform. Instead, it automates the adjustment of rearing tanks, raising or lowering them as needed. This helps protect both the fish and the installation. Apparently, stationary large tanks for fish rearing are already common in the South China Sea, seen in other types of semi-submergible platform.

The Unexpected in a Nutshell

We were prepared to partner with MarFishEco, combining expertise to analyse the supply chain, animal welfare of Zhannong No. 1. And we were ready to evaluate the maritime spatial competition, sustainability management, and food security.

The initial excitement around autonomous aquafarms that Braid Maritime generated has quickly settled.

On a positive note, it has opened the door to the discovery of innovative BlueTech.

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