RINA's approval of offshore fish-farming vessel

The ship classification society, RINA, has recently announced its approval of a new-concept offshore fish-farming vessel, Ocean Ark.

The vessel is developed by Ocean Arks Tech of Chile (OATECH) in accordance with RINA Rules and Marpol, Solas and IMO regulations. It delivers a new approach to fish farming and will dramatically improve fish health, crew comfort and the industry's image.

The ocean may present a solution to meet the nutritional needs of a growing world population. Deploying the Ocean Ark away from marine heatwaves, algae blooms and storms - all causing strain on aquaculture production - would produce higher quality protein and increase world fish production without increasing pressures on fish stocks and coastal habitats.

With its capacity of 4,000 tonnes of biomass, this technology allows for the low-density production of healthier, higher-quality fish at lower costs than offshore, land-based and coastal aquaculture systems currently available. The Ocean Ark can operate near Asian, US and EU consumer markets to reduce transport emissions.

RINA Marine Principal Engineer for North West Europe, Patrizio Di Francesco said: 'Sustainability is a core strategic pillar at RINA, but this is not just about reducing carbon emissions. A sustainable food production chain is also needed to supply an increasing global demand for nutrition. We believe aquaculture in the open sea is one solution that will help for the future.'

The fish-farming vessel is a self-propelled, AI-assisted, low emissions trimaran that is 170m long and 64m wide. With its artificial intelligence and self-cleaning fish cages made of copper, the vessel ensures fish health and welfare and are high. 

'This is an unusual vessel. Its AiP presents a milestone for both the fish farming industry and for the classification of ships with an unconventional design. It is an innovative approach to the sustainable harvesting of fish to help ensure food security and sovereignty and one which may revolutionise fish farming for the future,' Di Francesco concluded.

For more information about RINA click, HERE.

Image credit: RINA