Classification society, RINA has awarded approval in principle to a new-concept offshore fish-farming vessel.
The Ocean Ark has been developed by Ocean Arks Tech of Chile to comply with RINA rules and Marpol, Solas and IMO regulations. It is hoped that by siting fish farms away from marine heatwaves, algae blooms and storms, the industry can boost global fish production without increasing pressures on stocks and coastal habitats.
“Sustainability is a core strategic pillar at RINA, but this is not just about reducing carbon emissions,” said RINA Marine principal Engineer for North West Europe, Patrizio Di Francesco. “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.”
Newbuild line-up
The fish-farming vessel is a self-propelled, AI-assisted, low emissions trimaran 170 metres long and 64 metres wide. Self-cleaning copper fish cages give a capacity for 4,000 tonnes of biomass and help support fish health and welfare.
The Ocean Ark can operate near Asian, US and EU consumer markets meaning a major drop in transport emissions. Contracts to build more vessels have been signed with a range of shipyards, including China Merchants Industry holdings, Tersan and CIMC Raffles.
