Imagine a vessel capable of raising fish in the open sea, far from coastal ecological issues. This is what Ocean Ark, a pioneering creation by the Chilean Ocean Ark (OATECH), in collaboration with Ocean Sovereign, aims to achieve. Sustainability and food security are the goals. Ocean Ark represents an innovation that could radically transform the aquaculture industry. Created by the Chilean Ocean Ark Tech (OATECH), in collaboration with Ocean Sovereign, this 170-meter-long and 64-meter-wide trimaran vessel is designed to operate in offshore waters where conditions are ideal for superior quality fish farming. With a range of cutting-edge technologies and a design aimed at reducing environmental impact, Ocean Ark is set to revolutionize the way we produce and consume fish.
Defining Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the term used to describe the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and algae in controlled environments. This sector, also known as fish farming when referring to fish cultivation, is one of the primary sources of fish production globally. Unlike traditional fishing, which involves catching wild species, aquaculture allows for the cultivation of aquatic species in facilities located in freshwater or saltwater, both along coasts and in more inland areas.
Aquaculture can be practiced in open systems, such as lagoons and seas, or in closed and controlled systems like tanks and artificial basins. The benefits of this practice include the ability to produce food on a large scale sustainably, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks, and the possibility to control water quality and feed, ensuring a safer and more nutritious final product for consumers.
In a global context, oceanic aquaculture vessels, like the Ocean Ark, represent a significant evolution of the sector. These vessels are designed for autonomous operations, both along coasts and in the open sea, with the goal of finding the best water conditions for the well-being of the fish. The ability to move in search of optimal waters not only improves the quality of the final product but also increases profitability for producers by reducing the risks associated with environmental and climatic variations.
The Genesis of the Project
The Ocean Ark project was born from the need to address the growing challenges of traditional aquaculture. Coastal farms are often subject to environmental issues such as pollution, harmful algal blooms, and extreme thermal variations. These factors can compromise the health of the fish and the quality of the final product, while also increasing management costs. Ocean Ark was conceived to circumvent these limitations, bringing fish farming away from the coast and into deep waters, where conditions are more stable and controllable.
The vessel is the result of years of research and development, with the goal of creating a mobile fish farming system capable of moving based on climatic and environmental conditions. This mobility is one of the most revolutionary features of the project, allowing the vessel to avoid dangerous situations such as storms, marine heatwaves, and algal blooms, which are constant threats to fixed farms.
Advanced Technology and Design
Ocean Ark is not just a large ship, but a concentration of advanced technology. Equipped with diesel-electric engines, the vessel is designed to operate with low emissions, complying with the strictest international regulations, including those of the IMO (International Maritime Organization), SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), and Marpol (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships). The vessel has received the Approval in Principle (AiP) from RINA, one of the world's leading marine classification societies, a fundamental step that certifies the technical feasibility and safety of the project (Ocean Ark Tech).
The fish farming cages are made of copper, a material known for its antibacterial properties and its ability to prevent the formation of parasites. Additionally, these cages are equipped with a self-cleaning system, drastically reducing the need for manual interventions and ensuring a healthier environment for the fish. The farming management system is assisted by artificial intelligence, which constantly monitors water conditions, fish health, and vessel performance, optimizing every aspect of operations.
Impact and Future Scenarios
One of Ocean Ark's main goals is to produce healthier and higher quality fish compared to traditional aquaculture methods, while also reducing operational costs. The vessel can host up to 4,000 tons of biomass, and its ability to move close to consumer markets, such as those in Asia, the United States, and Europe, allows for a significant reduction in emissions associated with fish transport. This represents an advantage not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also in economic efficiency, as the product can be delivered fresh and quickly to final consumers (Ocean Ark Tech).
OATECH and Ocean Sovereign have great ambitions for the future. The goal is to build a fleet of Ocean Ark vessels in the coming years, with the capacity to produce up to 120,000 tons of fish per year. This could make a significant contribution to global food security, especially in the context of a growing population and increasing demand for animal protein.
OATECH - Oceanic Farming VesselHere is a summary table of the technical specifications of the Ocean Ark, based on the information found on the official website Ocean Ark Tech:
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Length | 170 meters (550 feet) |
| Width | 64 meters (197 feet) |
| Propulsion | 3 Diesel/Electric engines of 4000 kW |
| Autonomy Speed | Up to 4 knots |
| Biomass Capacity | Up to 4,000 tons of fish |
| Number of Cages | 8 cages of 25,000 m³ each or 4 cages of 50,000 m³ each |
| Cage Material | Copper and zinc alloy nets with anti-fouling resistance |
| Operational Autonomy | Up to 25 days with 450 tons of fish feed storage |
| Crew | 6-20 people |
| Operational Capability | Autonomous operations in coastal or offshore waters, with detection of the best environmental conditions |
For further details, visit the official Ocean Ark Tech website.
Glossary
- IMO: International Maritime Organization, a UN agency responsible for the safety of navigation and the prevention of marine pollution.
- SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, establishes minimum safety standards for the construction and operation of ships.
- Marpol: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, regulates emissions and discharges from ships to protect the marine environment.
- RINA: Registro Italiano Navale, a classification organization that provides certifications and technical consulting in the maritime sector.
- Aquaculture: Aquaculture is the practice of farming aquatic organisms such as fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and algae in controlled environments, which can be located in fresh, salt, or mixed waters. This technique is used to produce food, improve marine species populations, and support commercial fishing, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. Aquaculture can take place in open systems (such as seas and lagoons) or closed systems (such as tanks and ponds). It is considered one of the main sources of fish globally, playing a crucial role in food security and environmental sustainability.
- Anti-fouling is a term used to describe treatments or materials applied to the surfaces of ships and underwater structures to prevent the accumulation of marine organisms, such as algae, mollusks, and corals. These organisms, if left unchecked, can damage surfaces, increase water resistance, and consequently reduce the operational efficiency of the vessel, increasing fuel consumption. Anti-fouling technologies include special coatings and materials like copper, which have natural repellent properties against these organisms.
