Research Program
PROJECT LEADER
Chien Ming Wang
PROJECT ID
1.23.006
BECRC PARTNERS
BMT
Griffith University
Huon Aquaculture
National University of Singapore
Tassal Group
TCOMS
University of Queensland
UTAS
THIRD PARTY PARTICIPANTS
Maccaferri (Malaysia)
DURATION
24 Months
PROJECT IN BRIEF
Model Tests, Concept Qualification and Design Optimization
In Phase 1 of the Novel Offshore Fish Pen Design, the multidisciplinary project team comprising architects, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, offshore engineers and researchers, and fish farm operators developed a conceptual design of SeaFisher (see Figure 1).
The engineering design details and hydroelastic analysis of the SeaFisher under wave and current actions were reported in a journal paper published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Vol. 11, Article No. 1795, 2023.
The SeaFisher comprises modular cubic pens that are assembled to form a 2 x n array offshore fish pen. Its frame structure is made from bundling high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and held together by specially tailored pipe bundling brackets and connector pods.
To withstand the harsh sea environment, glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) diagrid rods are used to stiffen the frame structure. It is moored by a single point mooring system to minimize environmental loads on the structure and to improve waste dispersal. More importantly, the SeaFisher is equipped with ballasting tube system to allow it to submerge to an appropriate depth to avoid strong surface waves during a severe storm.
Continuing in the development of SeaFisher, this Phase 2 project aims to bring the SeaFisher to a concept qualification and design optimisation stage through physical model testings carried out concurrently with digital model simulations as well as physical testing of construction details like the novel pipe bundling brackets and connector pods. The successful conclusion of this Phase 2 will raise the SeaFisher concept from a technology readiness level 3 up to levels 4 and 5 towards the ultimate goal of creating a safer, more efficient and affordable offshore fish pen structures.
The eight partners for this Phase 2 project are Huon Aquaculture and Tassal Group with broad fish farming operational expertise, Maccaferri – the manufacturer of Kikkonet that has been adopted in offshore fish pens for its durability and excellent anti-biofouling characteristics, TCOMS that has the state-of-the-art ocean basin and 4 universities (University of Queensland, Griffith University, University of Tasmania and the National University of Singapore) with structural, materials, offshore and marine engineering expertise.
JUNE 2025 UPDATE: ONGOING PHYSICAL MODEL TESTING
Ongoing physical model testing is being conducted at the Australian Maritime College’s towing tank and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS) ocean basin. These tests aim to calibrate numerical models for hydroelastic analysis and support the development of a digital twin for the SeaFisher. Additionally, Griffith University researchers are conducting structural testing on novel HDPE connectors and the Kikkonet netting system. BMT engineers are developing the feed and air delivery systems to ensure efficient and sustainable fish farming operations. National University of Singapore researchers are designing the automatic ballasting system to enhance the SeaFisher’s stability and responsiveness to environmental conditions.
With its resilient, cost-effective design and collaborative development approach, the SeaFisher is poised to revolutionise marine aquaculture by enabling the transition of traditional nearshore farms to more expansive offshore environments, thereby increasing the production of high-quality fish while minimising ecological impacts.
MAY 2025 UPDATE: SEAFISHER COMPLETES CONCEPT TESTING
We are thrilled to share the latest advancements from the Novel Offshore Fish Pen Design Phase 2 project with first round of concept testing completed at Australian Maritime College Towing Tank hydrodynamic facility to provide concept qualification and design optimisation of the SeaFisher offshore fish pen concept through physical model testings carried out concurrently with digital model simulations.
The test condition shown is an irregular wave where the full-scale significant wave height is 7.58m and peak wave period is 12.37s representing survivability conditions.
