September 7, 2017

'Next-gen' aquaculture showcased at Singapore exhibition
 

New aquaculture concepts from deep-sea to high-rise are being showcased at the "Growing More with Less" exhibition by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore from September 6 to October 31.

In one concept, Singapore-based global offshore rig specialist Keppel Offshore and Marine, in the past year, has adapted the structures normally used for the drilling of oil for modern fish farming, TODAY reported.

Said to be a bid to diversify the group's offshore technologies, the prototype being exhibited consists of a semi-submersible -- a raised platform above sea level connected to a floating ring pontoon by columns -- attached to six hexagonal fish cages.

The cages, which are submerged underwater to minimise sea surface obstruction, can be controlled remotely and raised above sea level to harvest fish or for maintenance and repair.

The platform above water can house hatcheries as well as an operations centre to manage activities including feeding, cage cleaning and inspection, and tracking of the health, diet and growth of the fish. Locating a processing plant could also be a possibility.

Keppel declined to share more details as the idea is at the preliminary stage.

In another concept, Singapore-based infrastructure consultancy firm Surbana Jurong, together with another Singapore company, are showcasing a vertical farming system that could yield 5,000 tonnes of fish per year, or six-fold that of a conventional fish farm occupying the same amount of space.

The new concept is designed to be self-sustainable through a closed-loop ecosystem. As examples, it will use solar panels to harness energy, and nutrient-rich wastewater from the tanks and rainwater can be funnelled to constructed wetlands to be treated.

Surbana plans to introduce their concept overseas, with a country in the Middle East having expressed an interest in it. Other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, India and China were also said to be keen.

Details of the exhibition can be found at https://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/urbanlab/visit-exhibition/current/Growing-More-With-Less