Offshore aquaculture engineering

Aqitec is an engineering company that is at the forefront when it comes to cultivation arrangements for aquaculture. Aqitec is involved in international developments regarding systems for aquaculture, including anchoring, installation, seeding, monitoring and harvesting. In our engineering process we apply an integrated approach to create safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions. Monitoring provides insights and allows us to validate arrangements.

Expertise

Engineering
Simulation
Construction
Verification and testing
Certification

Quick scan

Aqitec can perform a quick scan or feasibility study specific for your site.

Farm design

Based on site conditions we can make a concept and detailed design.

AQ-dynamic-farm software

Dynamic modelling of the seaweed cultivation arrangements using in-house developed lumped-element “AQ-dynamic-farm” software.

European Sea Station Buoy

We have developed a concept called the European Sea Station Buoy (ESS Buoy). Our goal is to create an integrated platform that stays state-of-the-art for decades to come. We have created a roadmap to keep up with the latest developments in the field of monitoring, energy generation and transmission. The project is part of the Dutch governmental vision for presence at and surveillance of the North Sea.

To efficiently and safely use the sea while facilitating many activities as part of the energy transition, we envision a robust digital infrastructure. In addition to using existing infrastructure and new fixed platforms, deploying buoys will result in full and flexible presence.

The primary functions of the ESS Buoy are: 1) monitoring of activity at sea, environmental conditions, and ecology; and 2) connectivity, which includes sending real-time data and providing network functions. The ESS Buoy will be equipped with autonomous power generation. The platform can accommodate many possible monitoring set-ups.

Recommended design practice

We are dedicated to promoting the growth of offshore seaweed cultivation through the use of clean, safe, and sustainable practices. Our participation in various pilot projects has revealed the necessity for clear and specific requirements regarding the design and implementation of aquaculture farms, which are currently lacking. In response to the needs of our clients, we are creating a comprehensive recommended design practice for the offshore aquaculture sector. This document will comprise of recommendations and guidelines that can serve as the foundation for the creation of large-scale commercial ocean farms.

The recommended design practice is being developed in partnership with industrial partners and research institutes.

Azifarm

Aqitec installed a special buoy on the North Sea. The Azifarm. This is a floating and lightweight structure for cultivation of seaweed. The system is easy and safe to deploy. In order to minimize the need to go out to sea, the buoy is equipped with GPS, sensors, cameras and telemetry. Hence there is always a good view on the condition of the Azifarm and the seaweed. The first six-metre high waves have passed by, and this free test – thanks North Sea! – has produced beautiful images and data.

Why are we doing this? We would like to use our knowledge to demonstrate new technology and gain a better understanding of the possibilities for sustainable offshore seaweed cultivation. Why is this important? Sustainably cultivated seaweed has great potential as an alternative to land-based crops. New technology is needed to safely and affordably farm seaweed at sea.

With thanks to Proeftuin op de Noordzee, North Sea Farmers and the Duurzaamheidsfabriek.

ECO anchors

Two prototype eco-anchors have been installed at sea. Aqitec is proud to be part of this development; modelling, design and engineering. This is a significant step towards nature-inclusive offshore seaweed cultivation. Many congratulations to everyone involved for this fantastic achievement.

More information can be found here and here.

Photo credits: Jurriaan Brobbel and North Sea Farmers.

AMMON

The AMMON project - Autonomous Monitoring for Multi-use On the North Sea - is a collaborative initiative undertaken by a consortium consisting of North Sea Farmers, Lobster Robotics, Oceans of Energy, Agora Solutions, Water Insight and Aqitec. The project is supported by a grant from Kansen voor West. The objective of this endeavour is to pioneer innovative methods for monitoring offshore multi-use sites.

Aqitec, within the consortium, will concentrate on the creation of a comprehensive risk model and the implementation of best-practice integrated condition monitoring specifically tailored for floating offshore structures.

UTOPIA

Aqitec is involved in the UTOPIA project. UTOPIA is a user-friendly software framework for smart agriculture – a farming method that has the potential of increasing the yield per square meter by means of automated agricultural machinery providing the crops with the precise treatment that they need. The aim of UTOPIA is to make smart agriculture more accessible, affordable and user-friendly.

UTOPIA is part of the ERA-NET Cofund ICT-AGRI-FOOD and has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 862665 ICT-AGRI-FOOD.

The project is a collaboration between five partners:

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