Old panamax bulker gets new life as China’s offshore fish
China Launches Groundbreaking Mobile Fish Farm Vessel
China has unveiled its largest ocean-going aquaculture vessel to date, marking a significant advancement in mobile fish farming technology. The newly converted Zhedai Yuyang 60001, a former panamax bulk carrier, now serves as a mobile fish farming unit under domestic operator Senhai MK. This innovative project promises to enhance the country’s offshore food production capabilities while reducing costs significantly.
Transforming Bulk Carriers into Aquaculture Units
The Zhedai Yuyang 60001 was delivered by Shanhaiguan Shipbuilding, part of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), following an extensive retrofit in Hebei Province. Originally constructed in 1996, this 225-meter-long vessel has been transformed to include seven large aquaculture tanks, replacing its former cargo holds. The retrofitting allows it to carry approximately 80,000 cubic meters of seawater, facilitating a targeted annual harvest of 2,800 tonnes of various fish species, including salmon.
This state-of-the-art vessel is designed to accommodate a crew of 30 and will primarily operate in the Yellow and East China Seas. Unlike previous purpose-built fish farming vessels, this mobile unit is the first of its kind to be created by converting an existing cargo ship. Officials have highlighted that this innovative approach can reduce construction costs by up to 70% per cubic meter of farming space compared to new builds, making it an economically viable option for expanding aquaculture operations.
Future Plans for Aquaculture Expansion
Following the successful launch of the Zhedai Yuyang 60001, Senhai MK has announced plans to convert three additional capesize bulk carriers into similar mobile aquaculture units. These new vessels aim to significantly boost the company’s fish farming capacity, responding to the growing demand for offshore food production. The initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainable aquaculture practices in China, leveraging existing maritime assets to meet food security challenges.
The collaboration involved multiple design and engineering units under CSSC, including the 714th Research Institute and the China Ship Development and Design Center. As the global appetite for seafood continues to rise, this innovative approach not only aims to increase production efficiency but also to contribute to the sustainability of marine resources.
