China’s fish-farm-in-a-ship begins operation
China has delivered the first in a series of fish farm ships that can be used to grow a variety of species, including Atlantic salmon.
The Guoxin-1 is 249.9 metres long and has the capacity to produce 3,700 tonnes of fish annually, according to a report on China’s state-run English-language news website CGTN.
The vessel has 15 tanks, each larger than two standard swimming pools, and continuous water exchange, Dong Shaoguang, deputy general manager of the ship’s state-owned funder, Qingdao Conson Development Group, said.
Dong told the media that the Guoxin-1’s stocking density is three to five times higher than traditional cages, and the aquaculture cycle can be up to a quarter shorter.
Yellow croaker
The ship will farm in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea, with the first batch of yellow croaker raised expected to be on the market this autumn.
The Guoxin-1 hasa deadweight of 100,000 tonnes and a displacement of 130,000 tonnes, large enough to survive typhoons.
The Guoxin-2 and Guoxin-3 ships of the same model are due for delivery by March 2024. The construction of an improved version, the Guoxin-4, is planned to begin in late 2023.
