Bureau Veritas Grants AiP to University of Queensland for "SeaFisher" Offshore Fish Pen

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has delivered an Approval in Principle (AiP) to The University of Queensland for its novel "SeaFisher" offshore fish pen, funded by Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

The SeaFisher is designed to enable cost-effective, robust fish farming in deeper ocean areas, addressing the growing global demand for seafood. Its modular cubic pen design is constructed with a durable High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) frame, forming a 2 × n array. This material allows flexibility and resilience in harsh marine environments, while specially designed connection brackets and pods securely assemble the structure.

The SeaFisher incorporates advanced features to optimize its performance. A single-point mooring system minimises environmental impact and collision loads while enhancing waste dispersal. Ballast tubes on the structure's top surface allow it to submerge to specific depths, enabling the pen to avoid strong surface waves during severe weather conditions.

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore conducted a design review for the issuance of an AiP Certificate of the SeaFisher, based on its NR 387 Rules for the Classification of Fish Farms and other applicable rules and regulations.

The SeaFisher project is funded by the Blue Economy CRC, led by University of Queensland in collaboration with industry and research partners Huon Aquaculture, National University of Singapore, Tassal Group, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), Maccaferri Corporate, Griffith University and University of Tasmania. Blue Economy CRC is established and supported under the Australian Government’s CRC Program to undertake industry focused research and training to support the growth of the Blue Economy with a focus on two new, emerging, and transitioning ocean industries for Australia: offshore aquaculture and renewable energy production.

A render of the SeaFisher pen holding fish stocks in deep water.

Cover photo caption: Eric Radford, Pacific Business Director at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore presents the AiP to Professor Chien Ming Wang of University of Queensland’s School of Civil Engineering.

Learn more about how Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore supports The Promising Future of Offshore Fish Farming.