Zhuhai Ocean Group's newest deep-sea harvesting structure hits the water

A new deep-sea aquaculture structure ordered by China's Zhuhai Ocean Group was launched into the water for the first time on Wednesday, April 16.

Lingding Muchang No 1 ("Lingding Ranch No 1") will be operated by Zhuhai Ocean subsidiary Zhuhai Haifa Blue Granary Industrial Park Development. Design work was undertaken by Zhuhai Ocean subsidiary Zhuhai Marine Equipment Research Institute.

The truss-type structure has a length of 96 metres, a beam of 47.8 metres, a height of 18.5 metres, a draught of 15.5 metres, a total capacity of 60,000 cubic metres, and a projected service life of 30 years.

The structure can be operated in water depths of between 15 and 50 metres. It is fitted with automatic feeding systems with electrical power provided via onboard PV panels and a small wind turbine generator.

Systems are also available to permit remote monitoring of breeding activities, allowing the structure to be deployed offshore without an embarked crew.

Lingding Muchang No 1 will be deployed and installed at the Aizhou marine ranch area at the end of April.