Imagine using the empty space between giant offshore wind turbines as underwater gardens. Instead of just generating electricity, these areas can grow seaweed and mussels in the open ocean. It turns a power plant into a dual-purpose food and energy hub that helps clean the water.
Traditional aquaculture is limited by coastal space and environmental regulations. Offshore wind farms offer vast areas, but the harsh conditions make standard farming equipment fail.
Six offshore pilots featuring horizontal longlines for seaweed, tube and net systems for mussel larvae, and a modular nature-inclusive aquaculture design.
If you are a producer dealing with limited coastal space and harsh weather — this project developed 6 pilot systems that allow farming in deep offshore waters. This enables higher production potential in environments previously considered too hostile.
If you are an operator dealing with underutilized sea space and environmental mandates — this project developed nature-inclusive designs that integrate aquaculture. This helps restore marine space and adds a secondary ecological value to your energy site.
If you are an engineering firm dealing with the need for durable offshore structures — this project developed new cultivation lines and spat collectors tested in the North and Baltic seas. This provides proven designs for low-salinity and high-energy water conditions.
Based on available project data, specific cost figures for installation or operation are not provided.
The project is testing industrial viability through 6 pilots across the North and Baltic seas, focusing on replicability and transferability of knowledge.
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of patent or licensing agreements, though it involves a co-design process with 15 industry partners.
It uses integrated monitoring platforms like the HiSea service and data from CMEMS and SeaDATANET to support planning and operation within wind farm boundaries.
The project runs from 2023-01-01 to 2026-10-31, suggesting that full commercial validation will be available toward the end of 2026.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 15 industrial partners representing 60% of the 25 total members. This high ratio, combined with 8 SMEs, indicates a strong focus on commercial viability rather than just academic research. The geographic spread across 9 European countries ensures the technology is tested in diverse North and Baltic sea conditions.
Contact Stichting Deltares in the Netherlands for technical specifications on the 6 pilots.
Contact us to connect with the 15 industry partners optimizing offshore aquaculture.
