As the world's first 100,000-tonne smart aquaculture vessel, Qingdao “Guoxin-1” set sail from Qingdao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., China State Shipbuilding Corporation in January 2022 and had ushered in a new era for Chinese marine cultivation and fishing. Within one year, the innovation team of the “Guoxin-1” deep and far sea aquaculture vessel has managed to make breakthroughs in the top six key technologies, namely shipborne cultivation, water exchange, pitching reduction and swing control, vibration damping and noise reduction, trash cleaning and corrosion prevention and intelligent centralized control, thereby opening up a new track in fishery production and building a Chinese “fishery aircraft carrier”.

Currently, the “Guoxin-1” can annually supply 3,700 tons high-quality fishes. The closed and cruise type aquaculture hull, which was initiated by the vessel, has never been seen in the world before. The project has cumulatively scored over 60 technological achievements and applied for around 40 patent protections, including one international patent, and obtained over 10 authorizations. Operating the “Guoxin-1” has facilitated the development of not only the most pertinent industries like seedling, cultivation, feedstuff, health, processing and sales, but also the support industries like shipbuilding and aquaculture equipment manufacturing, intelligent fishery equipment and ocean logistics.

Reportedly, Qingdao Guoxin Group plans to build and operate 50 aquaculture vessels in an attempt to shape another China’s “name card” next to high-speed trains. (Wang Wei)

Cruise type aquaculture of “Guoxin-1”.