NEWS

Fusion Marine will be launching a new range of steel square cage for the Scottish and Irish markets at Aquaculture 2004.

Already highly successful in the manufacture of polyethylene (PE) cages, the move by Fusion Marine into the steel cage sector represents a logical step for the company, according to managing director Stephen Divers.

"Our whole ethos is to be a 'one-stop-shop' for the aquaculture industry, providing a huge range of quality equipment. It therefore makes sense for us to move into the manufacture of Fusion Marine steel cages so as to fill-in one of the last gaps in our supply infrastructure from our west coast base in Oban," he says.

"Many operators use steel square cages within their farm sites and we are now in position to offer both options."

The square cages come in a range of sizes from 10 to 24m and are ideally suited for inshore salmon farming in Scotland, Ireland and other areas. The design also makes them ideal for cod and halibut farming.

"These cages provide an excellent and stable working platform, and are well suited to deep inshore sites for a variety of species," states Mr Divers.

Also being highlighted at Aquaculture 2004 will be the success of Fusion Marine's Triton 450 offshore sea cage. Triton is working well for fish farm operators in Chile and Malta, who say they are impressed by the cage's strength and large holding capacity.

Bluefin tuna operators, for example, have praised Triton for its versatility and handling ability alongside large boats and equipment during harvesting and feeding operations - especially during rough weather.

The success of the design has now resulted in firm enquiries from a number of other operators, including from countries as far afield as Algeria, Libya, France, Mexico, the Philippines and Australia.

"The Triton 450 cage has been developed to meet the demanding conditions found in open sea tuna farming operations and also for the offshore farming of other species, especially salmon," says Mr Divers.

"As the tuna industry develops it is inevitable that cage systems will be towed over longer distances in even more exposed environments, which makes the size and durability of Triton an attractive feature and lowers the risk during crucial operations involving stock management.

"In addition, the Triton opens up new offshore opportunities for the salmon industry, and we are delighted at the positive feedback we have received from salmon and tuna farmers in South America and the Mediterranean who are using the cage. Triton also offers good potential for cod and other species new to aquaculture, with the cage opening up development opportunities in new and challenging environments."

Triton cages have circumferences in excess of 100m, providing excellent buoyancy and strength. Built on the security and safety of Fusion Marine's proven three-ring system, a particular advantage of the cage is a new configuration T-piece with unique Electrofusion fitting and socket type base, which improves flexibility and reduces stress concentration areas, thus improving the cage performance..

"This is vital in exposed and high-energy sea conditions," says Mr Divers. "Combined with our unique heavy duty polyethylene moulded base, the Triton exhibits all the characteristics needed for offshore farming with large volume cages."
Ends

Fusion Marine Stand number R2.

Photo shows the Triton 450 sea cage