NEWS

Fusion Marine pioneers development of extra strong cages to ensure effective stock containment

Fusion Marine was a pioneer nearly 20 years ago in the development of the superior three-ring cage design and advanced construction technology that ensures effective containment and stock bio-security.

Development by Fusion Marine of its three-pipe bracket in moulded polyethylene eliminated the corrosion and fatigue problems experienced by steel brackets in tough marine conditions.

The new three-pipe bracket provided excellent bio-security making the cages a good long-term investment for fish farmers. In recent years, the dynamic nature of the fish farming industry, with many farms changing ownership, has resulted in Fusion Marine cages being adapted to meet differing requirements. The strong intrinsic nature of the cages makes them ideal for being extended, or even reduced in size, without compromising on strength and bio-security.

The combined strength of the three main flotation pipes ensures they are more than capable of coping with the huge stresses caused by the containment net and mooring attachments. 
Advanced features include the new configuration T-piece with unique Electrofusion fitting and socket type base, which improves flexibility and reduces stress concentration areas at the base of the uprights.
Stephen Divers, managing director of Fusion Marine, said: “Effective containment and bio-security is probably one of the most significant issues facing fishing farmers today.
“We are continually consulting with the industry so as to address the key issues by providing a range of extremely strong and cost effective cages.”
Advanced technology has resulted in Fusion cages being increasingly used in exposed offshore locations to ensure good security and containment. Among the unique elements of these products are their strong base units and associated fittings, ensuring that Fusion cages can withstand some of the toughest sea conditions in the world.
Fusion Marine cages installed for cobia culture at the Aqua Antilles fish farm site in Martinique even survived the notorious Hurricane Dean, which destroyed other cages in the region.

Karl Larcher of Aqua Antilles said: “There was no significant damage and no fish were lost.”

Scottish fish farmers have also welcomed the intrinsic strength of Fusion Marine cages.

For example, Scottish Sea Farms is currently embarking on a rolling upgrade programme using Fusion Marine technology as part of its ‘future proofing’ strategy to ensure that all its farms have the most modern and efficient equipment.

Jim Gallagher, SSF managing director, said: “We are committed to continually upgrading and modernising our farm infrastructure to ensure the best possible conditions for rearing quality Scottish salmon, whilst at the same time taking into account the needs of the environment.”

John Rea, production director of SSF, says the decision to upgrade existing two-ring cages to Fusion Marine three-ring Oceanflex was taken so as to ensure the best possible bio-security conditions.

“This rolling programme of refurbishment has resulted in the highest levels of stock containment,” he says.

Fusion Marine’s Oceanflex and Triton cages feature a low maintenance and all polyethylene, corrosion resistant design. All cages are fitted with new safety decking to comply with health and safety guidelines, which can also be retro-fitted onto existing units. Triton can also now be supplied with 400mm diameter PE flotation pipes instead of the traditional 450mm, and over the last two years Fusion has secured a number of contracts to upgrade existing two-ring cages to the new Triton specification.

This provides farmers looking to refurbish old 400mm flotation pipe cages with the option to upgrade to durable all plastic cages using their existing pipes, thus minimising capital outlay.

A comprehensive range of cage accessory equipment completes the Fusion Marine security and containment package, including heavy sinker tubes and newly developed heavy duty bird net support wheels.