NEWS

Fusion Marine has developed a new modular fish farm cage decking system to provide a convenient working platform and improve operator safety

The anti-slip polyethylene decking has been developed for Fusion's Oceanflex range of cages, which are widely used by Scottish and Irish farmers, and can be supplied as a full peripheral system or as individual modules for workstation use.

Interest in the new decking is already being shown by the aquaculture industry, with Marine Harvest recently ordering 11 fully-decked 100m circumference Oceanflex cages for two West coast sites, and Fjord Seafood undergoing trials with one fully decked cage as part of an order for eight Oceanflex 90m cages

The decking can be retro-fitted onto existing cages or supplied with new cage systems and complies with all current health and safety requirements, providing a permanent working platform whilst still retaining the flexibility of the cage collar.

The self-draining decking is light and flexible and is secured onto the cage flotation circumference rings by a specially developed small diameter pipe mounting.

Fusion Marine Managing director Stephen Divers said: "We made a significant investment in developing this decking system, which will enable the aquaculture industry to comply with recent health and safety measures regarding floating fish farm structures. "

"Fusion Marine is committed to realistic and appropriate solutions for both fish stock and personnel security."

Neil Crawford, Purchasing and Projects Manager of Marine Harvest Scotland, said: "Marine Harvest Scotland puts the health and safety of its staff at the top of the agenda.

"Having had a history of both using and encouraging development from suppliers of effective, safe and practical walkways on circular pens we are looking forward to this latest design from Fusion proving itself on some of our more exposed sites".