NEWS

Shetland orders for new Fusion Marine decking system

Fish farm equipment supplier Fusion Marine has seen orders soar for its new cage decking system, with four Shetland aquaculture companies recently taking advantage of the extra safety and work convenience benefits it offers.

The anti-slip polyethylene decking has been developed for Fusion’s Oceanflex range of cages and complies with all current health and safety requirements, providing fish farm personnel with a stable and convenient working platform.
 
The self-draining decking is light and flexible and is secured onto the salmon cage flotation circumference rings to provide a permanent working platform, yet still retain the overall flexibility of the cage.

Shetland-based salmon farming companies Hjaltland, Hoganess Salmon, Scottish Sea Farms and Lakeland Unst, have all ordered new Oceanflex cages with the decking fitted, and are currently discussing the option of retrofitting the system onto existing cages.

Michael Smith of Hjaltland said: “Operator safety is a priority of ours and this new decking system provides a safe and convenient working platform for our personnel.”

The cages were assembled by Shetland company Norcage, who are Fusion’s strategic partners in the Northern Isles.

Graham Forrest of Norcage said: “This investment by the Shetland fish farming industry is excellent news for the industry. The decking has generated  a lot of positive feedback from the companies concerned, who are expressing real interest in having it fitted onto all their cages.”

Iain Forbes of Fusion Marine, says:  “These are significant orders from Shetland, which demonstrates the versatility of this simple yet effective design.

 “Safety of personnel is a paramount concern for both mainland and Shetland fish farming companies and the decking has the additional benefit of being able to be retro-fitted onto existing cages.

“This investment by our customers enables them to produce quality salmon in a safer working environment.”