The Trident hybrid steel cage was developed by Poseidon Ocean Systems to cope with high energy conditions off the coast of British Columbia. It uses flexible HDPE pipes to improve safety and stability, while lowering the overall operational costs of salmon farming. The new design has been ordered by salmon producer Loch Duart, through aquaculture distributor Trimara Services.
“We trust Trimara’s ability to deliver,” said Mark Warrington, managing director of Loch Duart, in a press release. “We want to be close to our fish and these cages will let us continue with our commitment to providing best-in-class husbandry while improving the working environment for our team.”
Stewart Hawthorn, a founding director of Trimara, said: “We are really pleased to be bringing this new cage system design to Scotland. Our team is proud of the trust Loch Duart is placing in us and our supplier partner Poseidon Ocean Systems. Poseidon has developed an exceptional cage system. Their advanced engineering increases staff safety, helps to ease fish care and handling, and reduces the overall cost of operations.”
Poseidon Ocean Systems, a specialist aquaculture company, was established by Mathew and Heather Clarke in 2015. It currently has a team of 15 engineers, and a total workforce of 24.
“We looked at existing steel cages and realised that nothing had really changed in more than 25 years... What we have developed is a dramatically improved, innovative steel cage system. The system is significantly stronger and performs incredibly well at high energy sites; it is also easier to maintain and the accessories are fully customisable. All aspects of modern farm operations can be integrated into the Trident structure. For instance, farmers can recess feed pipes and other supply lines below the walkway – this eliminates trip hazards and keeps the system tidy. We have deployed a large system in western Canada and are making good progress in Chile – but this Scottish sale is our first export order and we are delighted to see this progressing,” said Clarke.
The Trident cages are currently being constructed and will arrive in Scotland in March. Trimara will be assembling the units in March and April, ready for stocking in June.
“We can’t wait to see the first of these new concept system cages being worked in Scotland and are looking forward to a successful assembly and on-site installation process,” said Hawthorn.