Ace Aquatec will supply fish stunner for land-based trout farmer
Machine will act as 'bridge' between grow-out and processing sections
Scotland-based aquaculture technology company, Ace Aquatec, has secured a landmark installation in Japan for its bespoke in-water humane stunning device.
The A-HSU (humane stunner universal) will be deployed by land-based steelhead trout producer, FRD Japan, which plans a 3,500-tonne recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Chiba, Greater Tokyo. The company has been operating pilot plants for trout farming in Chiba and Saitama since 2018.
In a press release, Ace Aquatec said it worked with FRD to create a bespoke system that supports the seamless and safe transfer of fish between grow-out and processing facilities while meeting strict biosecurity protocols at FRD’s recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility.
Physical bridge
The A-HSU system will act as a physical bridge between the grow-out and processing facilities, using pumping technology supplied by Norwegian company MMC First Process. The system will have a capacity of 30 tonnes per hour while recycling the water in the system back into the RAS.
Utilising a combination of automated handling and monitoring systems, the system will optimise the transfer process, prioritising fish welfare and resulting in higher quality produce and happier employees, said Ace Aquatec.
Ace Aquatec said the project highlights an innovative approach and opens doors to further opportunities in a country that is in the top five for fish consumption globally. It added that the project demonstrates its adaptability and precision engineering capabilities, while working closely with the client to meet the demands of the Japanese market and paving the way for further partnerships in the region.
A rewarding challenge
Tara McGregor-Woodhams, chief sales and marketing officer at Dundee-headquartered Ace Aquatec, said: “This collaboration with FRD Japan is a significant development for Ace Aquatec and highlights our commitment to delivering solutions that are tailored to our client and meet the highest standards of innovation and efficiency.
“Developing a device that balances biosecurity and operational efficiency with the highest welfare standards has been a rewarding challenge, and we’re excited to see our technology making a positive impact in aquaculture in Asia and around the world.”
Tez Sogo, at FRD Japan, said: “Working with Ace Aquatec has been a seamless and productive experience. The team has shown high levels of expertise and adaptability, collaborating with us at every stage to design a solution that suits our needs. The result is a device that aligns with our goals while upholding our high biosecurity standards.”
First of many RAS plants
FRD Japan's commercial trout RAS will be fully operational in 2027. Following the construction of the facility, the company says it aims to develop multiple land-based facilities for farming salmon with a maximum capacity of 10,000 tonnes per plant, mainly in Asia, including Japan.
Ace Aquatec’s award-winning A-HSU – a pre-slaughter stunner that renders fish unconscious in less than a second without removing them from water - is available for all commercial fish species including trout, salmon, tilapia, prawn, bass and bream.