FBR_OC1_25 - Collaborative Initiative for Aquaculture Robotic Systems (CIARS)

Bilateral initiative facts

Promoter:
WavEC Offshore Renewables(PT)
Bilateral initiative number:
PT-BI014
Status:
Completed
Initial cost:
€13,115
Actual cost:
€4,744
Initiative Types:
OtherMeetings and visits
share of knowledge
Partners:
SINTEF Ocean AS(NO)
Programme:

Description

The future development of the aquaculture industry is evolving for offshore production systems which can be explained, among other things, by lack of sheltered areas, production problems induced by sea lice and expansion to other markets.

It is in this context that an effort is made to bring together the main players in development of robotics and sensing system focused on aquaculture and the Norwegian sector. WavEC and Sintef collaboration in this sector comes from past projects, namely the Research council of Norway project: Artifex for the development of an autonomous system for inspection

Summary of the results

Visit to Norway: it was very useful to be there and discuss in person all the details of the ongoing projects, as many other people of other areas got involved and gave very valuable feedback. We had very positive discussions from where we all learnt valuable knowledge. Both of our companies are involved in multidisciplinary projects and it´s easier in this situation to find synergies towards future collaborations. The formation itself helped us see in a real situation, on a real boat and real fish farm and equipment, how to manage equipment and testing of new devices. All of this was very useful, and we will for sure use all the expertise acquired for our near future actions, for example the imminent testing of our robotic arm.
We must highlight the very positive visit to ARGUS. It was a great thing to see their factory, as they have so much expertise and information that we are going to need for our own projects.

Visit to Portugal: The visit to Portugal, where SINTEF and WavEC personnel where involved allowed a better understanding of the Portuguese ecosystem in relation to the technological subjects under discussion, such as subsea robotics and offshore aquaculture. During this visit other parties where also involved such as IST, FEUP and Jerónimo Martins. Future trends and market needs where also identified and discussed regarding the application of existing and/or new technologies.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.