Bravo Marine underwater ROV system for cleaning fish farms

The aquaculture industry is developing rapidly to meet the growing global demand for fish. Parasites and disease are some of the most pressing problems for fish farmers.

Biofouling, or the accumulation of microorganisms, plants or algae on the net-based cages, can increase the risk of disease due to the elevated presence of parasite pathogens associated with the fouling species. Unfortunately, traditional antifouling biocides can be harmful both to fish and the environment.

Bravo Marine’s C-RAY® ROV combines specially designed rotating discs with a vacuum pump system to remove biofouling from fish farm infrastructure using high water pressure.

C-RAY can clean round or curved surfaces (flexible arms) and flat surfaces (fixed arms). Fish can remain in the cage during the cleaning procedure. Washed-off material can be collected via a vacuum pump and stored on a boat, improving overall fish welfare.

Bravo Marine’s system provides effective cleaning of submerged elements of fish farm infrastructure. C-RAY® is designed for intuitive control, easy maintenance and easy cleaning. It is efficient, and maintenance costs are low as there is only one device. Because C-RAY is remotely controlled by an ROV pilot, it also promotes better working conditions and safer operations.

With rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry, coupled with the tightening of legislation on the use of antifouling biocides, the problems of fish farm biofouling are increasing and need to be addressed with environment-friendly solutions .

Bravo Marine was founded in 2016 and plans to commercialise C-RAY® by the end of 2019. Based on the number of aquaculture facilities in Norway and C-RAY’s expected product lifetime and price, the company estimates the annual market potential to be USD 100–150 million.