Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by PALFINGER
As the global demand for seafood rises, fish farming has become an essential part of food production. More than 50% of fish consumed today comes from farms, making innovation crucial. PALFINGER MARINE, known for its advanced marine crane technology, is helping shape the future of aquaculture. By enhancing efficiency, safety, and performance in fish farming operations, PALFINGER MARINE supports the industry in meeting the challenges of a growing market while ensuring reliable, cutting-edge solutions for global aquaculture needs.
The Importance of Aquaculture
Fish farming is growing rapidly, which is understandable due to the following reasons: Overfishing and climate change have led to a major reduction in wild fish stocks. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 90% of the world’s marine fish stocks are either fully exploited or overfished. Climate change, through warming waters and ocean acidification, is further straining these resources. This makes aquaculture not only important for food security but also a more sustainable alternative to preserve natural fish populations.
As aquaculture expands, the need for efficient and reliable technology becomes critical to ensuring high productivity. PALFINGER MARINE supports this with advanced equipment that is built to handle the tough conditions in marine environments.
“PALFINGER MARINE cranes are excellent yet constantly improving in terms of operating speed, strong but lightweight design, corrosion protection and where needed, compact construction. To further meet the specific requirements of each fish farming customer, we are offering a wide range of features and options for equipment and corrosion protection”, says Daniel Perdolt, Product Manager Wind & Marine Cranes at PALFINGER MARINE.
Technological Innovation in Fish Farming
PALFINGER’s marine cranes provide fish farmers with the required reliability and durability. Foldable knuckle boom cranes are particularly well-suited for the complex lifting tasks on fish farms, such as moving heavy loads of feed and equipment, ensuring smooth and efficient operations with lightweight cranes. The PFM 4500, which has been supporting the aquaculture industry for over a year, has already proven to be a crucial asset for these operations, delivering consistent performance in challenging conditions.
The PFM 4500, which has been supporting the aquaculture industry for over a year, has already proven to be a crucial asset for these operations.
Building on this success, PALFINGER has launched the PFM 2100, with the first deliveries planned for Q1 and Q2 2025. The PFM 2100 promises increased lifting capacity, enhanced safety features, and greater operational flexibility with an outreach exceeding 29 meters and therefore raising the bar for marine lifting technology in the fish farming sector. Learn more about our sophisticated PFM technology in one of our previous blog posts.
Before the first units are delivered, the PFM 2100 has already generated significant market interest, reflecting the industry’s anticipation of its advanced capabilities.
Daniel Perdolt, Product Manager Wind & Marine Cranes
This year, PALFINGER launched the new PFM 2100 heavy-duty foldable knuckle boom crane specially developed for use on service and work boats as well as in the aquaculture industry.
With additional products already in the pipeline, we continue to drive innovation, helping fish farmers optimize their operations.
Global Partner Network: Supporting Fish Farming Operations Everywhere
As the global fish farming industry is growing, so is the need for proven technology as well as new approaches and global service availability. PALFINGER leverages a vast global partner network, with particular strength in critical regions like Norway, the UK, the Faroe Islands, Canada, Chile, Tasmanian, Croatia and Greece. These local partners not only support in choosing the right crane models, but also offer product lifetime support with required and recommended services and spare parts supply in fast and efficient way. This combination of high-performance products and local expertise ensures that fish farms receive timely support, further enhancing their operational efficiency and sustainability.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Efficiency
With its commitment to innovation and quality, PALFINGER MARINE is a reliable partner for fish farms worldwide, providing the advanced solutions essential for growth and stability in the aquaculture industry. In this way, PALFINGER plays a key role in supporting the global market and actively shapes the future of fish farming.