'How we think is as important as what we do'

A Shetland-based company that will be exhibiting at fish farming trade show Aqua Nor in Trondheim next week won’t just be showing what it does but also how it thinks, says its managing director.

Ocean Kinetics, which was founded in 1992, has emerged as a leader in mastering engineering and fabricating challenges in the fish catching and aquaculture industries.

The specialist marine engineering company’s work ranges from the design, manufacture and installation of mechanical and biological waste-water treatment systems for fish farming hatcheries and factories to providing commercial diving and a full ROV (remotely operated vehicle) service for heavy lifting and salvage.

Fish return system

Among the company’s recent innovations has been a collaboration with Scottish Sea Farms to create and manufacture a process to minimise fish handling during health checks. The piping system devised by Ocean Kinetics efficiently channels fish back to the cages in water, thus eliminating escapes and reducing stress for the fish.

Ocean Kinetics’ managing director John Henderson said: “At Aqua Nor, Ocean Kinetics will be exhibiting not just what we do, but how we think. Aquaculture is a demanding sector where performance really matters, and through our innovations, we are shaping the future of the industry. Engineering for this sector isn’t just about specifications and strength – it’s about creativity, collaboration, and care.”

Real-world experience

Henderson said Ocean Kinetics location in Shetland means its staff live and work in an environment where the equipment it makes is tested to its limits.

“Our experience in real-world, high-pressure conditions gives us a unique understanding of what works, what lasts, and what makes a difference,” said the managing director.

“The Scottish Sea Farms project and many other successful developments have demonstrated our expertise and our innovation, and we are now looking forward to showcasing this at Aqua Nor.”

Safer gangway

Ocean Kinetics will be represented in the Scottish Pavilion (D-337), featuring 16 Scotland-linked companies or organisations, and will also be exhibiting alongside Irish partner MMG Ocean at D-343. Together, the two companies offer a full-service support for the marine sector, which includes MMG Ocean’s patented gangway systems for safe, compliant crew transfer.

Irish fish farmer Bradan Beo Teoranta, which produces around 2,500 tonnes of organic salmon annually in Cill Chiarain Bay, Connemara, recently introduced MMG Ocean gangways to access its feed barges. The hinged, folding gangway is compactly stowed as the workboat approaches the feed barge. Using a remote control linked to an electric winch, the crew deploys the gangway smoothly as the vessel comes alongside. Once in place, it provides safe, stable access from boat to feed barge. The integrated 360° wheel-trolley compensates for both barge and boat movement, ensuring safe boarding even in challenging sea conditions.

“As aquaculture sites are moved further offshore, ensuring safe access has become more of a challenge for operators,” said Martin McGuiness, managing director of MMG Ocean. “Our gangway systems provide dependable, secure access in all conditions, allowing crews to focus on their work without worrying about vessel stability or tidal constraints.”