December 23 marked a new milestone for aquaculture in China, as the first smolt was stocked in the farming vessel.

Photo: Daniel Huang

First smolt stocked in salmon farming vessel

China has stocked its first salmon in the aquaculture vessel “Su Hai No. 1”

Ole Andreas Drønen Ole Andreas Drønen Ole Andreas Drønen EDITOR, KYST.NO

Published 25 December 2025 - 12:44 Modified 25 December 2025 - 13:10

On December 23, the aquaculture vessel Su Hai No. 1 stocked its first batch of smolt. The ceremony was held in the Ganyu port area of Lianyungang and marked the start of commercial production for what is designed to be a floating fish farming ship.

The development was reported by Chinese aquaculture consultant and journalist Daniel Huang.

With the first smolt now on board, the project signals China’s ambition to reduce its reliance on imported salmon while taking a more active role in building a domestic, sea-based salmon farming industry.

According to Huang, the launch of Su Hai No. 1 brought together key stakeholders from across China’s marine sector. Ship engineers, aquaculture researchers, industrial partners and market participants gathered to witness the transition from concept to operational reality. The project represents an integrated industrial effort, spanning technology development and equipment manufacturing through to market access and distribution.

China aims to reduce its dependence on imported salmon through the new farming vessel.

Fifteen closed containment tanks

The vessel has been developed specifically for China’s unique ocean conditions and market requirements, introducing several solutions that differ from traditional, fixed aquaculture facilities.

With its own propulsion system, Su Hai No. 1 can relocate to areas with favorable cold-water conditions, including parts of the Yellow Sea. According to the company, this mobile production model allows farmers to follow optimal conditions for the fish rather than being tied to fixed sites, while also reducing exposure to risks such as typhoons, algal blooms and other environmental events.

The vessel is equipped with 15 closed containment tanks, where water quality, oxygen levels and feeding are managed through intelligent control systems. Tank water can be fully exchanged up to 16 times within a 24-hour period, creating what the company describes as a low-stress environment with high biological control. The ambition is to establish a new benchmark for the quality and taste of salmon produced in China.

Su Hai No. 1 also features integrated systems for slaughtering, chilled processing and rapid freezing on board. Combined with an efficient onshore cold chain, this setup is intended to enable delivery of salmon to major markets within 24 hours of harvest. According to the company, the approach is not only about logistics, but about redefining freshness and traceability for Chinese consumers.

The vessel includes onboard slaughtering, chilling and quick-freezing facilities, allowing fish to be sent directly to market.

From pilot project to commercial scale

The project is widely seen as a clear sign that China’s offshore aquaculture sector is moving from experimentation toward large-scale commercial operations. Su Hai No. 1 is described as an important step in positioning China as a new and relevant player in the global salmon market, with the goal of stable domestic production and increased self-sufficiency.

For the company behind the project, Lianshen Ocean, the first smolt stocking marks the beginning of a broader offshore expansion. Using Su Hai No. 1 as a foundation, the company plans to further develop the entire value chain, from broodstock and farming to processing and brand building. At the same time, it emphasizes continued technological innovation and close cooperation with industrial partners to strengthen China’s sea-based salmon industry.