Singapore has embarked on an ambitious project to enhance its food security by launching the country’s first container-ship fish farm. This innovative approach is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on food imports in the densely populated city-state.
Project Overview
- ‘Our Fish Storey’: The project, named ‘Our Fish Storey’, is initiated by the startup Aqualita Ecotechnology in collaboration with the local council. It features a 20-foot shipping container converted into an urban fish farm, located in Tampines, a suburb near Changi Airport.
- Production Capacity: This container can produce up to 1,200kg of jade perch annually, a freshwater fish known for its high Omega-3 content. The first harvest is expected within four to six months, with potential future expansion to other fish varieties like barramundi, tilapia, and red snapper.
Environmental and Technological Advantages
- Recirculating Aquaculture System: The farm employs a recirculating aquaculture system, enhancing fishing efficiency and reducing pollution from uneaten feed. This method also negates the need for antibiotics, addressing concerns over antibiotic resistance.
- Sustainability and CO2 Reduction: These container farms contribute to sustainable food systems, requiring only a fraction of the CO2 emissions associated with traditional land-based agriculture.
Strategic Importance
- Food Security Goals: With only about 10% of Singapore’s food currently produced domestically, the government aims to increase this to 30% by 2030. This project aligns with the nation’s ’30 by 30′ food security goal and complements the existing vertical farm sector.
- Innovative Urban Farming: The project exemplifies the application of innovative technologies to urban contexts, especially in land-scarce environments like Singapore. It’s a model that could potentially be replicated in other densely populated urban areas.
Conclusion
The launch of Singapore’s first container-ship fish farm represents a significant step towards self-sufficiency in food production. By leveraging innovative technologies, this initiative not only addresses the immediate challenge of food security but also sets a precedent for sustainable and efficient urban farming practices globally.
Also learn about Singapore’s Q3 GDP Surpasses Initial Estimates.
