FISH FARM INSTALLATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a farming system for farming of marine organisms, and its components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The increasing global demand for Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon has resulted in a need for more acreage for salmonid farming. However, due to the spread of sea lice and other transferable deceases from salmonid farms to wild salmonid in inland waters, the Norwegian Government has requested that further growth in the industry shall occur in farms located far away offshore.

Traditional salmon farms are located close to shore and therefore serve as source of sea lice to wild salmon.

Waste from traditional salmon farms in areas with limited current may result in excess waste on the seabed.

Traditional salmon farms are not designed for very stormy weathers.

Traditional feed barges are reliant on fossil fuel and therefore may be source of air pollution.

Traditional feed barges situated in-situ requires frequent replenishment of feed storage by feed supply vessels due to the limited storage capacity of such feed barges. As a result, significant number of feed transport vessels sail the distance between farm locations and feed supply sites on land. This results in higher level of pollution and higher accident frequency from such vessels. Traditional salmon farm cages and supporting feed barges are not designed for rough sea with significant wave heights and therefore will not be able to utilize the free acreage available in open seas.

Currently, Norwegian salmonid farms are located along sheltered Norwegian coast line and in fjord arms. The cages or pens used are made of buoyancy elements on the water surface and a net bag below the water surface often reaching the depth of 30 - 50 metres. The cages or pens can be moored to the seabed. Feed to the fish is either distributed manually by hand or mechanically from a feed barge connected to several cages via feed hoses. A typical traditional farm system may contain 6 - 10 cages.

NO 343061 B1 teaches a system for transporting bottom waste from a net cage in a fish farming plant to a common processing site, for removing the waste from the bottom of the net cage and for transporting it through the net cage in a pipe. The pipe from the bottom of each net cage is connected to a main pipe via a branch pipe on a raft arranged between rows of net cages. The raft comprises several branches of the main pipe connected to one or more pipes from net cages. Also provided is a farming plant comprising a number of net cages, where each net cage has a pipe for removal of bottom waste from the bottom of the net cage, and where the pipes are connected to a common main pipe transporting the bottom waste to a main barge. The net cages are arranged in rows and the pipes for removal of bottom waste from each net cage is connected to a branch pipe of the main pipe on a raft. The main pipe for removing of waste from the net cages is running from the most distal raft to the main barge.

NO 303144 B1 relates to a method and a system for production of hydrocarbons from offshore reservoirs, where production flow from a number of wells is collected and transferred to a vessel at the sea surface for processing of the well flow and temporary storage of hydrocarbons in tanks on board the vessel before unloading of the hydrocarbons to an adjacent tanker. The system includes two subsea manifold centres, and there are used two vessels which, during normal operation, are coupled to a respective manifold centre. Between the manifold centres there is arranged a pipeline for transport of well flow and a cable for transfer of hydraulic/electric power and control signals.

KR 20150111498 A discloses an offshore plant capable of being easily constructed and reducing a size by using a large-sized manifold capable of collecting oil from multiple oil wells and a pipeline-type separator installed in the seabed. The disclosed offshore plant includes the manifold collecting oil produced from the multiple oil wells; a pipeline forming a passage through which the oil collected in the manifold is transferred to a floating platform and formed in the seabed; and a separator formed in the pipeline and separating gas, oil, and water contained in the oil transferred through the pipeline.

WO 2017/147281 A1 describes a mortality trap for a spar buoy fish pen and configured to receive and trap deceased fish or morts that sink from the fish pen. The mortality trap attaches to a lower portion of the spar buoy to define a first passage. The sinking mort passes into an upper receiver portion of the mortality trap, and encounters a sloping transverse panel. Gravity causes the mort to continue through a second passage into a lower entrapment portion, and further into a region underlying the transverse panel preventing the mort from escaping if it becomes positively buoyant.

NO 335514 B1 concerns a closed net cage, where the wall comprises a liquid-tight material, the net cage being provided in an upper portion with buoyancy means in a water surface and with an inlet for water, and the net cage being in a lower portion provided with an outlet; wherein the depth of the net cage constitutes the distance from the water surface to the outlet, and wherein the wall in the upper portion of the net cage has a spherical shape, and the wall in the bottom portion of the net cage has a conical shape.

WO 92/03921 A1 describes a submersible cage system for cultivating aquatic animals comprising a rigid frame defining a geodesic enclosure, a net supported by the rigid frame to define a water permeable enclosure for the aquatic animals, means for supporting said rigid frame for rotation about a horizontal axis, flotation chambers disposed at opposite sides of the rigid frame, the flotation chambers being alternately fillable with a gas or a liquid to increase or decrease, respectively, the cage system's buoyancy, and means for anchoring the frame in a fixed position in a marine environ ment.

NO 320000 B1 relates to fish-breeding apparatus comprising a frame, supporting one or a plurality of breeding cages and provided with hollow buoyancy elements, and means for controlling the buoyancy of the apparatus by filling, totally or partially, the buoyancy elements with water and emptying them of the water, totally or partially, whenever desired. The buoyancy elements are emptied of water by replacing the water with air. The buoyancy elements are such that when they are empty of water to a predetermined extent, the entire apparatus floats, even when it is fully charged.

The frame has depending legs, so that even in its lowermost position the bottoms of the breeding cage will be spaced from the seabed.

US 7,650,856 B2 teaches a submersible mollusc farm consisting of a self-supporting frame which is formed with an "H" plan floating structure comprising beams with support arms for the culture ropes. The structure moves vertically under the effect of tides or the weight of the culture product and is guided by means of surface floats which are equipped with a guide tube comprising slide stop elements between which the structure can slide.

Drawbacks of the current salmonid farm location and farm systems are:

1 ) Farms are located along the route wild salmon adult fishes swim on their path to inland rivers to spawn and on the salmon smolts’ path to the sea; and as a result, the adult fishes and smolts swim in waters with significantly higher concentration of sea lice than is in open seas. The consequence of this is a high fatality rate for sea lice infected smolts and adult fishes and further conse quence is drop in wild salmonid population.

2) Sea lice larvae float on the water surface and are transported by water current and tide until they find a host or die. Surface located cages are therefore prone to infection of sea lice and typically are also the source for the spread of sea lice since many hundred thousands of fishes are caged in close proximity to each other.

3) The wide spread of sea lice in traditional salmonid farming, the Norwegian authority’s stringent requirement on acceptable number of lice per fish and restrictions on the use of chemicals for treatment have resulted in significantly higher cost for newer treatment methods. The industry is seeking for a cost efficient solution without detrimental effect to environment or biomass welfare.

4) Traditional surface cage and feed barge systems are exposed to winter

storms, floating ice and boat collisions; three of the main reasons for pen damage and fish escape. 5) The traditional farm systems (pens and feed barges) are not designed for rough, unsheltered offshore installation and operation and as a result would have limited use in the government push to move farms further offshore.

6) Waste from fish farms along coastline and in fjord arms does not get fully absorbed by the marine environment due to the density of pens and biomass along the coastline and fjord arms. As a result, the seabed may be very polluted in areas where underwater current(s) is(are) limited, and the effect to the marine eco-system is detrimental.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a new biomass farming system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new fish or biomass feed distribution assembly for a biomass farming system.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new waste return assembly for a biomass farming system.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new manifold unit configured for distribution of feed, air, electrical power, command, control and/or monitoring signals to at least one biomass container, and configured for returning waste from said bio mass container(s).

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new utility termination unit (UTU) adapted for a (submersible) biomass container and configured to control and/or monitor feed, air and/or electricity delivery in the (submersible) biomass container as well as to collect or/and preprocess waste from the biomass container.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new mooring arrangement configured for lowering down at least one submersible biomass container to a certain position under the sea level; raising it(them) up to the sea surface and/or holding it(them) in place, several meters under the sea level. The main features of the present invention are given in the independent claims.

Additional features of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The present invention relates to a farming system for farming of marine organisms, comprising one or more distribution manifold units and an operation and support facility being situated onshore or on a floating or a fixed offshore installation, platform or vessel. Each distribution manifold comprises a feed and utility distribution module connected via risers or pipes to one or more biomass containers or net cages. The manifold unit can be anchored to the seabed. Feed and air are transported via pipe lines from the operation and support facility via the manifolds to the biomass container(s) or net cage(s). Biomass waste and/or feed waste and/or dead biomass from the biomass container(s) is returned to the operation and support facility via the risers / pipes, the manifold(s) and the main waste return pipeline. Electrical power and signals are distributed from the operation and support facility to the biomass container(s) and/or the manifold unit(s), etc. via main power and communication cables.

The present invention concerns a marine organism farming system configured for farming of biomass. The farming system comprises: an operation and support facility; main pipelines; main power and communication cables; at least one manifold unit; at least one biomass container arrangement; and at least one utility pipe and cable bundle. The operation and support facility is connected to said at least one manifold unit via the main pipelines. Each of said at least one manifold unit is connected to said at least one biomass container arrangement via the respective utility pipe and cable bundle. Said at least one manifold unit is configured for distributing feed, air, power supply and signals to predetermined biomass container arrangement(s). Said at least one manifold unit is also configured for receiving waste from the

predetermined biomass container arrangement(s). The main pipelines comprise: a main feed transport pipeline; a main waste return pipeline; and a main air supply pipeline. The main feed transport pipeline is configured for transportation, via the manifold unit(s), of biomass feed to each biomass container. The main waste return pipeline is configured for returning, via the manifold unit(s), at least one of: biomass waste, feed waste and/or dead bio-mass from each biomass container, back to the operation and support facility for analysis, treatment and/or recycling. The main air supply pipeline is configured for distributing air from the operation and support facility to each biomass container via the manifold unit(s). The main power and

communication cables are configured for distributing electrical power and signals from the operation and support facility to each power consumer in the farming system. The main power and communication cables are also configured for transmitting at least one signal from the operation and support facility to each operational component in the farming system and vice versa. The signal is chosen from the group consisting of: communication, data, command, control and/or monitoring signals. The power consumers and/or the operational components in the farming system can be, but are not limited to, the manifold unit(s) and its(their) components, the biomass container arrangement(s) and its(their) components, the mooring arrangement(s) and its(their) components, platform(s) and its(their) components, vessel(s) and its(their) components, remote operated vehicle(s) / ROV(s), autonomous underwater vehicle(s), etc.

Each of said at least one biomass container arrangement comprises a biomass container and a utility termination unit.

The farming system further comprises, for each biomass container, at least one air supply element. Said at least one air supply element is configured for keeping air within and/or under the biomass container. The air is needed for the farmed biomass.

The operation and support facility can be located onshore or on a floating or a fixed offshore installation, platform or vessel.

The farming system further comprises a mooring arrangement. Said at least one biomass container is submersible. The mooring arrangement is configured for at least one of: lowering said at least one submersible biomass container to a certain position under the sea level; raising said at least one biomass container up to the sea surface; and/or holding said at least one biomass container in place, several meters under the sea level. The mooring arrangement comprises a winch, a mooring line, a heave arrestor arrangement and at least one mooring foundation on the seabed. The feed can be transported in one of: a capsule, an envelope, a biodegradable hose or capsule and/or between two transport plugs.

The invention concerns also a manifold unit configured for a marine organism farm. The manifold unit comprises: at least one feed branch pipe piece configured to be connected to a main feed transport pipeline, at least one waste branch pipe piece configured to be connected to a main waste return pipeline, at least one air supply branch pipe piece configured to be connected to a main air supply pipeline, and at least one feed module. Said at least one feed module comprises: a feed lift and flow regulating module, a waste injection module, an air inlet flow-regulating module, at least one manifold extension cable branch, and at least one power and

communication distribution module. The feed lift and flow-regulating module is configured for supplying feed, delivered from the main feed transport pipeline via the respective feed branch pipe piece, to a biomass container in the marine organism farm via a feed riser in a utility pipe and cable bundle. The waste injection module is connected to the respective waste branch pipe piece. The waste injection module is configured for transferring at least one of: biomass waste, feed waste and/or dead biomass from the biomass container via a waste riser in the utility pipe and cable bundle down to the feed module in the manifold unit in order to transfer the waste back to the main waste return pipeline via the respective waste branch pipe piece. The air inlet flow-regulating module is connected to the respective air branch pipe piece. The air inlet flow-regulating module is configured for distributing air, delivered from the main air supply pipeline, to the biomass container via an air supply riser in the utility pipe and cable bundle. Said at least one power and communication distribution module is connected to main power and communication cables via said at least one manifold extension cable branch terminating therein. Said at least one power and communication distribution module is configured for power supplying all power consumers within the manifold unit and all external appurtenant power consumers via designated connectors on the exterior of the manifold frame structure, such as for example appurtenant power consumers of the biomass container(s) and/or of a mooring arrangement, and/or other external appurtenant power consumers belonging to other appurtenant assemblies and/or arrangements. Manifold unit can further comprise: a manifold feed distribution pipe configured for connection to said at least one feed branch pipe piece when the main feed transport pipeline terminates in an inlet feed connector of the manifold unit and continues from an outlet feed connector of the manifold unit; a manifold waste extraction pipe configured for connection to said at least one waste branch pipe piece when the main waste return pipeline terminates in an inlet waste connector of the manifold unit and continues from an outlet waste connector of the manifold unit; and a manifold air distribution pipe configured for connection to said at least one air supply branch pipe piece when the main air supply pipeline terminates in an inlet air connector of the manifold unit and continues from an outlet air connector of the manifold unit.

Said at least one feed module further comprises at least one feed buffering module. Said at least one feed buffering module is connected to the respective feed branch pipe piece. Said at least one feed buffering module is configured for containing the feed into a feed buffering tank therewithin. Said at least one feed module further comprises a feed flow crossover module. The feed flow crossover module is interconnecting at least two of said feed buffering modules. The feed flow crossover module is configured for keeping a feed balance between the feed buffering modules.

The manifold unit further comprises a feed train stopper. The feed train stopper is configured for stopping a feed portion being pre-programmed to offload in the manifold unit when the feed portion enters the manifold unit.

The manifold unit further comprises a control module. The control module is configured for control of all functions of the manifold unit. Optionally, the control module can be configured for control of any appurtenant external component, assembly and/or arrangement.

The manifold unit further comprises external installation elements. The external installation elements are configured for retrieving and/or reinstalling the feed module. The manifold unit further comprises a by-pass pipeline. The by-pass pipeline is configured for continuous flow downstream of the manifold unit, after a designated feed portion has entered the specific manifold unit. The by-pass pipeline is also configured for securing continuous transportation and by-pass of other feed trains that are not designated for this specific manifold unit, but are assigned for other manifolds further on.

The invention concerns also a utility termination unit configured for a biomass container. The utility termination unit comprises: a locking device, a bottom-side connection device, a top-side connection device, a top-side connection device, a power distribution cabling, a communication and control distribution cabling, a feedline extension pipe, an air supply extension pipe, a waste aggregation element and a waste flow regulating module. The locking device is configured for locking a top or upper side of the utility termination unit to a bottom or lower side of the biomass container. The bottom-side connection device comprises electrical and communication connectors, feed-line connector(s), waste-line connector(s) and air line connector(s), the bottom-side connection device being configured for connection to a utility pipe and cable bundle distributing electrical power, signals, feed and air. The top-side connection device comprises electrical and communication connectors, feed-line connector(s), waste-line connector(s) and air-line connector(s), the top-side connection device being configured for supplying electrical power, signals, feed and air to the biomass container. The power distribution cabling, the communication and control distribution cabling, the feedline extension pipe and the air supply extension pipe interconnect the bottom-side connection device and the top-side connection device. The waste aggregation element is configured for aggregating at least one from the group consisting of: excess feed, biomass waste and/or dead biomass. The waste flow regulating module is configured for transferring the aggregated waste to a manifold unit, via the bottom-side connection device and a waste riser in the utility pipe and cable bundle.

The utility termination unit further comprises a waste handling module. The waste handling module is configured for handling the accumulated waste. The waste handling module can comprise mechanical contraption unit with or without a vibrating function with or without a vortex generator for compacting the accumulated waste within the waste aggregation element.

The utility termination unit comprises a rotation support device. The rotation support device is configured for keeping the utility pipe and cable bundle securely locked and restricted from rotating, whilst the biomass container or net cage may rotate at predefined angle, the rotation support device thereby providing torsion stress protection to the utility pipe and cable bundle.

The waste aggregation element can be formed as a funnel or a cone. The lower end of the waste aggregation element can end in a connector at the waste flow regulating module or waste handling module. The top end of the waste aggregation element can be configured to be connected to a lower end of a netting of the biomass container or net cage.

The invention concerns also a mooring assembly configured for i) lowering down to a predetermined subsea position, ii) raising up to a predetermined subsea position or to the sea surface, and/or iii) securing and holding in place, several meters under the sea level, at least one biomass container. The mooring assembly comprises for each biomass container: a winch, a mooring line, a heave arrestor arrangement and at least one mooring foundation on the seabed. One end of the mooring line is configured to be connected to the biomass container. The other end of the mooring line is configured to be connected to the winch via the heave arrestor arrangement. The heave arrestor arrangement comprises a reel device for the mooring line and a damper module. The damper module is configured for arresting or dampening the heave of the biomass container. The winch end of the mooring line and a free end of a winch wire are supplied with suitable wire locking devices. The wire locking devices are configured for firmly locking these two ends together. The mooring assembly further comprises an emergency wire having, on one end, an emergency wire lock device configured for firmly connecting or locking to the wire locking device on the winch end of the mooring line, where the other end of the emergency wire is firmly connected to a mooring lock shackle. The mooring lock shackle is arranged on a mooring foundation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the following drawings and will be further elucidated, by way of example(s), with reference to these drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a layout of the farming system according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a feed train launching and waste receiving arrangements or assemblies in the farm system;

Figures 3A-3C show embodiments of elements of a manifold unit and a feed module in the farm system;

Figure 4 shows a biomass container or net cage and a utility termination unit in the farm system - one embodiment of a biomass container arrangement;

Figure 5 shows a utility termination unit; and

Figure 6 shows a mooring arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 is a general layout sketch showing one embodiment of the marine biomass farming system - the invention and its main components. The subsequent figures 2 - 6 show sketches of individual main components of the marine biomass farming system.

In this embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in figure 1 , the marine bio mass farming system comprises an operation and support center or facility 1 , which is interconnected by a main feed transport pipeline 2, a main waste return pipeline 3, a main air supply pipeline 4 and main power and communication cables 5, to a single or multiple (one or several) (underwater) manifold(s) / manifold unit(s) 6. The main feed transport pipeline 2 is configured for transporting (fish or other biomass) feed to the manifold unit(s) 6. The manifold unit 6 can be firmly arranged on a manifold foundation structure 7 on the seabed. Each manifold unit 6 is connected to at least one biomass container 10 via a utility pipe / riser and cable bundle 8. The manifold unit 6 is configured for further distribution of the feed, via one or more utility pipe / riser and cable bundles 8, to one or more utility termination units 9. Each utility termi nation unit (UTU) 9 can be arranged under the biomass container 10, which can be at the lowest middle bottom point thereof. Biomass waste and/or feed waste and/or dead biomass from the biomass container 10 can be returned to the operation and support center 1 for possible further processing, respectively via the utility pipe and cable bundle 8, the manifold unit 6 and the main waste return pipeline 3 or another dedicated return pipeline. Suitable pumps and/or valves can be used in order to move the waste into the waste return flowline 3. Air for the farmed biomass or other functions within can be distributed from the operation and support center 1 to one or more air function or/and air supply elements 11 of the biomass container 10, respectively via the main air supply pipeline 4, the manifold unit 6, the utility pipe and cable bundle 8 and the utility termination unit (UTU) 9. The air supply element 11 can be arranged at the top side, in the middle top area or in any other suitable area and/or position in the biomass container 10 as seen beneficial for the farmed biomass’ welfare. Air for other functions may be routed via one or more air distribution modules on the UTU 9 or other locations on the biomass container 10 to their respective end users. Electrical power as well as control, command and/or monitoring signals can be distributed from the operation and support center 1 to each one of the manifold unit 6, one or more distribution devices or/and modules on alternative locations on the biomass container or on the utility termination unit 9 and/or air supply arrangement 11 , respectively via the main power and

communication cables 5 and the utility pipe and cable bundle 8. A mooring arrangement (shown on figure 6) can be arranged on the seabed or/and an independent device anywhere between the water surface and the seabed or/and the utility termination unit 9. The mooring assembly can be adapted to: i) lower down to a certain position, ii) raise up to the sea surface and/or iii) hold in place, several meters under the sea level, at least one biomass container 10. For each biomass container 10, the mooring arrangement comprises; a winch 15, an anchor or mooring line or wire 12, a heave arrestor arrangement 13 and mooring foundation(s) 14, 14’, 14”.

The winch 15 and the heave arrestor arrangement 13 can be arranged on the seabed by means of the mooring foundation(s) 14, 14’, 14”. The heave arrestor arrangement 13 can comprise a reel device for the wire 12 and a damper module for the utility termination unit 9 and the biomass container 10, the both latter constituting a biomass container arrangement 9, 10. Each winch 15 can be supported with power, monitored and/or controlled from the operation and support center 1 via the respective manifold 6. In another embodiments, the winch 15 can be power supplied and controlled from a ROV and/or a vessel, platform or ship on the sea surface thereabove or nearby.

The farm’s operation and support center or facility 1 can be an onshore center. It can house, among others, systems and functionalities such as; power sources for electrical power supply to the (underwater) biomass farm centers; feed management systems for feed storage and feed transportation; compressor systems for air supply; waste management systems for handling and processing waste; control and monitoring systems for remote control, monitoring and/or diagnostics. In addition, also located in the operation and support center 1 , there can be systems or assemblies or modules for provision and management of support services, such as emergency support, inspection, cage or biomass container cleaning, as well as a retrieval vessel, a remote operated vehicle (ROV) and drones adapted for

surveillance, inspection and/or maintenance. An alternative embodiment of the operation and support facility or center can be an offshore located structure, such as for example a ship, an installation or a platform. All systems and functionalities will be the same for all the different embodiments of the operation and support facility 1.

The pipelines 2, 3, 4 connecting the operation and support facility 1 to the farm arrangement(s) or center(s) are designed and dimensioned to perform their pre defined functions satisfactorily. The largest pipelines 2, 3 can be configured in a loop. The pipeline 2 can start as a single or multiple main feed transport pipeline(s) 2 at the feed management assembly in the operation and support center 1 , can pass through all the farm centers’ manifolds 6, and can loop back at the farthest farm center manifold. On looping at the farthest farm center manifold, the pipeline can then serve as a waste return transport pipeline 3 and can pass again through the prior manifolds 6 of the farm centers / arrangements in order to bring back waste for analysis and possible further processing at the operation and support center 1 or at another location. Alternatively, the largest pipelines 2, 3 can be configured to operate independently of each other. Figure 2 illustrates a feed train transportation and a feed train plug/waste return assembly or arrangement arranged in the operation and support center 1. The arrangement comprises the feed train transportation assembly and the feed train plug return assembly in addition to the waste return assembly. Interconnecting both the feed train transportation assembly and the feed train plug return assembly is the plug washing, inspection and handling assembly. The feed train launching and transporta tion assembly for this embodiment of the invention comprises a feed filling device 17, a feed train stopper and launching device 18 and a main pressure generating and control device 19. The feed filling device 17 is connected, via a pipe piece, to the feed train stopper and launching device 18. The feed train stopper and launching device 18 is connected to the main feed transport pipeline 2. The feed train plug pair, after being washed and inspected and seen to be fit for purpose, is pushed forward into the feed filling device 17, where the feed is injected between the feed plug pair. On completion of feed injection, the feed train is driven mechanically, electrically, pneumatically, or, as in this embodiment of the invention, by water hydraulic with the help of the pressure generating, control and flow-regulating device 19. As the first feed train is moved forward, a new feed plug pair is filled with feed. At a predefined time interval, the front feed train is energized, the stop throttle or feed train stopper in the feed train stopper and launching device 18 is released and the front feed train is driven into the main feed transport pipeline 2. The pressure, generated by the pressure generating, control and flow-regulating device 19, drives the feed train to the manifolds 6. In this embodiment, feed transport plugs or capsules are being used. Here, the feed dosage or portion is inserted between two plugs or within the capsule. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed can be pumped into an enclosure at the feed filling device 17. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a prefilled bio degradable feed hose or capsule can be inserted between the feed plugs or within the enclosure at the feed filling device 17. Yet again, in a mechanically driven embodiment of the invention, a sealable capsule can be filled with feed and the capsule can be pulled through the pipeline 2 and the feed capsule can be

pneumatically or hydraulically emptied on arrival at the manifolds 6. Also yet again, in another embodiment, the feed can be pumped through the pipeline 2 directly to the respective manifolds 6 without any use of feed transport plugs, capsules or envelopes. The feed train plug return assembly and the waste return assembly comprise a feed train plug return module 21 and a waste return module 20 inter connected via pipe pieces. The biomass waste and/or feed waste and/or dead biomass collected at each utility termination unit (UTU) is delivered to or sucked down to the respective module unit 6 and is then returned, via the main waste return pipeline 3 or a dedicated return pipe, to the waste return assembly in the operation and support facility 1. On reaching the operation and support center or facility 1 , the waste from the waste train, if containing dead fish, is sorted, according to the farm center and biomass container of origin, before it is sent for analysis in the waste return module 20. In the case there is no dead fish among the waste, the waste is aggregated within a main aggregation tank before further processing at the waste return module 20. Within the same waste return module 20, return waste water is filtered and cleaned to pre-programmed level according to regulations before it is pumped back into the sea. Finally, if plugs, transport plugs, capsules or envelopes are being used, these are lead further, with the support of the feed train plug return module or assembly 21 , to the feed train plug return washing and inspection module 16 where the plugs are washed, dried, inspected for damages before they are reused or eventually withdrawn from circulation.

All functions of the feed train transportation, feed train plug return and waste return assembly or arrangement arranged in the operation and support center 1 may be partly or fully automated.

Figures 3A-3C illustrate embodiments of a manifold unit 6 and a feed module 66 thereof. The feed module 66 of the manifold unit 6 comprises inlets and/or outlets for: a feed branch pipe 25 coming or branching out from the main feed distribution pipe line’s 2 manifold feed pipe-piece 22; a waste branch pipe 26 coming or branching out from the main waste extraction pipeline’s 3 manifold extraction pipe-piece 23; and an air branch pipe 27 coming or branching out from the main air distribution pipeline’s 4 manifold air pipe-piece 24. The main power and communication cables 5 comprise branches which terminate in a power and communication module 32. Integrated in the manifold main feed distribution pipe piece 22 is a by-pass pipeline, one or more flow regulating devices or modules and a manifold feed train stopper.

The by-pass pipeline is to allow for continuous flow downstream of the manifold after the feed train has entered a manifold 6 and is offloading feed to the center’s feed buffer tanks. The manifold feed train stopper stops designated feed train(s) on entry into the manifold main feed distribution pipe piece 22 for offloading of feed through the feed branch pipe 25. The feed branch pipe 25 terminates in one or more feed buffering modules 28. Downstream of the feed buffering module(s) 28, a feed flow crossover module 29 and a feed lift and flow-regulating module 30 are connected.

The feed lift and flow-regulating module 30 is upstream of the feed flow crossover module 29. The feed lift and flow-regulating module 30 can comprise one or more pump(s) (e.g. feed lift pump(s)) adapted for providing hydraulic lift force in a feed riser or pipe in the utility pipe and cable bundle 8. The feed flow crossover module 29 terminates at one or several utility bundle connections or connectors that ties the manifold unit 6 and its feed module 66 thereof to the biomass containers 10 via the feed riser or pipe in the utility pipe and cable bundle 8. The function of the utility bundle 8 is to provide distribution channel for utility from the manifold 6 to the respec tive biomass container(s) 10. The utility bundle 8 can comprise single or multiple feed and waste riser(s) or pipe(s), air supply riser(s) or pipe(s) and power and communica tion cables. The utility bundle 8 can thereby provide feed, air, power and communica tion supply, as well as waste extraction functions to the biomass container(s) / net cage(s) 10.

When the feed train enters the part of the manifold main feed distribution pipe piece 22 in the manifold 6, if the feed train is pre-programmed for feed delivery to this mani fold 6, the manifold feed train stopper is released in order to stop the feed train within the manifold main feed distribution pipe piece 22. On stopping the feed train, a feed extraction device in the feed buffering module 28 is activated and the feed is extracted from the train and into the feed buffering tank within the feed buffering module 28. From the buffering module 28, the feed is sequentially distributed through the feed flow crossover module 29 to one or more biomass containers 10 via the feed riser or pipe in the bundle 8. The feed lift and flow-regulating device(s) 30 can be adapted for drawing filtered seawater in order to provide additional lift force to the feed batch up the feed riser or pipe to the biomass container 10 of the farm arrange ment. With the terms“feed”,“feed train” and/or“feed batch” it is meant a feed portion or feed dosage that is possible to be transported to certain modules of the farm system and with the help of the existing equipment in different modules of the farm system.

Power consumption in the feed module 66 in the manifold 6 is drawn from the main power and communication cables 5. An extension cable branch from the main power and communication cables 5 terminates in at least one power and communication distribution module 32. All power consumers within the farm center or arrangement draw electrical power via the power and communication distribution module(s) 32. Communication and control signals to and from the operation and support facility 1 via the main power and communication cables 5 also terminate at the power and communication distribution module(s) 32 before being distributed within the feed module 66 and out the connector(s) at the biomass container end of the feed module 66. From the connector(s) at the biomass container end of the feed module 66 electrical power and/or communication and control signals are distributed, via the utility pipe and cable bundle 8, to devices and/or modules in respective biomass container(s) / net cage(s) 10. The power and communication distribution module(s)

32 in the manifold unit 6 can also supply power and control signals to their respective winch(es) 15 in the mooring arrangement. Including the feed module 66, all individual devices or modules within the feed module 66 are retrievable and re-installable either with the help of diver(s), remote operated vehicle(s) / ROV(s) or autonomous underwater vehicle(s).

Air from the manifold main air supply pipeline 24 is distributed via the air branch pipe 27 and an air inlet flow-regulating module 31 and terminates at an air connector before it is distributed to the respective biomass container 10 via an air supply riser or pipe in the utility pipe and cable bundle 8. The air is needed for farmed biomass and additional system functions within the biomass container 10. The air is

distributed from the air inlet flow-regulating module 31 , via the air connector, to one or more air supply elements 11 of the biomass container 10. Sensors in the air supply element(s) 11 can monitor the air reserve / balance and/or quality in order to send signals to the manifold 6 and/or the operation and support facility 1 , if more air should be needed, or if the air in the air supply element(s) 11 should be changed.

The air supply element 11 can in one embodiment have a dome shape for keeping the air within and under the dome arrangement.

Waste from the respective biomass container(s) 10 is transferred via the waste riser or pipe in the utility pipe and cable bundle 8 down to the feed module 66 in the mani fold unit 6, through the waste injection module 33, via the waste branch pipe 26, into the manifold main waste extraction pipe-piece 23 that is in the manifold 6, for return to the operation and support center 1 for further treatment.

In one embodiment, there can be one feed module 66 in the manifold unit 6 (figure 3A). In another embodiment, there can be two feed modules 66 in the manifold unit 6 (figure 3B). It is also possible to have more than two feed modules in one manifold 6.

Figure 3C illustrates another embodiment of the manifold unit 6. Here the main pipe lines 2, 3, 4 and the main power and communication cables 5 can pass through the manifold unit 6. By-pass manifold pipeline branches 25, 26, 27 can come out of the respective main pipelines 2, 3, 4, the manifold branches having respective same or similar sizes thereto, and they can be connected to respective inlet and/or outlet connectors on the feed module 66 of the manifold unit 6. Thus each feed module 66 of the manifold unit 6 comprises inlets and/or outlets for: a feed branch pipe 25 coming or branching out from the manifold main feed distribution pipeline 2; a waste branch pipe 26 coming or branching out from the manifold main waste extraction pipeline 3; and an air branch pipe 27 coming or branching out from the manifold main air distribution pipeline 4, while the main power and communication cables 5 comprise cable branches which terminates in the power and communication module 32 of each feed module 66.

A by-pass pipeline 2’ of same or similar size as the main feed distribution pipeline 2 can run out of the main feed transport pipeline 2 on one side of the manifold 6 and can then run back again into the main feed transport pipeline 2 on the other side of the manifold 6, thus being arranged outside of the manifold unit 6. This arrangement of the by-pass pipeline 2’ will in this case allow for continuous flow downstream of the manifold 6, after the designated feed train (feed portion) has entered the specific manifold 6, and will, at the same time and without any obstacles, secure continuous transportation and by-pass of other feed trains that are not designated for this specific manifold unit 6, but are assigned for other manifolds 6 further on.

In yet another embodiment of the manifold unit 6, one or more of the main pipelines 2, 3, 4 and the main power and communication cables 5 can pass / run outside of the manifold unit 6. A by-pass pipeline of same or similar size as the main feed distribu tion pipeline 2 can run out of the main feed transport pipeline 2 and can be arranged to pass through the manifold unit 6, in order to deliver the designated feed train (feed portion) to the specific manifold unit 6, and can then run back again into the main feed transport pipeline 2 on or after exiting the specific manifold 6. The feed trains that are not designated for this specific manifold unit 6, but are assigned for other manifolds 6, will continue to pass through the main feed distribution pipeline 2 outside the specific manifold 6 without any obstacles.

In the above two alternative embodiments, when a feed train is assigned to a pre defined manifold, the feed train on reaching the by-pass intersection, is diverted off the main feed transport pipeline 2 with the aid of a feed train diverter device at the intersection of the main feed transport pipeline 2 and the by-pass line. All functions for stopping and emptying the feed train in the manifold unit 6 remain the same in all embodiments.

Figure 4 illustrates a biomass container arrangement 9, 10. The biomass container or net cage arrangement itself can comprise some traditional elements, such as e.g. respective rings, nets, lower sections, etc. However, all modules and elements will be modified and reinforced for the open sea application. The biomass container arrangement of the present invention comprises thus two main parts: a lower part constituted of the utility termination unit 9, and an upper part constituted of the modified biomass container 10. The utility termination unit 9 functions as an aggregator and distributor of functions and utilities from the manifold unit 6 and/or the operation and support facility 1 , and vice versa. The utility termination unit 9 can also comprise a swivel hang-off for the utility bundle 8 comprising risers and cables, a swivel pad-eye for securing the biomass container arrangement, via the anchor line or wire 12, to the winch 15 and/or the mooring (foundation) 14. The utility termination unit 9 is configured to distribute to the biomass container 10, via the utility bundle 8, feed, electrical power, air and/or a variety of signals. The utility termination unit 9 is configured to transfer back waste to the manifold unit 6, via the container waste return pipe or riser in the utility bundle 8, and further to the operation and support facility 1 , via the main waste return pipeline 3, as well as to transfer a variety of feed back signals respectively thereto, via the power and communication cable in the utility bundle 8 and the main power and communication cables 5. The process of waste removal can be fully remotely operated. Sensor modules can be used in order to monitor all the waste return processes.

The biomass container 10 can in one embodiment comprise at least one netting, such as e.g. an external predator netting and/or an internal netting.

The air supply element or air dome arrangement 11 in the biomass container or net cage arrangement or assembly can be arranged, by means of fastening wires 37, approximately at the middle top area of the biomass container / net cage 10.

Alternative suitable positions of the air supply element 11 should also be possible. The air supply element 11 can have a semi-spherical shape, or another suitable shape, in order to keep air thereunder. The air needed for the farmed biomass (e.g. fish bladders) is distributed from the utility termination unit 9 to the air supply arrangement 11 by means of air supply pipe (not shown). The needed air is distributed to the utility termination unit 9 respectively from the facility 1 , via the main air supply pipeline 4, and further from the manifold 6, via the air riser or pipe in the bundle 8. The biomass container arrangement can also comprise top buoyancy means or elements 34 and/or middle buoyancy or sinker means or elements 35, all being configured to keep the biomass container / net cage 10 in a desired position. The feed is sequentially delivered to the utility termination unit 9 respectively from the facility 1 , via the main feed transport pipeline 1 , and then from the manifold unit 6, via the feed riser or pipe in the bundle 8. The feed is delivered from the utility termination unit 9 into the biomass container / net cage 10 by means of at least one feed column 38. Said at least one feed column 38 can be arranged to deliver the feed in at least one area position chosen from the group consisting of: the middle area of the biomass container / net cage 10, at least one peripheral side area of the biomass container / net cage 10, the top area of the biomass container / net cage 10 and/or the bottom area of the biomass container / net cage 10. Possible arrangements of the feed columns 38 with feed outlets are shown with arrows on figure 4. The column(s) 38 can, in addition to its(their) lower support(s) in the UTU 9, optionally be supported by wires connected to the top buoyancy elements or rings 34 of the biomass container / net cage 10. The biomass container or net cage arrangement can further comprise locking devices 36, 45 of the biomass container and of the UTU 9 respectively. The locking devices 36, 45 can be configured to lock the top or upper side 45 of the utility termination unit 9 to the bottom or lower side 36 of the biomass container / net cage 10. The locking devices 36, 45 can be reinforced. The biomass container arrangement can further comprise a rotation support device 39 configured to keep the utility pipe and cable bundle 8 securely locked and restricted from rotating whilst the biomass container or net cage 10 may rotate at predefined angle. The rotation support device 39 thereby provides torsion stress protection to the utility pipe and cable bundle 8. The biomass container 10 shall be equipped with sensors for monitoring internal and external biomass container environment, biomass or fish welfare and biomass container structural integrity among others. The sensors shall include, but are not limited to, at least one of: cameras placed at varying depth, sonars, GPS, accelerometers, gyros, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, water current sensors, salinity sensors, heave sensors, acidity sensors, oxygen saturation sensors, light sensors and/or frequency transmitters, etc. Sensors can be arranged and located in such a manner so that they can individually or in groups be retrieved.

Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the biomass container utility distribution unit or utility termination unit 9. The utility pipe and cable bundle 8 terminates at the utility termination unit 9 in a bottom-side connection device 46 comprising electrical and communication connectors, feed-line connectors, waste-line connectors and air-line connectors. The utility termination unit 9 is connected to the biomass container 10 by means of the locking device 36 on the biomass container 10 and the unit 9 locking device 45. The utility termination unit 9 and the biomass container 10 are held in a certain depth by means of the mooring wire 12 that is connected to the bottom side of the utility termination unit 9. The utility termination unit 9 can comprise, for example on its top side, a waste aggregation element 47, which can be a waste aggregation funnel or cone configured for aggregating excess feed, fish waste and/or dead fish. The utility termination unit 9 can further comprise a waste handling module 48 configured for handling the accumulated waste, which then is sent to a waste flow regulating module 49 configured for e.g. generating pressure for transferring the waste to the manifold unit 6, via the bottom-side connection device 46 and the waste riser or pipe in the bundle 8. The waste handling module 48 can comprise a mechanical contraption unit with or without a vibrating function with or without a vortex generator for compacting solid waste within the waste aggregation element 47 in order to facilitate and ease the waste collecting. The waste flow regulating module 49 can comprise one or more pumps or/and grinder configured for effectuating the grinding of large solid waste matter if required and generating hydraulic pressure for transferring the waste from the biomass container 10 to the manifold unit 6 via the waste riser or pipe in the bundle 8. Alternatively, the feed module 66 in the manifold unit 6 can comprise a one or more suction pumps with or without a grinder function configured for transferring the waste from the biomass container / net cage 10 to the manifold 6. The accumulated volume of waste can be monitored by at least one of: weight sensor(s), cameras and/or other relevant sensors of choice, and when required the volume of waste can be pumped out to the manifold 6 based on manual or automatic actuation. The utility termination unit 9 can further comprise a power distribution cabling 41 and a communication and control distribution cabling 42 adapted respectively to distribute power and signals, coming from the manifold 6 via the power and communication cable in the bundle 8, to and/or from the biomass container 10 and its components thereof. The power distribution cabling 41 provides power supply for lights, cameras, sensors, equipment, valves, pressure and flow generators and other power consumers within the utility termination unit 9, the bio mass container 10 or other power consuming equipment or items connected via power cables to the biomass container 10. The power distribution cabling 41 also functions as conduit for control, monitoring and response signals to the above listed power consumers. The utility termination unit 9 can further comprise a feedline extension pipe 43 and an air supply extension pipe 44 adapted respectively to distribute feed and air from the manifold 6 to the biomass container / net cage 10.

The power distribution cabling 41 , the communication and control distribution cabling 42, the feedline extension pipe 43 and the air supply extension pipe 44 can terminate in a top-side connection device 40 comprising all necessary connectors. The utility termination unit 9 can be made of stress tolerant materials to support the resultant stresses associated with the buoyancy force from the biomass container / net cage 10 and/or the anchoring of the winch 15 on the seabed. The outer material may be of steel plating or other adequate materials as the use may deem appropriate. In one embodiment, the utility termination unit 9 can be totally enclosed. Also in one embodiment, the collector element 47 for waste, such as excess feed, fish or biomass waste and/or dead fish or biomass, can be arranged in the middle of the utility termination unit 9. The aggregation element 47 can be made of a light watertight material, such as, but not limited to, either metal or a polymer based canvas. The lower end of the funnel 47 ends in a connector at the waste handling module 48. The top end of the funnel 47 can be connected to the lower end of a netting (e.g. the outer predator netting or another netting) of the biomass container or net cage 10, such that the lower end of the inner netting, if there is such inner netting, may hang freely or alternatively be fixed within the waste collection element 47. The utility termination unit 9 and/or the biomass container 10 can optionally comprise support facilities adapted to support and aid diver(s), remote operated vehicle(s), autonomous vehicle(s)/drone(s) when working on the biomass container assembly or arrangement, or during normal operations. The utility termination unit 9 can be configured to be independent of the biomass container 10 such that the biomass container 10 can be retrieved for maintenance or harvesting while the utility termination unit 9 may remain submerged floating. Buoyancy of the utility termination unit 9 may be provided by external buoyancy elements or/and via integrated inflatable buoyancy elements.

Figure 6 illustrates the mooring arrangement according to the present invention. The biomass container arrangement 9, 10 is moored to the seabed by the anchor or mooring line or wire 12, which can for example be a taut steel wire. The mooring wire 12 can provide for stiffly mooring in order to limit the movement of the biomass container arrangement 9, 10. A secondary mooring arrangement or assembly of wires can be attached to the buoyancy rings 34, 35 of the biomass container 10 in order to prevent rotation of the biomass container / net cage 10. The buoyancy elements 34, 35 of the biomass container 10 can be reinforced. The biomass container / net cage 10 is designed to be remotely operated in order to allow it to be located in a surface location or at a predefined or desired operational depth, or in case of expected bad weather / big waves / strong current(s) / passing vessels or similar at a predefined safe depth. The seabed mooring arrangement will be based on:

• A seabed anchor 14 under the biomass container / net cage 10, based on a large clump weight, a suction anchor, a mooring foundation 14 or similar, and designed to withstand the buoyancy force of the biomass container / net cage 10.

• The seabed anchor will comprise a disc transfer / a reel device 50 adapted for connecting the other end of the mooring wire 12 to a winch 15, which can be electrically and remotely operated. The winch 15 can be located on a separate seabed support foundation 14’. This other support 14’ will primarily be exposed to horizontal loads whereas the anchor support 14 will primarily be exposed to vertical loads.

• Even if the biomass container arrangement 9, 10 is fully submerged in operation and located in deep water, in adverse weather conditions, the mooring

arrangement may be exposed to sudden load peaks. In order to limit fatigue exposure on the wire 12 of the mooring arrangement, the seabed anchor 14 can be fitted with a damper module / heave compensator 51 that will mitigate transferring load peaks in a locked mooring system.

• The winch 15 is designed so that if it fails in operation, it can be removed from its support and replaced by a spare unit from the central facility 1. When a removal is required, the mooring wire 12 will be locked to the winch foundation allowing the winch 15 to be lifted off with the biomass container / net cage 10 still safely moored. There will be no impact on the biomass container arrangement 9, 10 during winch 15 change out, but for the period when the winch 15 is removed, the biomass container arrangement 9, 10 cannot shift elevation in the water-plane without support from an external vessel on or below the surface. For this purpose, the winch end of the mooring wire 12 and the free end of the winch wire are supplied with suitable wire locking devices 52 configured for firmly locking these two ends. An emergency wire lock device 53 on one end of an emergency wire is configured for firmly connecting or locking the emergency wire to the wire locking device 52 on the winch end of the mooring wire 12. The other end of the emergency wire is firmly connected to a mooring lock shackle 54 arranged on a separate mooring foundation 14” or on the winch 15 mooring foundation 14’.

The farm system can optionally comprise at least one feed storage container adapted for storage of feed. Said at least one feed storage container can be arranged in, at or near the manifold unit 6 and/or in, at or near the biomass container arrangement 9,

10. Thus, the feed train, received in the feed extraction device of the feed buffering module 28 in the manifold 6, instead of sending it directly to the biomass container(s) / net cage(s) 10, can be sent to and stored in said at least one feed storage container.

The farm system can comprise suction and/or lift and/or other suitable pumps adapted for transferring feed and/or waste from and/or to a desired location to and/or from another desired location.

The feed can be in a fluid, paste or dry form. The feed can optionally be mixed with water, for example seawater or filtered seawater, or another suitable fluid or gas, in order to facilitate and ease the feed transportation and distribution. The same can be done with the waste.

In another embodiment of the farm system, the main pipelines 2, 3, 4 and the main power and communication cables 5 can be arranged in a main bundle.

In yet another embodiment of the farm system, live or living fish or biomass from the biomass container 10 can be returned to the operation and support center 1 for production processing and/or storing, respectively via the utility pipe and cable bundle 8, the manifold unit 6 and the main waste return pipeline 3 (when not used for transporting waste) or another dedicated return pipeline. Additional modifications, alterations and adaptations of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following patent claims.