China has officially launched Xinhuan No. 1, its largest semi-submersible fish farming platform, in Sanya, Hainan Province.
The offshore facility combines large-scale aquaculture with tourism services and is designed to produce up to 4,000 tonnes of fish every year. The project highlights China’s growing investment in modern marine farming and sustainable seafood production.
The platform has an aquaculture water volume of 64,000 cubic meters. That is roughly equal to the capacity of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Crew members began releasing around 3 million fish fry when operations formally started. The stocking process is expected to continue over 20 to 30 days. Most of the fry belong to the fourfinger threadfin and pearl grouper species.
Advanced Offshore Aquaculture System
The fish are expected to reach an average weight of more than 0.5 kilograms after around 10 months of farming. Once they reach market size, they will be supplied to consumers across the region. The production cycle is designed to ensure a steady supply of seafood throughout the year.
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Xinhuan No. 1 uses a rotational farming system to improve efficiency. Fish are harvested in batches while new fry are added to maintain the ideal population inside the cages. This approach helps maximize production while maintaining stable growing conditions.
A semi-submersible platform is built to operate in offshore waters while remaining stable in changing sea conditions. Such systems provide a controlled environment for fish farming and allow operators to use ocean space more efficiently. They are becoming an important part of modern aquaculture as demand for seafood continues to rise.
Offshore Fish Farming Reimagined
The project is designed to support more than just fish farming. Operators plan to develop tourism-related activities, including recreational fishing and sightseeing trips. Visitors will be able to experience offshore aquaculture operations firsthand.
According to project manager Li Xihuan, the platform aims to raise two batches of fish each year. Each batch is expected to produce around 2,000 tonnes, bringing annual output to 4,000 tonnes. The company plans to combine seafood production with tourism services to create additional revenue streams.
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China has been expanding offshore aquaculture to strengthen food security and reduce pressure on coastal farming areas. Large marine farming platforms such as Xinhuan No. 1 are part of this strategy. As more advanced facilities enter service, offshore aquaculture is expected to play a larger role in meeting the country’s growing demand for seafood.
