New Zealand’s Leading Innovators Join Forces to Propel Aquaculture Industry Growth

Photo: Left to right: Bob Cumming, Sean Dogget, Chris Rodley, Jodie Kutzsch

Data-rich unmanned sea vessels for use in aquaculture could be in our waters from next year, thanks to two Nelson tech trailblazers, brought together by Moananui.  

Snap Information Technologies Ltd (SnapCore) and Marine AI (NZ) Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday (26th) at the Moananui HQ in Nelson city, and will start work immediately on their inaugural project - a fusion of unmanned surface vessel and unmanned underwater vessel, fortified with AI-driven data collection and analytics.  

The project partners know that the global aquaculture market, valued at $467 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $680 billion by 2030, presents a substantial opportunity.  

New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, celebrated for its premium seafood, exports to 81 countries, generating approximately $650 million in annual sales.

Aligned with the Government's vision to expand the sector to $3 billion in annual sales by 2035 and create regional job opportunities across Te Tau Ihu, this collaboration focuses on:

1. Maximising the value of existing aquaculture farms through innovation.

2. Venturing into high-value land-based aquaculture.

3. Expanding aquaculture operations into the open ocean.

The SnapCore-Marine AI vessel project would give aquaculture companies unprecedented insights into harvest readiness, health and disease monitoring, environmental impact assessment and operational efficiency.

Over the next two years, it is also anticipated that the project would bring an additional 150 skilled jobs to the region, amplifying both technological advancement and job creation, thereby enhancing the economic prosperity of the region.

SnapCore and Marine AI have already developed their own groundbreaking solutions that support the future growth of aquaculture. But, by collaborating, project development times on the new vessels will be even faster, with a delivery goal of early 2025.

Bob Cumming, Chief Executive of Marine AI, said, “We have been working on this project for about two and half years at Marine AI, so it is very exciting to get to this point. Having just been in Tasmania with a Moananui delegation, we witnessed an exceptional technological landscape that underscores the significance of our collaboration with SnapCore.  Together we are poised to expedite our timelines and push the boundaries even higher.”

SnapCore and Marine AI thank the Moananui team’s guidance leading up to the freshly minted partnership.

Chris Rodley, CEO and Founder of Snap Core, said, “With our combined expertise and commitment to innovation, we know we are poised to make significant advancements in New Zealand’s aquaculture sector. And, Moananui’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration shows the power of collective action in shaping our industry’s future."

Sean Doggett, Managing Director of Marine AI, said, "We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with SnapCore. We know that together we can revolutionise aquaculture practices in New Zealand, from Nelson. Companies like ours, and the whole region, are privileged to have Moananui here, with its status as the national centre for blue economy innovation."

Jodie Kuntzsch, Chief Executive of Moananui, said, "The signing of this MoU is what we are all about, supporting collaboration that pushes the boundaries of technological innovation while fostering economic and environmental resilience. What SnapCore and Marine AI are going to do together is another string to the region’s innovation bow. It’s fantastic.”

SnapCore - is a leading manufacturer of high-tech products, offering a diverse technology suite encompassing software, hardware, and AI capabilities. With over a decade of field experience and continuous design refinement, SnapCore’s technology suite demonstrates substantial expertise in advanced hardware and AI-driven data capture and analysis.

Marine AI - specialises in using AI to solve problems in the marine environment. It designs and manufactures autonomous surface and sub-surface vessels, distinguished by their class-leading AI-based navigational systems. Crafted to integrate customised sensor suites, empowered by AI-driven applications, these platforms cater to the demanding requirements of clients operating in extreme or hazardous environments.

Moananui - serves as the national centre for blue economy innovation and high-value creation, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and access to innovation opportunities to accelerate responsible development within the maritime sector.

Read more here. https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/350196264/unmanned-boats-boost-aquaculture

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