Marine Airbags in Action: Abalone Cage Transport and Installation

Marine Airbags in Aquaculture: New Application for NATIONAL ABALONE NO.1 Breeding Cage

Project Overview

• Project Name: Guobao No.1 Deep-Sea Intelligent Aquaculture Cage
• Location: Bohai Sea, China
• Date: October 9, 2020
• Application: Marine aquaculture – abalone cage bottom-sitting installation
• Dimensions: 36m (L) × 36m (W) × 21m (Draft)
• Support Equipment: 34 custom-engineered marine airbags
• Partner: Shandong Nanhai Airbag Engineering Co., Ltd.

Why This Project Matters: Breaking New Ground in Marine Engineering

The marine aquaculture industry is moving into deeper and more complex offshore zones. Traditionally, heavy-lift cranes and barges dominate the installation of large underwater structures such as oil platform jackets. However, these systems are expensive, limited by sea conditions, and inaccessible for many coastal projects.

In contrast, the “Guobao No.1” project introduced a completely new method: using marine airbags to fully support the transport, flotation, and controlled seabed placement of an extra-large aquaculture cage, without a floating crane.

Our Innovation: Large Marine Airbag for Full-Lift Aquaculture Deployment

Shandong Nanhai designed and produced 34 extra-large marine airbags to carry out this task. Over three months, engineers carefully calculated the structure’s needs and delivered a tailored solution.

Key Specs of the Marine Airbags:

• Diameter: 3–3.5 meters
• Length: 10–16 meters
• Buoyancy per unit: Over 100 tons
• Weight per unit: Only 1.5–2 tons
• Total Buoyancy Provided: ~3400 tons

Using this customized airbag system, the team successfully completed the first bottom-sitting aquaculture cage installation in China using only airbags. At exactly 4:00 a.m. on October 9, 2020, Guobao No.1 sat stably on the seafloor of the Bohai Sea—an engineering milestone that was also covered by local TV.

Installation Process: Controlled, Safe, and Efficient

Rather than lifting the cage into the water, the team floated it out using inflated marine airbags. Once the structure reached the target position, technicians slowly released air from each bag to lower the platform gently onto the seafloor.

This step-by-step deflation provided full control over the descent, preventing shock impact and ensuring perfect balance—a process far safer and more precise than traditional crane-lowering methods.

Advantages of Marine Airbags in Aquaculture Engineering

Cost Savings – Eliminates the need for floating cranes or specialized vessels
Safety & Control – Allows gradual, adjustable descent to the seabed
Engineering Simplicity – Reduces reliance on steel buoyancy tanks
Lightweight System – Minimal deadweight, high buoyancy ratio
Market Advantage – Lower steel consumption = lower manufacturing cost

Moreover, this successful case proves that airbags can take on the heaviest marine tasks, not just ship launching.

Project Impact & Recognition

This was the first time in China that an extra-large seabed cage installation was fully supported by airbags without any floating crane. The success of “Guobao No.1” has now set a new standard for future large-scale aquaculture engineering.

“We used to rely on heavy cranes, which was costly and time-consuming. With marine airbags, we completed the installation faster and safer—without big machinery.”
— Project Manager, National Abalone Breeding Program

FAQ

Q: Can marine airbags replace floating cranes in aquaculture installations?
A: Yes. For structures like deep-sea cages or bottom-sitting platforms, marine airbags offer a safe, cost-effective alternative.

Q: How much weight can a marine airbag lift?
A: Depending on size, a single airbag can provide over 100 tons of buoyancy while weighing just 1.5–2 tons.

Q: Are marine airbags reusable in marine engineering?
A: Absolutely. With proper care, they can be used in multiple engineering or aquaculture projects.

Looking Ahead

“Guobao No.1” proved that marine airbags can transform how we build and install large marine structures. By offering safe buoyancy and full control—without cranes—this method opens up new opportunities for deep-sea aquaculture worldwide.