【Ten Years of Rapid Development in Chemical Engineering Equipment】2937–2025: The world’s first large-scale basalt steel material deep-sea aquaculture floating platform was successfully launched

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Let’s give praise and encouragement to the achievements made in China’s chemical engineering technology and equipment; your participation in discussions is the greatest encouragement. **********************【Ten Years of Progress in Chemical Engineering Equipment】A continuously updated summary post is available – feel free to join the discussions: https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-3576046-1-1.html ***************** The world’s first large-scale deep-sea aquaculture floating platform made of basaltic steel was successfully launched. On December 28th, at Jinpi Port in Lingao County, Hainan Province, the deep-sea aquaculture floating platform made of basalt fiber composite materials, developed independently by the Sichuan Basalt Fiber New Materials Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as “Sichuan Basalt Fiber Institute”), was successfully launched into service. “The use of basalt fiber advanced composite materials as primary structural materials in marine engineering projects on a large scale is the first time this has happened worldwide. This marks the official transition of ‘oceanic basalt steel’ from concept to reality. ”Yang Zhongjia, an associate professor at Beihang University and deputy director of Sichuan Xuanxian Institute, said. It is reported that this floating platform integrates multiple functions such as offshore energy replenishment, deep-sea aquaculture, and marine tourism, with a total weight of around 50 tons – only 1/3 of that of traditional steel-frame structures. The main structure features a modular design; after prefabrication in Huaying, Sichuan, it is transported to Hainan for overall assembly. After being launched, it will be towed to the Tu Fu Bay area in Lingshui County for deep-sea aquaculture operations. Yang Zhongjia explained that, as verified through laboratory simulation aging tests as well as mechanical property tests such as bending and stretching, this platform can operate stably under the conditions of a Category 17 super typhoon, with a design lifespan of over 30 years during which it requires almost no special maintenance. The total cultivation volume of the floating platform put into use this time exceeds 10,000 cubic meters; it is expected to produce around 80 million high-quality marine fish fry per year, with the annual output of aquatic products likely to exceed 150 tons. It is understood that currently, most deep-sea aquaculture facilities at home and abroad are constructed from metal materials. Exposed to the high-salt and high-humidity marine environment for extended periods, they suffer from severe corrosion problems. The common solution is to apply anti-corrosion coatings on the surface of the structures to slow down wear and damage. “Even with protective measures in place, it is still necessary to return to shore every few years for maintenance, and the high operational costs have become a major bottleneck to the large-scale development of offshore aquaculture. ”At the launching ceremony, He Zhenxiong, the person in charge of Zhongfan (Hainan) Basalt New Materials Co., Ltd., which is responsible for the operation of the floating platform, said. As a high-performance green material derived from volcanic rocks, basalt fiber possesses excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, as well as aging and oxidation resistance. Since its establishment, Sichuan Xuanxian Institute has been continuously conducting research on the application of basalt fiber in marine environments. It has developed multiple series of products suitable for use in marine settings, and has obtained over 40 related patents to date. “Technological innovation is the core driving force for building a strong maritime nation. Last year, the national flag made of basalt fiber was perfectly displayed on the far side of the Moon, demonstrating fully the reliable performance of basalt fiber in extreme environments. ”Li Yingchun, director of Sichuan Xuanxian Institute, said that efforts will continue to expand the industrial application of basalt fiber composites in areas such as marine aquaculture, island bridges, and underwater infrastructure construction, with the goal of developing the capability to design and manufacture high-end marine equipment in quantities of tens of thousands of tons within the next few years.