Structural analysis and prototype model testing of offshore floating structure for aquaculture seaweed ocean farming

Abstract

Seaweed farming has become one of the natural resources which are economically important for Malaysia. Since the government introduce the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) on September 20 l O seaweed production is included with the mission to produce seaweed up to I million metric tons per year. Ever since 1978, Sabah is the main seaweed producer in Malaysia and most of the total production is fanned off the coast of Sempoma, which is located in the east coast of Sabab. What make it less suitable to be developed in peninsular is because of the existing cultivation systems for seaweed is not suitable with most of deep and opens water area in peninsular. Moreover, the existing cultivation systems are less sustainable on environment and economics. The significant of seaweed apart from their vital role in providing high value food, they also can be used for resources of gels and chemicals used in everyday commodities. In order to maintain the competitiveness of Malaysia seaweed production in global market, certain strategic action in ensuring product need to be implemented. Therefore, other cultivation system which is suitable in peninsular has to be develop in order to support the production and meet the required target. The purpose of this research is to create a design of the offshore floating structures scientifically based on improvement of the existing Long Line System for commercializes scale seaweed fanning in Peninsular Malaysia. Some key factors in the design, prototype and testing of floating offshore structures need to be considered for the development of ocean fanning. This topics covered range from static and dynamic responses study, transient response, maximum loading and floating structure interaction force regarding spectral modelling approaches.