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Features of the MINATOMA? System

Reduces environmental impact, improves oceanic environment, and makes sustainable, near-coast aquaculture possible

1. Developed based on Kawasaki technologies

2. Aquaculture performed in minimal space with a controlled sea surface
Based on Kawasaki’s existing technologies mentioned above, a new technology for aquaculture in a semi-closed environment was developed, which prevents viruses and parasites from entering the farm as much as possible, and optimizes properties of the seawater and oxygen supply. Also, by enabling high-density fish farming, the system minimizes the occupied space.

3. Eco-friendly
Because the properties of the water are controlled, chemical-free aquaculture that imposes the least environmental impact is possible. The system also extracts microplastics from the seawater taken in to the system and improves the oceanic environment.

4. Near-port, near-coast aquaculture reduces distribution costs and energy use, and achieves a stable supply of cultured fish
This system makes aquaculture possible in the sea near ports and coastal areas previously not used for fish farming, enabling fish farmers to stably deliver safe and fresh fish from locations close to consumers. Because farming is conducted close to areas of consumption, transport distance is short, less management for temperature control and storage is necessary, transport costs and energy use are significantly reduced, and smaller environmental impact is imposed. Fish farming in the close proximity of consumers also allows for controlling production volume according to demand and the provision of a stable supply of marine food. These advantages will revitalize local fishery businesses, increase employment, activate local economies, and help establish brands of local specialties.

5. Year-round aquaculture utilizing previously-unused cold energy and waste heat
In the future, the system will be upgraded to utilize cold energy from liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied hydrogen (LH2), waste heat from factories, and renewable energy, to maintain optimal temperatures for the fish, which will make aquaculture possible all year round.

6. High-quality fish
This system grows fish in an environment where entry of viruses and parasites is prevented, water properties are controlled, and the high quality of the fish is maintained by proper water circulation, resulting in safe and tasty marine products. By applying the system to various types of fish, domestically-grown, fresh, and high value-added marine products can be made available all year round.

Development of New Aquaculture Business Models — Farming and Distribution Assisted by Maruha Nichiro

In this project, farming of fish and distribution are assisted by a leading fishery company, Maruha Nichiro Corporation (headquartered in Koto City, Tokyo; President & CEO Masaru Ikemi). In 2022, Kawasaki partnered with this company to develop relevant technologies at the company’s aquaculture site. After completing four demonstration tests, Kawasaki launched full-scale testing in the sea by the Kobe Works. Kawasaki’s engineering capabilities, technological prowess, and its close ties with gas and power companies, coupled with Maruha Nichiro’s fish farming expertise, sales/distribution channels, and close connection with fishery-related associations and entities, should result in new aquaculture business models.

Farming Tests Are Being Carried Out in the Sea by the Kobe Works

In January through April 2025, in preparation for the commercialization of the system, test farming of trout salmon has been conducted in the sea near the Port of Kobe (by Kawasaki’s Kobe Works).

Test farming near the Port of Kobe (by Kawasaki’s Kobe Works)		Transferring trout salmon weighting about 1 kg to the tank

Project Manager’s Comment
In 2017, after participating in an international academic conference as an engineer specialized in liquefied gas carriers, I decided to launch this project. I have a passion for resolving social challenges by further utilizing technologies that Kawasaki owns. People with the same passion — inside and outside Kawasaki — supported this project, and thanks to them, it has been making steady progress. The MINAOMAE Project is an initiative that pioneers the next-generation fishery. It also achieves a new aquaculture that contributes to reinforcing Japan’s food security, and we are making efforts to help markets and local governments recognize the project’s potential, to contribute to local economies, and to strengthen partnerships with related companies to achieve these goals. All these efforts are focused on value creation for Japan’s aquaculture industry, so that the industry will achieve medium- and long-term growth, and increased competitiveness.

For more than 120 years, since its incorporation in 1896, the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group has been providing value to society in various ways based on its state-of-the-art, advanced technologies used for manufacturing products that encompass the land, sea, and air sectors. In 2020, we set “Trustworthy Solutions for the Future” as our vision to be achieved by 2030 (Group Vision 2030), with three focused fields: “A safe and secure remotely-connected society,” “near-future mobility,” and “energy and environmental solutions,” in order achieve a sustainable society. Centered around this newly-developed aquaculture system, we are committed to establishing and providing a business model that allows for year-round fish farming, thereby contributing to a safe and secure society for everyone, backed by robust food security and conserving the earth’s environment, especially the marine environment.