The challenge of mooring offshore fish cages lies in the combination of large environmental loads, complex seabed conditions, and the requirement for high operational reliability over long periods. The cages are large, flexible structures continuously affected by waves, currents, wind, and, in some areas, ice, with loads varying in both magnitude and direction. During storms, forces can increase rapidly, and the mooring system must withstand both long-term wear and extreme events without failure.
At the same time, the seabed often consists of a mix of rock, stones, sand, or clay, making anchor selection and placement challenging and increasing the risk of poor holding if the ground conditions are not adequately mapped. Over time, chains, ropes, and connections are exposed to abrasion, corrosion, and material fatigue, and even minor damage can develop into a break if not detected early. Additionally, mooring functions as an integrated system where the cage, floating collar, net, mooring lines, and anchors all interact, so changes in one component can lead to increased loads and cascading failures elsewhere.
With the trend toward larger cages and more exposed locations, these challenges are further amplified, placing higher demands on design, analysis, material selection, and continuous monitoring to reduce the risk of damage, escape, and operational downtime.
