NEWS

ARK Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a project operator for the “FY2025 Supplementary Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project Subsidy (Small-Scale Demonstration and Feasibility Study Project)” by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Under this project, ARK will install its proprietary modular recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), “ARK,” in the UAE and Indonesia, and conduct demonstration projects for land-based aquaculture adapted to local environmental conditions.

The UAE project was selected as a joint proposal with SEA TECH Co.,Ltd. (https://www.sea-tech.jp). In the UAE, the project will verify the operational stability, fish growth performance, operating structure, and economic feasibility of the closed-loop land-based aquaculture system, with the aim of contributing to the country’s food security. Through demonstration under local environmental conditions, ARK aims to establish an overseas deployment model for Japan-origin land-based aquaculture DX solutions.

SEA TECH Co.,Ltd., headquartered in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a specialist manufacturer of fisheries machinery and production lines. The company provides integrated services ranging from the development, design, and manufacturing to the installation of seafood processing equipment. In this project, ARK will combine its closed-loop land-based aquaculture system with SEA TECH Co.,Ltd.’s expertise in fisheries machinery, production lines, and aquaculture-related auxiliary equipment, and the two companies will collaborate on specifications and peripheral equipment adapted to the UAE’s environment and standards.

Meanwhile, the Indonesia project will be led by ARK in collaboration with a local partner. Recognizing Indonesia’s significant potential as one of the world’s leading aquaculture producers, the project aims to support the development of sustainable land-based aquaculture through the implementation of ARK’s closed-loop recirculating aquaculture system (RAS).

The project will focus on demonstrating a fry and seedling production model while collecting operational and growth management data through IoT-based remote monitoring. In addition to evaluating the system’s operational performance and economic feasibility, the project aims to enhance hatchery productivity, improve survival rates, and contribute to the long-term development of Indonesia’s aquaculture industry through knowledge sharing and technology collaboration.

Through close collaboration with a local partner and implementation in accordance with applicable Indonesian regulations, ARK seeks to establish a sustainable model that supports Indonesia’s food security and the future growth of its fisheries sector.

The project period is scheduled to run from November 2026 to April 2028. Through close collaboration with partners in the UAE and Indonesia, ARK aims to advance sustainable seafood production while supporting the long-term development of resilient aquaculture industries, contributing to food security and sustainable fisheries in both countries.

Land-based aquaculture is positioned as one of the key fields of food tech under the 17 growth strategy areas promoted by the Japanese government.

Through this project, ARK will accelerate the overseas deployment of Japan-origin land-based aquaculture technology and contribute to food security and the development of the fisheries industries in both countries.