Ocean dynamics & site modelling
Make informed aquaculture decisions with current and wave measurements and assessments, metocean reports, and environmental site modelling.
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Ocean dynamics & site modelling
Challenges in ocean dynamics for aquaculture
Understanding environmental conditions such as currents and waves is critical for sea-based aquaculture site planning, infrastructure design, and risk mitigation. Robust modelling supports both operational safety and environmental performance.
How our ocean dynamics services support you
DNV offers hydrodynamic services including current and wave measurement and analysis, metocean and site survey reports, and numerical modelling to support safe and optimal aquaculture operations.
Our ocean dynamics services include:
- Site report and modelling: Assessment and modelling of environmental conditions, including currents, waves, ice, water quality (salinity, N, P), and seabed characteristics, to evaluate site suitability and support safe, reliable farm design.
- Environmental modelling: Assessing and documenting the environmental suitability of new or expanded aquaculture operations through advanced modelling techniques, including:
- Dispersion modelling: Evaluating how uneaten feed and waste materials may disperse and impact surrounding environments, such as spawning grounds or coral reefs.
- AZE (Allowable Zone of Effect) modelling: Assessing environmental impacts to support compliance with standards like the ASC.
- Climate impact modelling: Analysing long-term site suitability under various climate change scenarios.
- Biosecurity modelling: Simulating the potential spread of diseases to support risk mitigation.
- Technology readiness assessments: Modelling site conditions to evaluate suitability for emerging technologies such as closed and semi-closed containment systems.
Trusted experts in aquaculture
With extensive independent expertise in marine operations, DNV supports aquaculture stakeholders – from designers and shipyards to entrepreneurs and farmers – through every stage.
Our expertise in ocean dynamics and environmental modelling provides the data and insights needed to site, design, and operate aquaculture infrastructure safely and efficiently. We help you gain technology approval, meet regulatory requirements, and optimize operational performance.
Benefits of our ocean dynamics services
- Improved site selection and infrastructure planning.
- Reduced risk of weather-related damage.
- Support for environmental permitting and impact assessment.
- Optimized production through better design inputs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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Ocean dynamics modelling uses scientific data and computer simulations to understand how water moves within marine environments. It helps predict currents, tides, waves and water exchange that may affect aquaculture operations.
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Understanding local ocean conditions helps producers select suitable farm locations, optimize infrastructure design, improve fish welfare and reduce environmental impacts.
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Site modelling may incorporate information such as currents, tides, waves, wind, bathymetry, water temperature, salinity, nutrients and dissolved oxygen, depending on project objectives.
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Hydrodynamic modelling simulates the movement of water within rivers, lakes and marine environments to help understand environmental conditions and support engineering or operational decisions.
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By understanding water movement and environmental conditions, operators can optimize site selection and farm design to provide better growing conditions and reduce biological risks.
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Ocean modelling helps engineers understand environmental loads and water movement, supporting more robust infrastructure design and improved operational performance.
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Yes. A better understanding of environmental conditions helps operators anticipate challenges, optimize site layouts and improve long-term operational resilience.
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DNV provides scientific modelling and environmental assessments that help aquaculture operators understand site conditions, optimize farm design and support sustainable development decisions.
Resources to strengthen your ocean modelling and site planning
Explore how DNV supports aquaculture operators with data-driven insights, metocean modelling, and environmental assessments - enabling safer, more sustainable operations.
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