World’s largest tropical seaweed farm up and running – In a revolutionary move for the aquaculture industry, Sea6 Energy, a pioneering company with roots in India, has opened the doors to the world’s largest mechanised tropical seaweed farm, located off the scenic coast of Lombok, Indonesia. This innovative project covers an impressive area of 1 km² and marks a decisive moment for the sustainable cultivation of algae on a large scale, promising revolutionary applications in fields such as biostimulants, bioplastics, and research and development of renewable chemicals and fuels.
Until now, the large-scale harvesting of tropical algae has faced numerous obstacles, mainly due to a lack of efficient methods that have limited the research and use of algae in large-scale industrial applications. Sea6 Energy tackled this challenge head-on by automating the entire cultivation cycle, from planting to harvesting, and innovating in technologies that significantly extend the conservation of raw materials.
The launch of this unprecedented initiative was attended by important Indonesian institutional figures, highlighting support and enthusiasm for a project that promises to be a pillar for environmental protection and regional economic development.
India’s Ambassador to Indonesia and East Timor, Sandeep Chakravorty, praised Sea6 Energy’s project as an exemplar of India-Indonesia cooperation in the blue economy, emphasising Sea6 Energy’s role as a global leader in algae cultivation and processing technologies.
With nearly $30 million in international investment raised over the past ten years, including funds from the well-known AquaSpark, a Dutch fund dedicated to sustainable aquaculture, Sea6 Energy is committed to transforming aquaculture into a sustainable and innovative industry.
Nelson Vadassery, co-founder and CEO of Sea6 Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the opening of the farm, emphasising the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the ocean economy. This initiative, he added, not only highlights the vast potential of seaweed cultivation, but also reaffirms the responsibility to develop sustainable products that will benefit future generations.
World’s largest tropical seaweed farm in operation
