Air Liquide and Aquponi launch joint R&D initiative for seawater-based aquaponics

Air Liquide Japan and Air Liquide R&D have partnered with Aquponi Inc. to launch a collaborative Research and Development (R&D) project to explore and develop innovative seawater-based aquaponics for commercial use. This research aims to advance the understanding and implementation of practical seawater-based aquaponics, contributing to a more sustainable food production system.

Air Liquide and Aquponi Inc. will evaluate the feasibility of a new seawater-based aquaponics technology for a sustainable and efficient food system. Through this project, the partners aim to contribute to the development of solutions that facilitate the cultivation of aquatic animal species and enhance plant growth in a saltwater environment. By leveraging Air Liquide’s gas application technologies in aquaculture and hydroponics combined with Aquponi’s expertise in establishing aquaponics systems, this innovative approach represents the world's first attempt at commercial-scale seawater aquaponics.¹

The oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolution technologies developed by Air Liquide enable a reduction in the fish rearing and plant growth times. As part of this project, the Group will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, installation and data analysis of these gas applications in a seawater environment. Meanwhile, Aquponi, which has a track record of 52 aquaponics farm installations across Japan, will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, installation, and management of the aquaponics system, as well as the shrimp and plant production.

Aquaponics is a recirculating system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals) and hydroponics (cultivating plants in water). In this system, fish waste is broken down by microorganisms and transformed into nutrients for plants. The water, purified by the plants, is then returned to the fish tank, promoting efficient water use and reducing environmental impact.

While conventional aquaponics has focused on freshwater fish, thus limiting the variety of fish species that can be raised, the use of seawater opens up new opportunities for cultivating shrimp, saltwater fish, and other marine species.

Koji Makihara, President and CEO, Air Liquide Japan stated: “The collaboration between Air Liquide and Aquponi is an innovative initiative representing a significant step towards a more sustainable food production. By synergizing the technologies and knowledge that each company has cultivated, and by conducting commercial-scale validation tests, we believe we can reduce environmental impact and build viable next-generation food systems."

^１ As of March 24, 2025, according to Air Liquide’s research
 

Communications, Air Liquide Japan
ww-aljcommunications@airliquide.com