Novel centre column design

At the heart of the Brim farm system lies a key innovation: the Cigar, our novel center column design, engineered for optimal seawater management and fish welfare.

The Cigar is built from two pipes — an outer and an inner pipe — working together to ensure the safe return of used seawater. Seawater from the fish tank flows through fine-meshed filters integrated into the outer pipe. These filters serve as the primary barrier, preventing fish escape while maintaining smooth water circulation. From there, water travels upward between the pipes and exits over the top of the inner pipe.

To minimise energy consumption, we maintain a gentle overpressure of just 20–30 cm in the tank. This is enough to ensure consistent back-flow of used seawater through the inner pipe and safely back to sea. A second fine-meshed filter located at the top of the inner pipe provides an additional security layer, offering double protection against fish escape.

To further enhance seawater quality, Brim farm offers an optional retractable piping system. This innovation increases the distance between seawater intakes and discharge point, significantly reducing the risk of contaminated water recirculating back into the fish tank.

Another key feature is the adjustable collar atop the inner pipe. By raising or lowering this collar, operators can quickly adjust the water level, draft, and freeboard of the tank to match changing weather conditions. Raising the collar increases the water volume and draft, while lowering it enhances freeboard for safer operation in rough seas.

This smart, adaptable design ensures optimal fish welfare, energy-efficient operations, and safe working conditions — regardless of the weather.