One of the critical phases of the mussel farming industry is the seeding and harvesting of seedlings, as the success of the next growing phase largely depends on it. For this, the devices used to facilitate the placement of collectors, until their harvesting and transportation for commercialization, are vital. 

Here is where the importance of having floating platforms that facilitate these tasks comes in. For this, and taking into account the comments and needs of the mussel seed producers, the company Alpha Industrial, located in the Los Lagos region, developed automated seeding and harvesting platforms for seeds, which are characterized by their reinforced metal structure, but which are also galvanized. 

"We have manufactured more than 5 platforms, with propulsion for each crane, resulting in a much safer and more powerful system, given its hydraulic center," explains Sandro Duarte, General Manager of Alpha Industrial. According to the professional, it is a very good investment, as harvesting times are reduced by almost 40% with this platform. "Not only do we manufacture the platforms themselves, but also the cranes with their engines and" hoses. That is, we offer a modular system and advice regarding the requirements of each client," says Duarte.

Currently, in order to equip the platforms with a crane, Alpha Industrial is developing a hydraulic unit, along with providing the structural parts, such as the derricks, which are exclusively designed by the company's professional team.

"We created a floating platform with a load capacity of 2.5 tonnes, and a strong, robust structure. That is, a structural profile made by us, which is not currently on the market," adds the general manager of Alpha Industrial.

Platform features

As highlighted by Sandro Duarte, customers have commented that this type of platforms (metallic) are more agile and lighter in the water than wooden ones. "We believe this is due to the structure design. In addition, the load capacity is much higher than others, given its buoyancy capacity when carrying out double harvests," adds the company representative with headquarters in Puerto Montt. 

It should be noted that most mussel farmers work with this type of devices in the sea, which are generally built from wood. However, metal platforms offer different improvements, both in productivity and in the operation of the activities.

Two different types of model

Alpha Industrial offers the development of two different platform models:

  • No keel

It is a medium platform of 6 meters wide x 9 meters long x 1.2 meters high.

Load capacity of 15 tons.

Structure of salmon corridors reinforced internally.

Equipped with hydraulic power plant with 24 HP oil engine.

3 fishers with hydraulic converters with lifting capacity of approximately 800 kilograms.

  • Model with keel

This platform is 12 meters long x 6 meters wide x 1.2 meters high.

Load capacity of 20 tons. 

Equipped with hydraulic power plant with 24 HP oil engine.

3 fishers with hydraulic converters with lifting capacity of approximately 800 kilograms.