Blueshift worked with Aquatonic Architects to develop a Concept Master Plan for NEOM's Next Generation Aquaculture Park in Saudi Arabia. The NGAP concept design is the world’s first large-scale multi-species net positive, regenerative, and restorative aquaculture park. It is an integrated production and processing facility applying green technology approaches to water, energy and distribution systems, with on-site bioremediation and biochemical processing delivering net zero outcomes. Restoring and regenerating natural marine and coastal environments and providing eco-system services, while contributing to the food security of NEOM, KSA and beyond by producing 80,000 tonnes of finfish per annum and delivering food quality and safety. Attracting top aquaculture production with unique selling points that enhance the NGAP’s economic viability and competitive advantage. Redefining global standards for the aquaculture sector and seen as a demonstration project to inform world’s best practice for sustainable aquaculture production globally.

The built elements of the concept design comprised three core components:   Onshore-indoor Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), onshore-outdoor   integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems (IMTAS) and an offshore sea cage   aquaculture system. The Concept Design for these production systems   incorporated dedicated sub-components for full lifecycle production including: broodstock, breeding (and breeding nucleus) facilities, hatcheries, nurseries, and grow-out facilities. Other integral design components included: feed systems, water treatment and storage systems, wastewater treatment systems, and post-system management. The IMTA systems were designed to produce plant and animal species for marine and coastal habitat restoration, ecosystem regeneration and species ‘re-wilding’ programs within NEOM.

Key outcomes delivered by the NGAP Concept Master Plan included: 80% of the site area to be protected in its natural state and the landscape regenerated.   The production and on-site processing of multiple species with a target per annum production of 80,000 tonnes - 60,000 tonnes produced in high-tech indoor RAS and outdoor IMTA systems, and 20,000 tonnes produced offshore in sea containment systems. The IMTA system concept design included 30 hectares of saltwater plant production (mangroves, seagrasses and halophytes) and 3 hectares of freshwater plant production. The Concept Master Plan included a high level of aesthetic consideration, and a focus on   sustainable circular economies relating to production, processing, servicing   and waste.