PT Brother has implemented a portable stunning system from Ace Aquatec at its Cilacap site in Indonesia. The move is part of a broader initiative by the shrimp breeder to enhance harvesting processes and animal welfare standards.
Addressing Transit Stress and Quality Loss
The decision to upgrade harvesting methods stems from challenges regarding the distance between shrimp pens and processing facilities. PT Brother identified that transit times could reach up to 12 hours, leading to increased stress for the specimens and a significant reduction in product quality.
To mitigate these issues, the company deployed the A-HSU® for Shrimp, an in-water electric stunning system. This chemical-free solution is designed to render shrimp fully unconscious in less than one second, providing a more humane harvesting method.
Operational Efficiency and Scalability
The portability of the A-HSU® unit was a decisive factor for PT Brother, as the system can be easily moved across the company’s 3.5 hectare site. Beyond welfare improvements, the technology is expected to boost both the volume of the harvest and the overall quality of the product.
Riza Nugraha, president director at PT Brother, stated that the portable stunner supports the company’s goal to become a market leader in shrimp welfare. He noted that the system will “dramatically cut transit time between our pens and processing operations.”
Future Growth Projections
The implementation at the Cilacap site may serve as a blueprint for further expansion. PT Brother intends to scale this technology across all three of its main sites.
If successfully rolled out, the company expects harvest volumes to grow from approximately 350 tonnes per year at the Cilacap site to nearly 2,150 tonnes. Tara McGregor-Woodhams, chief sales and marketing officer at Ace Aquatec, highlighted that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to sustainable, welfare-first aquaculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A-HSU® system?
The A-HSU® is a chemical-free, in-water electric stunning system developed by Ace Aquatec that renders shrimp fully unconscious in less than one second.
Why was a portable system chosen for the Cilacap site?
The mobility of the unit allows it to be easily manoeuvred across PT Brother’s 3.5 hectare site, helping to reduce the transit time between pens, and processing.
How does the new system impact harvest volume?
Whereas manual harvesting processes approximately one tonne every 45 minutes, the A-HSU® system has the potential capacity to process up to eight tonnes per hour.
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