Part 8/12:
Re-engineering the Floating Platform: Design and Practical Challenges
Backed by insights from local engineers and international experts, the team refined their floating farm design to be modular, cost-effective, and adaptable. The initial prototype featured four aquaculture pots linked to a central workspace, with flexible platforms to grow both crops and seafood.
Sea trials revealed significant engineering challenges. Early versions, built with aluminum and wooden materials, proved unstable under simulated sea conditions and heavy water loads. For example, one design withstood a person’s weight but failed to stay buoyant when filled with water or subjected to waves, emphasizing the need for more robust, flexible solutions.