Workers in remote maritime zones and polar regions can now grow fresh vegetables aboard ships year-round, thanks to a groundbreaking agricultural innovation unveiled this week. China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) introduced its smart shipboard farm at Marintec China 2025 in Shanghai, marking a leap forward in sustainable food production for isolated communities.
The self-contained farming system combines precision climate control, automated nutrient delivery, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Designed for deployment on research vessels, oil rigs, and polar expedition ships, it enables cultivation of leafy greens, strawberries, and mushrooms without soil or natural sunlight.
"This addresses a critical challenge for crews on long-term missions," said CSSC project lead Dr. Wei Lin during the exhibition. "Our system reduces reliance on airlifted supplies while improving nutritional diversity." Early adopters include Antarctic research teams and offshore wind farm operators testing the technology's resilience in extreme conditions.
