FIBREGLASS FOR RAS SYSTEMS

Key points for RAS projects

• FRP can be used for walkways, gangways, platforms, stairs, handrails, covers, gratings and supporting structures
• Fibreglass is relevant where corrosion, rust or rot create maintenance concerns
• Low weight can make handling, preassembly and on site adjustment more practical
• RAS facilities in Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands are especially relevant where wet and corrosive conditions affect access areas
• Hybrid Flow Through is also relevant in selected onshore smolt facilities

Why choose fibreglass for RAS systems?

Fibreglass is relevant for RAS systems because it resists corrosion in wet and demanding aquaculture environments. In areas exposed to water, humidity, cleaning routines, saltwater or salt air, traditional metal structures can require more inspection, surface treatment or replacement planning.

FRP, Fibre Reinforced Polymer, can support a more predictable approach to access infrastructure. It does not rust or rot, and it combines corrosion resistance with low weight and practical machining. This makes the material suitable for professional teams designing, building or upgrading land based fish farming facilities.

For aquaculture owners, RAS system integrators, system builders, EPCs and engineering consultants, the value is practical. FRP helps create durable access routes and supporting structures around the system, while keeping the RAS technology itself in the hands of the specialist process suppliers.

Where can FRP be used in a RAS facility?

FRP can be used around the tanks, treatment areas and service zones of a RAS facility. It is especially relevant where operators need safe access, durable walking surfaces, corrosion resistant structures and components that can be adapted to the facility layout.

Typical applications include:

• Gangways and walkways around tanks and production areas
• Platforms and access ways for inspection and service
• Stairs and handrails between technical levels
• Gratings for staircases or wet areas where drainage and ventilation matter
• Covers and planks for channels, service zones and tank related areas
• Supporting structures around technical equipment
• Perforated FRP planks for tank related applications where the system design uses air distribution through small holes - oxygenating the water.

The final solution should always be reviewed against project conditions. Load requirements, spans, fixing principles, chemical exposure, cleaning routines and documentation needs should be assessed before specification.

How does FRP support daily operation in land based salmon farming?

FRP supports daily operation by reducing corrosion related concerns in access structures and tank related areas. RAS facilities depend on reliable access to tanks, filters, pipework, water treatment zones and technical equipment.

Because fibreglass is low in weight, components can often be handled and adapted more practically than many traditional materials. This can be useful in new builds, phased extensions and facility upgrades where installation windows, logistics and access conditions matter.

Fiberline works with professional stakeholders and solution partners to support the surrounding infrastructure in onshore aquaculture. We can supply standard products and discuss custom solutions to meet your need when project requirements call for adaptation.

When does fibreglass make sense in RAS projects?

Fibreglass makes sense when corrosion resistance, low maintenance and practical installation are important decision factors. It is especially relevant in saltwater RAS facilities, where saltwater, salt air and wet technical areas can increase the corrosion pressure on conventional materials.

FRP is also relevant when project teams want a material that can be processed with ordinary tools and adapted on site. For system builders and RAS integrators, this can support repeatable design details across access structures, covers, gratings and planks.

Fibreglass may not be the right answer for every component. For process equipment, pumps, filtration, monitoring and biological water treatment, specialist RAS technology suppliers should define the system requirements. Fiberline’s role is the FRP infrastructure around that system.

What about Hybrid Flow Through facilities?

Hybrid Flow Through is relevant in selected onshore smolt facilities, especially in Icelandic contexts where clean water resources and partial recirculation can form part of the facility design. It should not take the focus away from RAS on this page.

For Fiberline, the relevance is similar: FRP components can support the surrounding infrastructure around tanks and technical areas. Walkways, platforms, handrails, covers, gratings and tank related planks can be relevant where wet conditions, corrosion resistance and maintenance planning matter.

A dedicated Hybrid Flow Through page can go deeper into that system type, its Icelandic context and its role in smolt production.

Read more about fibreglass for hybrid flow through here

Why choose Fiberline for onshore aquaculture projects?

Fiberline supplies FRP profiles, planks, gratings and access structures for onshore fish farming facilities where corrosion, safety and maintenance are central project concerns. With 40 years of experience in fibreglass solutions, we challenge conventional construction where traditional materials create long term maintenance challenges.

We do not present fibreglass as a replacement for every material in every part of a RAS facility. Instead, we help project teams identify where the advantages of fibreglass can add value around tanks, access routes and technical areas.

For professional aquaculture projects, documentation matters. Contact Fiberline for specifications, project dialogue and product documentation before final design approval.

FAQ about fibreglass for RAS systems

What is a RAS system?
A RAS system, or Recirculating Aquaculture System, is a land based fish farming system where water is treated and reused. It is used to support controlled production conditions, but the system design and biological process should be handled by specialist RAS suppliers.

Why use fibreglass in a RAS facility?
Fibreglass is relevant because RAS facilities contain wet and often corrosive areas around tanks, treatment zones and access routes. FRP can be used for access structures, platforms, gratings, covers and supporting components where corrosion resistance and low maintenance are important.

Can Fiberline supply RAS technology?
No. Fiberline supplies FRP profiles, planks, gratings and access structures around the RAS facility. Fiberline does not supply pumps, air systems, water treatment systems or biological process control.

Can FRP be used in saltwater RAS facilities?
Yes, FRP can be relevant in saltwater RAS facilities where saltwater and salt air increase corrosion pressure on traditional metal structures. The exact product choice should be reviewed against the project’s load, exposure and documentation requirements.

What are perforated FRP planks used for in fish farming?
Perforated FRP planks can be used in tank related applications where the system design uses air distribution through small holes. Fiberline can describe the component and machining possibilities, while performance, oxygenation and fish welfare documentation should be handled through the relevant system design.

How do I specify FRP for a RAS project?
Start by defining the application, load requirements, spans, fixings, chemical exposure, cleaning routines and documentation needs. Contact Fiberline for project specific guidance, specifications and documentation before final material selection.