Seaweed Processing Solutions

Sargassum spp. is a type of brown macroalgae that forms large floating mats in the ocean, primarily in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean. However, in recent years, massive influxes of sargassum have been impacting coastal areas in the southern United States, the Caribbean, and even parts of West Africa. These influxes have been termed "Sargassum blooms" and have become a significant environmental and economic concern for affected regions.

Sargassum blooms pose various challenges to coastal ecosystems and economies. The excessive accumulation of sargassum can smother coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats, disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Additionally, as sargassum decomposes, it consumes oxygen, leading to the formation of "dead zones" where marine life struggles to survive. The tourism and fishing industries in affected regions have also been heavily impacted by sargassum blooms. The unsightly mats of seaweed washing up on beaches deter tourists, leading to economic losses for coastal communities that rely on tourism revenue. Furthermore, sargassum can clog fishing gear and engines, making it difficult for fishermen to operate effectively.

SSG uses mobile or easy-to-deploy customized arrays to provide the right scale of seaweed material handling and processing for areas afflicted by Sargassum. Our team works with early- to late-stage project developers to identify the right opportunities, source the right equipment, and develop the best practices.

Efforts to manage sargassum blooms and mitigate their impacts are underway, but solutions remain elusive.  We support coastal communities in the implementation of beach cleanup efforts or innovative uses for harvested Sargassum, such as conversion it into fertilizer or biofuel. 

Kelp is a type of large seaweed that belongs to the brown algae family Laminariaceae. It's found in underwater forests in shallow ocean waters around the world, particularly in cold, nutrient-rich areas. Kelp plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various marine organisms. It's also harvested for various commercial purposes, including food, fertilizer, and even biofuel production. Kelp is rich in nutrients like iodine, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to human diets and an essential component of certain cuisines, especially in East Asia.

Kelp cultivation in North America has been gaining traction but is still in relatively early stages compared to regions like Asia. Various efforts have been underway to develop kelp farming as a sustainable aquaculture practice along the coasts of the United States and Canada. Both government initiatives and private enterprises have been involved in promoting and supporting kelp cultivation projects.

SSG provides process engineering, product development, and validation services to emerging kelp cultivation and manufacturing companies. Using our group of technical experts, we have the knowledge and expertise required to develop kelp processing solutions for new and existing seaweed operations – whether private, academic, or public.