The financial feasibility of farming blue mussels offshore using the smart farm approach: European evidence

This paper analyses the financial feasibility of a mussel farm that employs the Smart Farm approach with reinforced equipment in the offshore Dutch North Sea. The literature review suggests favourable conditions for this farm given past Smart Farm applications, existing offshore mussel farms, environmental impact considerations, offshore mussel health, and Dutch regulatory clarity. 

The study methodology section explains the utilisation of the discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis model and the technological, farm size, location, mussel seed collection, cost, and production assumptions. This farm would require an initial capital expenditure of €1,695,350 and would produce 300 tonnes per annum (tpa), which would progressively increase to 700 tpa based on additional mussel lines and mature farming practices. 

This study found an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 19.78% and a Net Present Value (NPV) of €3,479,178 over 25 years. This IRR is higher than rates projected by comparable studies. It is attributed to the strong technological maturity, mobility, scalability, mechanisation, and production offered by the Smart Farm. 

Through pursuing this farm and similar mussel farming projects, investors can help advance humanity across domains including employment, sustainability, ocean decarbonisation, the ocean economy, nutrition science, maritime engineering, aquaculture, world food supply, and upward mobility.