Laboratory of Aquaculture and Artemia Reference Center (ARC)
Knowledge Institute
Ghent University
Address
Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Block F, 1st Floor, 9000 Gent
Website
N° of FTE working on wind topics
Less than 5
Our offshore wind expertise (general)
The ARC develops mussel and oyster systems for offshore wind (reef restoration; spat-on-substrate): pilot operations, monitoring design, transport/survivability testing, and biosecurity/genetics diagnostics (qPCR/dPCR), delivered with industry and research partners.
Our group was/is involved in these key offshore wind projects:
Horizon 2020 UNITED, Grant Agreement number 862915
Horizon Europe ULTFARMS, Grant Agreement number 101093888
Horizon Europe BLUE CONNECT, Grant Agreement number 41X07824
Our relevant equipment | tools | infrastructure
for offshore wind:
Hatchery & mesocosm tanks (ARC): temperature/salinity-controlled RAS systems for mussel/oyster husbandry, spat-on-substrate/stone inoculation, and holding.
Mobile inoculation workflow (“inoculator container”): standardized spat-on-stone preparation and labeling/chain-of-custody in collaboration with Reefcovery consortium partners (Blue Cluster and VLAIO funded project)
Sensor-based monitoring kits: pH, dissolved O₂, temperature, salinity; data-logging for in situ and lab trials.
Algal analytics: flow cytometer (EMBRC-supported) for algal cell counts and feeding control.
Molecular diagnostics: qPCR and digital PCR (dPCR) for biosecurity (pathogens), stock verification, and traceability.
Microscopy & imaging: stereo/compound microscopes with image capture for settlement/condition scoring.
Field monitoring with partners (e.g., VLIZ, industry): sonar/vision-based biomass & harvest estimation; integration with operator data platforms (e.g., HiSea) for decision support.
8.3.2 Community engagement and outreach
7.2 Regulatory and permitting processes
8. Economic, Environmental and Social impact
1. Site Condition assessment & engineering
8.2.1 Ecosystem services and/or biodiversity modelling
3.1 Offshore Logistics and Transport
7. Policy
8.3 Social Impact and Workforce Development
1.2.2 Environmental impact assessment studies
1.2 Marine and Environmental Studies
7.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Public Acceptance
10. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)
3. Logistics & Installation
Our offshore wind expertise (all lifecycle stages)
Contact details
