Gigablue NZ Coastal Trials
Project Spotlight: Gigablue Surface Pen & Dispersal Bag Deployment – NZ Coastal Trials
From August to October 2024, Kernohan Engineering supported international aquaculture company Gigablue in a groundbreaking deployment of large-scale inflatable marine pens and dispersal bags—delivering design innovation, marine logistics, and full operational support across three New Zealand sites.
The Challenge: Marine-Grade Innovation and Complex Coastal Logistics
Gigablue required a local partner to support the design, prototyping, and deployment of custom inflatable pens for open-ocean testing off the coast of Dunedin. With tight timelines and multiple moving parts, the project demanded creative engineering solutions, specialist material handling, and maritime coordination.
The project involved early-stage product innovation and trialling, the manufacture of production units, and complex logistics from Nelson to Wellington to Dunedin. Each phase had its own technical demands—testing durability in sea trials, managing delicate cargo transport, and ensuring safe, efficient offshore deployment.
The Kernohan Solution: Design to Deployment, On Site and Offshore
Kernohan Engineering worked with Gigablue from concept to completion, providing end-to-end support through:
Collaborative design development, including material specification and prototype testing in Wellington waters
Coordination of vessels, divers, and crews to execute sea trials and deployment
Full fabrication, assembly, quality control and packing for offshore readiness
Oversight of delivery and loading operations in Wellington
On-site support for vessel setup, final system checks, and operational trials
With a team of five dedicated staff, Kernohan ensured every detail—from technical integrity to safe handling—was managed to standard.
The Result: A Seamless Deployment and Ongoing Collaboration
Kernohan delivered the project on time and to specification, with Gigablue taking full control post-trials for offshore deployment near Dunedin. The success of this initiative has led to further engagement for 2025, highlighting the strength of the partnership and Kernohan’s reputation for adaptive, high-performance engineering—even in non-traditional environments.
This project reflects Kernohan Engineering’s capability to lead in uncharted waters—combining innovation, marine operations, and cross-site delivery with precision and care.
Testimonial
Kernohan has been more than just a supplier — they’ve been a trusted partner in our New Zealand operations. Their expertise, problem‑solving mindset, and commitment to delivering high‑quality work have been invaluable. We truly enjoy working with their team and look forward to continuing this strong collaboration in future projects.
Meirav Koren-Beeri
Director of Growth & Marketing - Gigablue
