In a world where global trade depends on long-distance maritime transport, the well-being of seafarers is often overlooked. One persistent issue has been the lack of fresh vegetables on board ships, especially during multi-week voyages across vast oceans. But a quiet revolution is underway—hydroponic farming is now sailing the high seas.
Shipping companies such as Singapore-based Berge Bulk and Synergy Marine Group are integrating compact hydroponic systems into merchant vessels, offering a sustainable solution to a decades-old problem. These smart systems grow leafy greens, herbs, and other vegetables in vertical modules the size of refrigerators, without the need for soil. Instead, they rely on nutrient-rich, recirculated water and AI-controlled environments to maintain optimal growing conditions regardless of weather or geography.
A Game Changer at Sea
According to Captain Rajesh K. Verma of the Effie Maersk, the onboard hydroponics units have transformed life for crew members:
“The units ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens, requiring minimal maintenance from the crew while significantly enhancing onboard nutrition. For vegetarians, especially, this is a breakthrough.”
For seafarers who may be months away from port, the arrival of fresh produce—grown onboard—is nothing short of revolutionary. On a psychological level, the sight of sprouting greens amidst the industrial surroundings of cranes and steel containers provides a soothing, life-affirming contrast.
Data-Driven Farming at Sea
The units are equipped with artificial intelligence, sensors, and cameras that track and adjust light, humidity, nutrients, and temperature. These “virtual agronomists” allow even untrained crew members to manage a functioning garden with minimal effort. The modular systems also reduce the logistical burden of resupplying ships and help cut down on food waste, which has been a major issue when relying solely on preserved or packaged goods.
Scaling Up Across Fleets
The adoption rate is growing quickly. Berge Bulk, the first to install hydroponics systems on all of its 75 ships, has set a precedent for the rest of the industry. Meanwhile, Synergy Marine is currently running hydroponics on four of its vessels, with over 28,000 seafarers under its management—90% of whom are Indian, many following vegetarian diets.
According to industry sources, hydroponic technology is expected to spread rapidly, especially in Asia-based shipping firms that manage large fleets and prioritize crew welfare. In fact, crew health and retention have become strategic priorities in the competitive shipping sector, where improved conditions translate into higher productivity and lower turnover.
Broader Implications for Agriculture
The success of hydroponics on merchant ships underscores its adaptability beyond conventional land-based farming. In harsh, isolated environments like ships—or even future space missions—soilless cultivation offers a resilient solution to fresh food production. And with global food security concerns on the rise, innovations like these may soon be part of broader food system resilience strategies.
Hydroponic farming aboard merchant ships is no longer an experiment—it’s a transformative practice that enhances crew nutrition, mental health, and operational sustainability. As AI-driven agriculture proves its worth on the oceans, its potential in other challenging environments becomes increasingly evident. What began as a way to improve seafarers’ meals may shape the future of farming in ways we never imagined.
