Fresh shrimp are processed into dried, shelled shrimp on the processing ship Zhe Yu Yu Jia 99999. [Photo by Ni Jianjun/Tide News]

Recently, when the processing ship Zhe Yu Yu Jia 99999 reached the Mindong fishing zone in Fujian province, Captain Zhou Aijian at a shuttle ship connected the shrimp suction pump to the ship. Fresh shrimp were transported to the processing cabin where they were transformed into dried, shelled shrimp within only 26 minutes.

Shrimping is the cornerstone of Yuhuan in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. In 2018, Yuhuan established the nation's first comprehensive shrimp value chain offshore processing center. This approach connects production and processing, where the shuttle ship transports fresh seafood from the production ship to the processing ship.

"In the past, shrimp faced challenges in freshness upon returning to port, selling at a low price, and distant onshore processing plants led to significant fuel expenses. Now, the Zhe Yu Yu Jia 99999 operates like an aircraft carrier for shrimp, enabling on-site processing, reducing costs, and retaining freshness," explained Captain Cao Songhai of the production ship.

"The price of shrimp has also doubled," he added. "A single fishing vessel could increase its annual income by over 150,000 yuan ($20,545.58)."

"Six kilograms of fresh shrimp can produce one kg of dried, shelled shrimp, with the efficiency higher than onshore factories, and even the shell can be recycled to produce condiments," said Lin Zhaoyong, executive director of Donghai Yucang Modern Fishery Co.

After six years, the processing ship has upgraded to five production lines, with a daily production capacity reaching 25 metric tons.

Yuhuan has also established three offshore processing centers, expanding its products from dried, shelled shrimp to shrimp skins and dried anchovy, forming integrated industry chains of offshore processing, cold chain processing, and production and sales.

Last year, Yuhuan's offshore processing sector achieved domestic sales of 130 million yuan and generated 95.55 million yuan in exports.