About Kelp blue

We harvest cultivated kelp to produce ingredients for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

Our team learn more

To restore our planet to equilibrium, or even to abundance, we need to come together to find cost-effective, long term and environmentally sustainable solutions. At Kelp Blue, we believe we’ve found one such solution: growing and managing large-scale Giant Kelp forests.

The process

The Hatchery

The sorus tissue, the fertile material that is found on mature kelp blades, is taken to our hatchery. A safe and controlled environment where we nurture the kelp from near microscopic gametophytes, through to sporophytes - the multicellular leaf-like stage. Once big enough, the sporophytes are attached to a special wire and made ready to be planted in the ocean.

outplanting

At the out-planting stage, the twine is wrapped around our farm structures. Our farm uses lines and ropes onto which the holdfast - the root-like foot of the kelp - can securily attach. Our team of divers will secure the twine to the structures and regularly monitor the progress of the growing kelp.

Engineering

The farms are submerged in the ocean. In the deeper water we have installed structures that are anchored at around 15 metres below the surface – the perfect depth to maximise access to nutrients and light while keeping the young kelp out of the most violent movement of the waves.

marine monitoring

Our dedicated marine monitoring team regularly check on the kelp and keep track of the biodiversity observed. They use a range of different methods including methods like acoustics, visual observations, water sample analysis, and environmental DNA. We also regularly measure water quality and analyze dissolved organic carbon in the lab.

harvesting

Once the kelp grows to maturity and starts forming a canopy, some of the biomass is harvested to turn into sustainable alternatives for industries such as agriculture and packaging. Currently the kelp is harvested by hand, but we are working on a fully-automated solar powered emission-free harvester which would allow us to significantly scale up our operations.

processing

Our kelp is carefully processed to extract its bioactive compounds. Through innovative techniques, we concentrate these compounds into potent biostimulants that increase crop yield, improve soil health, reduce chemical dependency, and improve abiotic stress stress tolerance.

quality control

Quality control is at the core of our operations. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance, which is crucial for biostimulants to perform consistently in varying agricultural environments. Rigorous testing ensures that our products deliver reliable, optimal results, every time.

R&D

The R&D team valorizes all components of the kelp. Our new products include a bio-based leather alternative, as well as blended fabrics and coatings. We extract alginates and fucoidan, which can be used in cosmetics, nutraceuticals and as input materials for bio packaging or as gelling agents.

how we do it

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. It isn’t just about “tech”, innovation is actually very human— it takes heart, it takes soul; from everyone involved. Because big innovation has big impact on the planet and people.

Meet the team

We are so proud of our hard-working Kelpies, who work tirelessly to make our oceans a little better every day.

Jordan McKay

Factory Operator

Born and raised in Luderitz. Working background Electrical Assistant at a fishing factory and fishing vessels with a level 3 in Electrical. Electronics caught his attention whilst working in the electrical field and he would like to further his studies in Electronics and Electrical. In Jordan’s spare time, he likes to listen to music, podcasts, and cook Curry Chicken (being his signature dish) and of course being the Braai Master when it comes to Braai. He also plays rugby for the local team.

Alba Aguilar Pastor

Iberia Sales Lead

Alba, an agronomist engineer from a farming family in Córdoba (Spain), has over 12 years of experience in crop management. Specializing in soil and plant biology, she integrates digital solutions for sustainable agriculture. When Alba is not helping farmers improve their practices, she’s tending to her own olive tree farm.

Aina Nuugulu

Culture Curator

From the coastal town of Walvis Bay, developed a strong passion for the ocean from a young age. Inspired by high school geography, she went on to earn an Honors degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Science from the University of Namibia, giving her deep insights into marine ecosystems. Though naturally reserved, Aina becomes an engaging speaker in the right company. Beyond marine science, she enjoys garment design and holds onto her childhood dream of creating a study and foster home. She lives by the motto, "A Grateful Heart Is a Magnet for Miracles," embracing collaboration and inspiration in her work.

Lucky Pieters

Finance Support

Meet Lucky, a 34-year-old resident of Luderitz Bucht (Buchter). We know him as a happy soul, an open book. A ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ kind of guy. Lucky, raised in this coastal town, has a deep-seated connection with the ocean, where he holds beautiful memories. He loved nothing more than chilling on a boat with his dad, especially when the water was calm in the late afternoons. He’s a hardworking family man and a dedicated dad.

Felicity Perry

Managing Director NZ

Raised on a farm in New Zealand, Felicity has worked in international intergovernmental organisations including the International Renewable Energy Agency and United Nations Environment Programme. From renewable energy to sustainable finance, her career has led from technological solutions to the financial system and now to how nature-based solutions and good business can create the change we need. If there is one thing she has learnt, it is that a small committed team – who can laugh! – can achieve great things. Felicity is passionate about people, skiing, adventures and good coffee.

Jamie Coetzee

Biosystems Lead

Jamie is a passionate scientist with a bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town. She is a dedicated individual who is eager to contribute her knowledge to the innovative work we do at Kelp Blue. With her passion for marine organisms, she is looking forward to challenging and alleviating environmental challenges. Therefore, she loves to challenge and hone her science skills, in search for sustainable solutions. She is also an adventurous indivudal who constantly seeks new challenges. Loves to draw and envision life through several different microscopes. For Jamie, the best way to express herself is through art, style and music.

Tuwilika Melania Amunyela

Kelp Cultivation Engineer

There is no lack of enthusiasm and ambition in Tuwilika. Raised in the costal town of Walvis Bay, but born in Outapi, she holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Namibia. Her emphasis is on designing, building, and testing mechanical systems. As an introvert, she enjoys soothing walks by the beach, listening to music and reimagining non fiction books she reads.

Elia Bortoletti

Agronomist Lead

Even though Elia holds an MSc. in Sustainable Agriculture from Padua University Italy, he already learned the craft in his early years. Raised among the farming traditions of his family, he is now a third-generation farmer specializing in regenerative viticulture systems. He is passionate about the synergies between soil composition and artificial systems to shed light on the mysteries of agriculture. Elia is a supporter of AI and data processing for crop solutions and embraces agro-ecology. You can usually find him beside the beehives, sipping Jura vine – his favourite.

Join the team See everyone

vision 2029

By 2029, our goal is to remove over 1 million tons of CO2 annually through 70,000 hectares of Giant Kelp farms located 30-100 km offshore from Lüderitz. These farms benefit from the Benguela Current, which is twice as productive as the Chile current and nine times more productive than the California current. This results in a 10%-20% increase in regional fish stocks and biodiversity, creating over 400 local jobs and indirectly supporting 800-1,000 more.

Careers

We’re not a ‘business as usual’ scale-up. We value originality and creativity, expect a healthy dose of common sense, that you are a problem solver by nature and that you’re comfortable getting on with tasks in an unstructured environment.

If you feel like you’re a good fit, please get in touch. You might be what we are looking for and we don’t even know it.

We’re always on the look out for those who want to join us on our journey to leave the planet in a better place. Send us an email with your resume to newkelpies@kelp.blue

Transform Your Farm with StimBlue+

Ready to boost your yields and enhance soil health? Contact our team of agronomists to learn how StimBlue+ can benefit your farm. Our team is ready to answer all your questions, comments, and requests.

Or give us a call, WhatsApp only:
+32 (0)4 70 80 64 57

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