Electrical company supports 'seaweed trees'

SeaGrown, an innovative aquaculture company based in Scarborough, UK, has created a type of ‘seaweed tree’ that’s anchored to the seabed and tethered just below the surface of the water.

These underwater trees, which the company names ‘Kelpedo units’, host a canopy of kelp that mimics the structure of natural marine ecosystems, providing a habitat for over 60 marine species, including seabed invertebrates, fish, seabirds and marine mammals.

As well as increasing biodiversity, the structures absorb carbon and nitrogen from surrounding waters, helping to combat the effects of climate change and coastal pollution. SeaGrown’s offshore site is currently home to about 50 seaweed trees and has the capacity to host 100.

Bulgin, a manufacturer of environmentally sealed connectors and components, is supporting marine sustainability by taking part in SeaGrown’s new environmental, social and governance (ESG) program, which gives businesses the chance to fund their own kelp-growing seaweed tree. Bulgin is the first company in the scheme to sponsor its own unit, helping to boost biodiversity and support carbon capture in the North Sea.

The partnership will involve Bulgin technology, with the company’s robust electrical connectors set to be used in SeaGrown’s onshore hatchery to support the monitoring of water quality, temperature and salinity during the early growth phases of kelp. These components will also play a key role in marine instrumentation used for underwater surveys and environmental monitoring.

SeaGrown’s Kelpedo unit in the North Sea is a floating structure designed to boost marine biodiversity, improve water quality and capture carbon. Image: Supplied.

Wave Crookes, co-founder and Director of SeaGrown, is enthusiastic about the shared project, which began as a casual conversation over coffee.

“At SeaGrown, we’re focused on restoring marine ecosystems and creating real-world solutions to environmental challenges, from carbon capture to sustainable agriculture,” he said.

“Our seaweed trees are a scalable way to bring life back to the ocean and strengthen coastal communities. That mission really resonated when I sat down for a coffee in Scarborough with John Love from Bulgin, and we realised our goals were closely aligned. What began as a simple conversation has grown into a partnership that we’re proud of — one that’s already making a real impact.”

Bulgin said the initiative aligned with its commitment to sustainability by offsetting carbon emissions and improving water quality and biodiversity — as well as fostering local employment and contributing to the circular economy.

“From our very first meeting, it was clear that SeaGrown’s mission aligned closely with Bulgin’s values,” said Love, who is Bulgin’s Business Development Manager. “Their approach to ocean regeneration delivers real, measurable impact — from boosting biodiversity to supporting coastal communities — and we’re proud to back that with both funding and technology.”

Top image credit: iStock.com/Philip Thurston