Numerical simulation of a self-submersible SPM cage system in regular waves with following currents

► In response to the increased demand for food in general and food fish in particular, offshore mariculture is faced with the technological challenge of providing a viable cage design concept that can function effectively in high energy environments. ► An SPM self-submersible cage design concept has been identified as a potential mariculture cage concept for offshore waters, and the success of this concept depends on the operational performance of the system in the offshore environment. ► The analysis of the cage system in regular waves with following currents demonstrates good potential for the self-submersible SPM cage concept because the response of the cage system to increasing wave height implies considerable additional submergence for realistic environmental conditions in offshore sites. ► The results also suggest that by changing physical characteristics of the cage system, the concept allows adequate flexibility for use of the cage system in a range of environmental conditions.