Ocean Sciences Ltd (ASX: OSS), a leading commercial seaweed supply, research and development company, has announced its inaugural commercial sale of Eucheuma spinosum (Spinosum) seaweed. This marks a significant expansion of its trading operations beyond Cottonii. The sale comprises a purchase order for 25 metric tonnes of Indonesian Spinosum seaweed from an existing Chinese customer, Greenwich (China) Technology Development Limited. The shipment has arrived at Xiamen Port, China, and awaits customs inspection and clearance before final delivery.
This strategic move broadens Ocean Sciences’ product offering and market reach within the global carrageenan industry. Previously, the company’s trading activities focused on Kappaphycus alvarezii (Cottonii), primarily used to produce kappa-carrageenan. The introduction of Spinosum provides access to the iota-carrageenan market, a distinct segment with applications in dairy desserts, plant-based foods, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Cottonii and Spinosum together represent approximately 90% of seaweed used in global carrageenan production, allowing Ocean Sciences to service a wider range of customers.
Managing Director Matthew Leonard highlighted the milestone, stating, “The Company’s first commercial sale of Spinosum represents another important step in the development of our Indonesian seaweed trading business. The addition of Spinosum enables us to participate in a separate and significant segment of the global carrageenan market. We believe that broadening our product offering will create further opportunities to expand our customer base, increase trading volumes and strengthen our position as a supplier of Indonesian seaweed to international markets.” This aligns with the company’s broader strategy to develop a diversified and scalable international seaweed business.
