ADVANCED AQUARIUM TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY PROFILE

Advanced Aquarium Technologies Building a world-class aquarium is not only an opportunity to develop a profitable and exciting investment, it creates an experience capable of inspiring, educating and thrilling thousands of visitors for years to come. For almost twenty years AAT’s focus has been on pioneering the techniques and technologies required to design and build ever more inspiring, enlightening and sustainable aquariums all over the world. Global Office Locations AUSTRALIA HONG KONG CHINA General Enquiries +61 7 5476 5300 [email protected]

During this time AAT has had the opportunity to put its methods and equipment to work in some of the world’s best aquariums and zoological facilities. Like Den Blå Planet, for example, Denmark’s brand new USD $130million National Aquarium in Copenhagen with an award winning, nature inspired design by architects 3XN that took home the best exhibit award at the 2013 World Architecture Festival. Central to AAT’s approach and business model is the belief that an aquarium’s success rests on the knowledge, inventiveness, craftsmanship and components used to create its infrastructure. AAT’s extensive Start-to-Finish capability ensures that the infrastructure is built to deliver the maximum possible value to an aquarium’s portfolio of diverse stakeholders.

www.advanced-aquariums.com

John Langmead Managing Director

- The installations that form the basis for any operation or system - The basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organisation - The fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, city or building

PLANNING PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

CONSTRUCT & INSTALL SERVICE

SKETCH & SCHEMATIC SERVICE

LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

DESIGN & ENGINEERING SERVICE

LIVESTOCK SOURCING & RELOCATION

START TO FINISH

OPERATION PHASE 3.0

COMMISSION, TRAINING & HANDOVER

AQUARIUM OPERATIONS SERVICE

REPAIR, RESTORATION & REFURBISHMENT

START TO FINISH AAT’s Start-to-Finish service offers clients a turnkey solution that relieves the complexities involved in the project cycle of building a world class aquarium. Benefiting investors, architects, governments, and developers engaged in creating or operating an aquarium. AAT offer solutions and project management of the aquarium backed by years of experience and expertise.

The AAT Start-to-Finish model integrates our entire portfolio of capabilities into a single turnkey service. AAT’s Start-to-Finish aquarium service allows the delivery a world class aquarium, and provides peace-of-mind through the planning, construction and operating phases by placing the project in AAT’s safe and experienced hands at every stage along the journey. AAT’s team of skilled and talented specialists create a customised critical path schedule, project management system and apply specialist construction and installation methods that will carry your aquarium on its journey from dream to reality through the three major phases of development: • PLANNING PHASE 1.0 The first phase in the development of an aquarium answers all of the feasibility and pricing question through to developed design and engineering models. • CREATION PHASE 2.0 The second phase focuses on the physical construction of the aquarium, supply and installation of all of its systems and equipment, filling the tanks and stocking them with animals. • OPERATION PHASE 3.0 The third phase involves the operation and maintenance of the aquarium. This includes the steps involved in handing the aquarium over from construction to the aquarium’s owners and operators, included in this phase are services relating refurbishment and renovation. Individual services that are required to deliver an aquarium through the phases of the AAT Start-to-Finish service are broken down through the following sections of this booklet.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE It starts with a simple idea, building an aquarium. Whether an iconic feature for a major shopping mall development, a signature feature for a luxurious hotel, a research facility in a University, an uplifting exhibit for a hospital or a nations’ major aquatic attraction, AAT’s Concept Development Service will answer the myriad of questions that quickly follow such an idea and outline the feasibility and investment potential that building an inspiring and commercially viable aquarium can deliver.

Support and guidance for detailed feasibility, scoping and idea generation in very early stages. Aquariums are an inspiring and enlightening experience, the intricacies involved can become daunting for those without experience in building or managing one. Is it really possible? What would it take and could it be viable? Is the area large enough? Are aquariums hard to manage? Who and how many people will come? How do you design and build an aquarium? These are just some of the questions that arise in the early stages of an aquarium development. With extensive experience and expertise in designing, building, operating and maintaining some of the world’s largest aquariums around the globe for almost twenty years, AAT’s Concept Development Service is for anybody thinking about the feasibility and initial designs of an aquarium. Assisting investors, planners, architects, governments and developers the Concept Development Service creates a realistic vision ensuring that the feasibility study is appropriately structured, scoped and informed.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

SKETCH & SCHEMATIC SERVICE The AAT Sketch & Schematic Service benefits architects, designers and visionaries by offering expert knowledge that taps into the latest and most advanced aquarium technologies so that they can push the boundaries of innovation and realise their creative dreams, without compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of the aquarium infrastructure, operations and life support systems.

Push the boundaries of creativity and imagination with confidence through early access to innovative technical expertise. AAT works closely with architects, developers, government agencies, town planners, major hotel and resort owners, and investors all over the world on the design of new aquariums and by doing so have collaborated with some of the largest architectural companies in the world, like 3XN, Foster & Partners and Boltshauser. The Sketch & Schematic Service assists architects in particular by: •

Giving access to the technical expertise they need to cater for the unique space and engineering requirements of a world class aquarium.

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Identify and cater for common pitfalls early so they don’t become a problem later.

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Push the boundaries of engineering to enable innovation that matters for visitors including unique viewing experiences, educational capabilities and research potential.

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Explore ways for the aquarium to achieve high standards in environmental performance.

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Create unique and exciting visitor experiences (above and below the water line).

AAT’s network of strategic partners includes talented architects experienced in the design and construction of aquariums. Connecting clients with skilled architects in collaboration with AAT, the Sketch & Schematic Service will explore potential designs and concepts and deliver the initial vision of a world class aquarium and the visitor’s journey.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

DESIGN & ENGINEERING SERVICE AAT’s expertise in aquarium construction isn’t purely theoretical, it’s backed by years of hand-on experience designing, constructing and delivering aquariums around the world. This experience has enabled AAT to build a team and company focused on practicing the best techniques to design and engineer aquariums that will seamlessly flow through the many phases involved in the construction and installation process.

Technical engineering and construction specifications for the primary and augmented infrastructure. The Design & Engineering Service is a critical step towards creating an efficient world class system designed to provide longevity, economical operating costs and low maintenance requirements in an aquarium. Water is a tricky substance. In addition to its tremendous weight, water is corrosive to metal, breeds bacteria effortlessly, is able to convey toxic minerals long distances and will try to escape whatever vessel contains it. With the expertise that AAT can bring in developing world class systems, the Design & Engineering Service will resolve the unique engineering and specification challenges for architecture and construction companies working on buildings that will contain millions of litres water, and thousands of precious marine animals. Without compromising on safety and durability, AAT’s team will design and engineer the fundamental elements that create a marine ecosystem best suited for the animals living in the aquarium, meanwhile, incorporating vast acrylic viewing windows and acrylic features for an inspiring and surreal underwater viewing experience. Acrylic manufacturing techniques are constantly evolving and enabling ever more creativity from underwater tunnels and walkways to domes and underwater experiences. In 2014 AAT enabled The Cube Oceanarium, at Seaside City in Chengdu, China, to declare itself the proud owner of the world’s largest acrylic panel, at 40 meters long and 8.3 meters high, and awarded two Guinness World Records.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CONSTRUCT & INSTALL SERVICE Building an aquarium from design to completion is a niche industry requiring a highly experienced workforce, and a range of specialised skills and tools. AAT has assembled one of the most experienced team of experts in this field and created the global supply chain required to complete the construction on time, on budget and to the highest international standards.

Expert coordination and a combination of on-site and prefabricated techniques coupled with proven global sourcing and logistics. AAT’s Construct and Install Service is built on a carefully coordinated combination of on-site construction combined with prefabricated system installation, coupled with proven global sourcing of suppliers and products, and a global network of logistic services. Unique requirements of constructing and installing the range of specialist equipment include assembling highly sophisticated Life Support Systems to a diverse range of exhibit tanks throughout the aquarium. The margin for error for this work is staggeringly small, and the cost of failure staggeringly high. Quality assurance, knowledge and skill is everything. PROPRIETARY ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES AAT’s Construct and Install capabilities enable us to lead, coordinate and deploy teams of highly skilled specialists to aquarium construction sites anywhere in the world. AAT are leaders in the specialist aquarium services and through years of experience have developed proprietary techniques in specialist waterproofing processes, tank construction methods, and LSS equipment installation. Wherever possible and practical, AAT trains and nurtures its own talent. AAT’s team leaders and specialist workers include veteran AAT employees who share a common philosophy around the best way to get the job done to the highest standards.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

PREFABRICATED LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS Traditional processes for tank construction and Life Support System assembly involves amassing a wide range of specialists and sub-contractors to do the work on-site. AAT’s experience in the industry allows us to design aquariums that recognise and reduce the resources and operational costs required to operate such a facility. Life Support Systems may be acquired individually and installed on-site or shipped as a pre-assembled unit from the manufacturing facility in China. With a dedicated fabrication facility located in Guangzhou, home to a team of 60 AAT personnel, comprising skilled tradesmen and technicians trained to world class AAT standards. This is also the base for AAT’s international team of engineers, manufacturing experts and experienced internationals from Australia, China, Japan, NZ, Spain, South Africa, USA and United Kingdom. SPECIALIST WORKS IN AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION Other services required to build an aquarium include specialist waterproofing, aquarium lighting systems, rockwork and artificial scenery design and delivery, and FRP tank supply and installation services for smaller exhibits or quarantine tanks throughout the aquarium. AAT’s team of specialists cover all of these fundamental processes and services throughout the construction phase and can deliver a range of options that will meet budget requirements without compromising on creating an inspiring and world class visitor experience.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

ACRYLIC VIEWING WINDOWS On every new aquarium there is an opportunity to create inspiring design features. AAT’s vast experience and skills working with acrylic ensures that ideas and concepts of exciting viewing experiences into the aquarium are turned into reality. As acrylic is a very unique material, AAT have built a highly trained and experienced team that understand the complexities of working with cast block acrylic by providing a full range thermoforming, bonding and annealing technology to create unique panels for surreal underwater viewing. AAT’s installation experience and expertise is second to none, which is why AAT was contracted to install the worldrecord-setting, 260 ton panel at Marine Life Park at Resort World Sentosa, Singapore in 2009. LOGISTICS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT Due to the complex nature of building an aquarium, project management and project programming is vital to delivering the project on time for the grand opening, and paramount to delivering the aquarium within the client’s budget requirements. AAT’s clients can be assured of quality, time frames and world class standards being successfully met.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS The vital components of an aquarium is its Life Support System (LSS) which is responsible for the flow, chemical composition, cleanliness and temperature. AAT designed aquariums have the LSS bound into the design from the initial concept. The relationship of key components of LSS plant and treatment tanks to the aquarium itself is fundamental to plant efficiency, operating cost and water quality.

Life Support Systems play a major role in enhancing the physical health and wellbeing of the species in any aquarium. The aquarium Life Support System (LSS) is not just another water treatment plant, in overall design and philosophy the aquarium LSS is an inherent part of the living ecosystem and fundamentally different from a conventional pool filtration plant. Aquariums require more than just water clarity. Water chemistry, system biology, component material, turnover rate and even tank currents are all integral to the health of the system. Many standard water treatment components are not suited to the biological nature of aquarium LSS, or the salt laden environment. For this reason AAT have for many years designed, developed and manufactured our range of LSS components. The range of LSS products include: •

Foam Fractionators

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UV Filters

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Sand Filters

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Ozone Generators

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Multi-Function Bag Filters

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Skid Mounted LSS Units

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Titanium Heat Exchangers and Heat Pumps

To accelerate a project, reduce cost and ensure quality assurance, by pre-fabricating systems before arriving on-site not only can the installation be smart, simple and efficient, the systems arrive tested and approved during the pre-assembly process.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

LIVESTOCK SOURCING & RELOCATION AAT’s Livestock Sourcing and Relocation Service is designed to maximise the animal’s wellbeing at every stage in the journey. To achieve this AAT have created unique resources, and years of experience has enabled the capability to have maximum control and influence from the beginning to the end of this journey following strict international guidelines and expectations.

Responsibility requiring extreme sensitivity to the species’ needs and welfare at every stage of what can be a lengthy and complex journey. Entirely different from conventional fishing, precision harvesting of marine life involves marine biologists and divers with extensive expertise in animal identification catching individual animals one at a time by hand or by hook. Using this technique ensures no collateral damage, and on occasion lends itself to encounters with species in need of assistance. Once recovered the animals are safely transferred as swiftly as possible, to larger onshore tanks at AAT’s aquaculture and quarantine facility. Here AAT’s team of highly experienced aquarists monitor their welfare and introduce them into their new environment. Quarantine processes are more than a legal and compliance consideration. The export of fit and healthy disease free animals is vital for their own welfare too, as they embark on a journey across the nation or even around the world. AAT teams are well versed in the requirements of quarantine as well as the vital considerations of animal care and welfare. AAT holds all of the necessary approvals, endorsements and licenses to acquire and export the marine animals required by public aquariums for research, breeding and exhibition.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0

CREATION PHASE 2.0

COMMISSION, TRAINING & HANDOVER Commissioning an aquarium is a sequence of carefully coordinated events over time involving many skills and disciplines including engineers, plumbers, fitters, electricians, aquarists, marine biologists and managers. Ultimately the process confirms that the systems are safe and performing as they should in accordance with their design and specification.

One of the most important steps in the quality assurance program is to guide the operation of the aquarium successfully into the future. The AAT Commissioning, Training and Handover services comprises the technical commissioning of the aquarium infrastructure and equipment as well as getting aquarium staff trained and oriented on all aspects of running, managing and maintaining the facility. The aquarium and Life Support System commissioning process is one of the most important steps in a quality assurance program that begins many months earlier to ensure that all of the equipment is properly installed and fully operational. It is also one of the most important moments in the handover of operational responsibility from construction to the owners and operators. It is important to recognise that this process takes many weeks to provide for curing times, filling the tanks, achieving the appropriate water chemistry and confirming stable water quality, testing all plumbing, fixtures, fittings, equipment, and introducing the species in an appropriate order and manner. For years of reliable service, a thorough and successful commissioning procedure is in everyone’s best interests.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0 CREATION PHASE 2.0 OPERATION PHASE 3.0

AQUARIUM OPERATIONS SERVICE AAT are world renowned for managing some of the best aquariums efficiently and effectively, from unique signature features to some of the largest aquariums in the world. Outsourcing the technical operations of the aquarium allows the client to concentrate on the front of house requirements and visitor experiences.

Peace of mind that comes from knowing that the aquarium is being operated by the experts. The Aquarium Operations Service enables aquarium owners and operators to contract many or all aspects of the technical operational management to AAT. The service is flexible and modular by nature. Different owners and operators have different preferences regarding which processes and responsibilities to keep ‘in-house’ and which to ‘out-source’. AAT is able to put together a bespoke portfolio of services for each individual client based on their circumstances, wants and needs. This service can be provided anywhere in the world given appropriate lead times, and can potentially include one or any combination of the following responsibilities: •

Life Support System operator and maintenance

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Exhibit cleaning and diving

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Aquarist animal management

To ensure optimum conditions are met over the life of an aquarium, AAT can provide inspections and audit services to existing aquariums that require maintenance and upgrades to life support systems, acrylic window refurbishment or replacement, and general infrastructure and equipment optimisation. This service will provide a comprehensive report including all technical findings with a proposed timetable of recommended actions and next steps.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0 CREATION PHASE 2.0 OPERATION PHASE 3.0

REPAIR, RESTORATION & REFURBISHMENT Our services for restoration draw upon AAT’s proven construction and installation capabilities, because for larger projects there is considerable logistical and reconstruction considerations, particularly in the event that restoration work is coupled with redesign and upgraded exhibits.

By upgrading and refurbishing exhibits, the aquarium will continue to attract repeat visitors. Modern construction techniques and aquarium technologies are constantly evolving and improving. Restoration and refurbishment actions may be needed particularly in some of the older or more established facilities to increase footfall and revenue. Upgrading an existing aquarium not only allows for modern and efficient systems to be introduced, but also allows exhibits and the journey through an aquarium to be upgraded, boosting visitor numbers and generate repeat customers for many years. AAT’s Repair, Restoration & Refurbishment Service allows the project to be completed in a swift and reliable manner using the latest and most robust technologies with minimal impact on the animals and visitors. The proven construction and installation capabilities that AAT have delivered on large projects provide ease in the considerable logistical and construction considerations of repair, restoration and refurbishment projects.

CONCEPT PHASE 1.0 CREATION PHASE 2.0 OPERATION PHASE 3.0

Recent Global Projects

Cube Oceanarium (Chengdu, China)

Den Blå Planet (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Marine Life Park, Resort World (Sentosa, Singapore)

Grand Aquarium, Ocean Park (Hong Kong)

Year: 2013 - Current Project value: $ 17,000,000

Year: 2009 - 2013 Project Value: $ 30,000,000

Year: 2010 - 2011 Project value: $ 11,000,000

Year: 2009 - 2010 Project value: $ 15,000,000

Aquarium specialist works including waterproofing, life support systems supply and installation, acrylic panel installation, rock work and theming, FRP tanks, testing and commissioning.

Aquarium specialist works including waterproofing, life support systems supply and installation, acrylic panel and tunnel installation, rock work and theming, FRP tanks, testing and commissioning.

Life support system design consultancy, supply and on-site supervision along with acrylic panel installations, including the main tank panel.

Life support system design, supply and installation, commissioning.

Global Office Locations AUSTRALIA HONG KONG CHINA General Enquiries +61 7 5476 5300 [email protected] www.advanced-aquariums.com