UNDIP, Semarang (May 28, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering innovations that have direct, practical benefits for the public. One such innovation is a recent breakthrough by Prof. Dr. Drs. Muhammad Nur, DEA, a professor in the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, UNDIP. His invention—a fish storage technology based on ozone—is now being implemented on fishing vessels across Indonesia.
The technology, known as BOX O’FISH (Box Storage Ozone for Fish), utilizes ozone plasma to preserve fish freshness for extended periods, leaving no chemical residue. Traditionally, fishers relied on slurry ice to keep their catch fresh for up to three days. With this innovation, freshness can now be maintained for more than seven days.
“Until now, many of our fishers have had to return to shore early out of concern that their catch would spoil. This technology offers a solution by extending freshness, allowing them to stay at sea longer and increase both the volume and value of their catch,” said Prof. M. Nur.
Not only is the technology efficient and affordable, but it is also environmentally friendly. The ozone plasma remains active in water for only about 40 minutes and leaves no residue. It has been modified for a range of uses—from small-scale onboard storage boxes to large-scale cold storage units and land-based containers.
The rollout of the technology is supported by an integrated system that includes a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and additional fishing gear, such as cool boxes, fuel drums, and catch baskets, as part of a broader collaboration with various stakeholders. This approach is part of an integrated strategy to improve logistics efficiency in the fisheries sector.
With a relatively affordable investment—for example, one plasma ozone unit can serve 30 storage boxes at a price accessible to fishers—the technology is considered highly scalable for adoption by small and medium-sized fishery businesses nationwide. Through this innovation, UNDIP once again highlights its strategic role in bridging science and public needs, particularly in supporting the sustainability of the national fisheries sector.
In recognition of his innovation, Prof. M. Nur was invited to attend the 52nd anniversary celebration of the Indonesian Fishermen’s Association (Himpunan Nelayan Seluruh Indonesia / HNSI), held on May 26, 2025, at the Muara Angke National Fishery Port (PPN) in Jakarta.
During the event, HNSI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national food self-sufficiency, in line with the priorities of President-elect Prabowo Subianto. The presence of Prof. M. Nur served as a gesture of appreciation for UNDIP’s contributions to strengthening the fisheries sector through the application of science and technology.
This moment is not the first time Prof. M. Nur has applied plasma ozone technology. He previously developed it to preserve agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, which are now widely used in various regions across Indonesia, including several regencies in Jawa Tengah. That success has laid the foundation for further development in the capture fisheries sector.
Prof. M. Nur’s discovery is a point of pride for UNDIP—an innovation dedicated to Indonesian fishers, reflecting the university’s core values: “UNDIP, Noble and Valuable.” (Public Communication / UNDIP / Nurul)