About Universal Nets

In May 1995 Universal Nets Pty Ltd was started as an extension to G & I Johnson Net makers Pty Ltd.

The main purpose was to focus on export and International work and the first project was the design, manufacture and installation of shark barrier nets for the Hong Kong Government, a project we maintained for ten years.

Universal Nets Pty Ltd is a family owned and run business and has served the Aquaculture Industry both in Australia and overseas in many locations.

Graeme Johnson the Managing Director has been involved with Tasmanian Salmon Aquaculture previous to the formation of the company and has a background in fishing, civil engineering and civil construction.

Graeme Johnson also worked with the pioneers of the tuna farming industry and the Tuna Boat Owners Association in Port Lincoln to develop cages equipment, towing method net and mooring designs suitable for this type of operation.

Since the original designs were established, Universal Nets Pty Ltd has continued to develop and improve the system with flume tank tests, on site observation and computer generated drawings.

The system is generally recognised as the benchmark worldwide for tuna farming equipment.

From the data collected over the years Universal have developed a unique computer model that indicates drag stresses on both static and towed cages, possibly the only system of it’s kind.

Universal Nets began to export the idea and equipment to other countries from 1995/96 and continues to do so to this day.

We have opened up areas that generally are avoided due to political or security reasons. Our client base is Australia, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, North, South and West Africa, South America, some Arab States and the Pacific region.

Initially all items were produced in Australia however this became a situation where costs began to escalate. With the cost element in mind and the need for fast delivery, Universal Nets Pty Ltd began a Joint agreement operation with King Chou Marine Technology Company Ltd for the production of materials and net assembly.

The factory is situated in Shanghai and has many hundred very well trained net-makers, technicians and machines. The net assembly building has some 10,700 square meters of floor space and two 7-ton traversing power blocks. In this room we manufacture Tuna cages, Purse seine nets and a multitude of other Aquaculture nets and products.

Next to the net assembly rooms there are many machine rooms operating modern filament production machines, net looms both knotted and knotless and “Super knot”. Many products for clients bearing different names are produced in this factory.

With all production involving Universal Nets P/L there is a company representative on site or a company technician to oversee all aspects of manufacture.

Universal Nets Pty Ltd and Europacifictuna Limited (a jointly owned company) also provide technical farming support for the establishment of tuna farms and Ocean Aquaculture in general.

Apart from the production of nets and mooring, Universal Nets P/L also builds cages and associated equipment.

As part of the greater vision Universal Nets Pty Ltd has also combined with Jeyco (1992) Pty Ltd Mooring and Rigging Services and Fusion Marine of Scotland which are a recognised leaders in their field and the combination of the three companies can offer a “Turn-key” supply service for equipment Universal Nets maintain a very high standard of quality and service.

Please see our Links page for further information on partners and collaborators.