The mooring plates attached to the steel core have been redesigned to improve access during mooring assembly.

The 3m buoy has proven stable in the water via design refinement in which the steel core has been opened up to allow seawater in. Also vented at the top, it enhances both stability and damping.

Eason Marine has examined the potentially time consuming problem of replacing batteries at sea and introduced a maintenance hatch whereby access can be gained using quick release clips.

In a similar way, the solar panels (0 to 600 watt output options) have been mounted on a quick release plate, which means daymarks do not have to be dismantled. These features also reduce down time, as the buoy can remain in the water while being worked on. To further ease maintenance, handrails have been added and a fixed mounted ladder is an available option.

The plastic 'wings' that help to define the buoy as port or starboard have holes ergonomically positioned so that maintenance personnel can use them as a ladder, giving access to the lantern.

The new EM3000 buoy is extremely versatile since the inside of the tower provides a great deal of space which can be used to house various types of internal/external telemetry equipment and/or racon. The prototype is currently on trial with Trinity House Lighthouse Service, which is evaluating the EM3000 with an eye towards replacing their larger steel buoys.

Eason Marine has progressively developed a series of navigation buoys for a wide range of locations, from inner harbours to more demanding offshore applications.

The company is always evaluating new materials and the EM3000 is manufactured from polyethylene with increased additives to give a much greater UV stability, longer life, and colourfast protection.

MJ Information No: 21040