SeaLimpet set for secure renewable future

The SeaLimpet is a cylindrical concrete structure with specially configured in-built chambers which can be flooded with water or evacuated using compressed air, allowing it to be towed, floating to position and then flooded to sink under controlled conditions.

The SeaLimpet secures wind, wave and subsea installations to the seabed with pinpoint accuracy and, because it can be floated into position using non-specialist vessels, avoids the need for heavy transportation ships and cranes, significantly lowering deployment costs whilst reducing operational risk.

The company has also just completed their first contract secured with New Jersey based renewable energy company Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), which commissioned an initial three 460 ton SeaLimpets for the deployment of its PowerBuoy wave energy device. The SeaLimpets have been delivered ready for use by OPT off the coast of Oregon USA. The value of the contract was £900,000.

Gael Force is based in Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. The initial concept for the SeaLimpet came from feasibility work completed for an in-house marine renewable energy project and drew on the company’s experience in mooring heavy displacement marine structures in the aquaculture industry.

However, Gael Force soon realised the potential that existed for the device in more general marine and oil and gas subsea sectors and is currently engaged in developing adaptations of the SeaLimpet for a variety of offshore engineering projects.

Gael Force managing director David Guthrie said, “The versatility and adaptability of the SeaLimpet mean that it has vast potential for both subsea and renewable applications where low cost of deployment, accuracy and safety are key drivers. It is not a concept but a designed and delivered solution, and we are currently busy on adaptive design and engineering work which will result in the SeaLimpet being deployed in some interesting mooring applications.

“We are proud of our Celtic origins. In all parts of our business we are dealing with the sea and we have a determination to meet the challenges of the many marine environments in which we operate, a mindset which has led to the development of the SeaLimpet.”