Research project could result in new anchoring solution for floating windfarms

The research project, supported by €400,000 (US$525,000) Eureka Eurostars funding, will combine advanced vibrohammer technology with next-generation anchor concepts to drive smarter and more sustainable solutions.

The VibroDrive+ initiative brings together Dieseko Group’s expertise in deep foundations and vibratory technology with CorPower Ocean’s work in wave energy systems. The collaboration focuses on further optimising CorPower Ocean’s UMACK anchor, a universal anchor system designed for marine energy, floating wind, and other offshore applications.

Through the integration of Dieseko’s high-performance vibrohammer solutions, the project aims to streamline anchor installation, minimise environmental impact, and achieve the lowest possible levelised cost of energy.

Research activity will commence on 1 December at the IWES Fraunhofer Institute in Hannover, where the project team will conduct controlled laboratory testing involving several rounds of UMACK anchor installation and static and cyclic load testing.

The trials will confirm how vibratory techniques can enhance both the geotechnical performance and installation predictability of the UMACK anchor under diverse seabed conditions.

This project will improve the existing UMACK anchor technology offering and allow the consortium to build on cutting edge installation methods using Vibrohammer technology.

VibroDrive+ project manager Matt Dickson said, “The UMACK pile anchor has been proven at full scale on the CorPower C4 Wave Energy Converter since 2021.

“Able to provide >20MN of uplift holding capacity at only 35 tonnes of pile mass, the UMACK anchor offers a step change in reduced foundation package costs, and LCOE, for wave, floating offshore wind and other floating structures.

“The use of vibrohammer technology is also key for projects, reducing environmental impact during installation, significantly reducing noise and the time/cost of pile installation.”