ExoMatt for Floating Offshore Wind
➤ July 2023 ➤ META Test Site, Pembrokeshire ➤ ORE Catapult ➤Hiraeth
Problem
Undersea cables must be protected from damaging scour, which occurs when circular currents of water remove sediment from around crucial marine infrastruture. Typically, this is achieved by using quarried rock which, although effective, generates high carbon emissions and neglect the mitigation of damage caused by development. More recently, articulated concrete mattresses have grown in popularity, leading us to explore the potential for Nature Inclusive Design…
Solution
Our ExoMatt is designed to be used as an alternative to articulated concrete mattresses, suitable for placement onto cable routes to deliver effective protection from scour. Featuring Nature Inclusive Design, the ExoMatt seeks to unify functional goals whilst providing habitats for marine organisms.
Our GeoBlock® technology incorporates recycled matierials during manufacturing, whilst our Greening the Grey® technology encourages biocolonisation through the inclusion of unique surface textures.
Results
The recreation of hard substrate habitats, particularly in the North Sea, provides an opportunity for marine life to resettle in areas where habitats have been lost due to environmental degradation. We work alongside clients to offer bespoke, scaleable designs which can offer habitats for specific species. Through the inclusion of features such as tunnels, holes and more, we can help a variety of marine organisms to avoid predation and breed. The result is achieving simultaneous protection from scour whilst strengthening ecosystem resilience to environmental change.
