Saitec Tests Nature Inclusive Design Installations at Floating Wind Platform

Saitec Offshore Technologies, through DemoSATH Lab, is using its operating floating wind demonstrator as a real-scale testing ground to study environmental interactions, improve monitoring methods, and explore solutions that support coexistence with marine biodiversity.

Following the successful deployment of biomimetic reef solutions on the submerged section of the platform, the company is now testing new methods to co-locate floating wind and aquaculture.

The recent offshore operation marks a new step in DemoSATH Lab's biodiversity program and forms part of the AQUASATH Project, with the installation of several complementary systems designed to study how floating wind foundations can host and support marine life while exploring their potential integration with aquaculture activities.

The work includes Nature Inclusive Design (NID) elements adapted to DemoSATH's underwater columns and filled with shells and mussels to create new surfaces and microhabitats for marine organisms and provide growing, sheltering and feeding areas for species around the floating foundation.

A component of the program is a multi-trophic aquaculture pilot integrated into the platform. By utilizing a mother rope to suspend lantern nets, mussel ropes, and collector ropes, this trial assesses the viability of cultivating European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), pullet carpet shell clam (Venerupis corrugata), mussels, and Ulva algae