Saitec Offshore Technologies is using its DemoSATH floating offshore wind demonstrator to investigate how floating wind technology interacts with the marine environment and to explore opportunities for integrating renewable energy with aquaculture.
The work forms part of the DemoSATH Lab biodiversity programme and builds on previous initiatives, including the installation of biomimetic reef structures on the platform’s submerged sections.
As part of the AQUASATH project, several complementary systems have been installed to assess how floating wind foundations can support marine biodiversity while accommodating aquaculture activities. Nature Inclusive Design (NID) elements have been fitted to the platform’s underwater columns and filled with shells and mussels to create new habitats that provide shelter, feeding and growing areas for marine organisms.
The project also includes a multi-trophic aquaculture pilot integrated into the floating platform. Using a mother rope supporting lantern nets, mussel ropes and collector ropes, the trial is evaluating the cultivation of European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), pullet carpet shell clams (Venerupis corrugata), mussels and Ulva algae alongside offshore wind operations.
During the first phase of the project, live marine material was collected and the NID elements were temporarily installed on a mussel raft before being transferred to the DemoSATH platform. Each element was assigned a unique identification number and colour code to ensure full traceability throughout the installation process.
In the second phase, the elements were transported offshore and installed underwater on the floating platform by professional divers, supported by vessels, mooring teams and technical personnel.
The operation was coordinated by Saitec Offshore Technologies, with live material supplied by Mar Ceibe. Instituto Kardala provided the mussel raft and technical support, while Kotazero carried out the underwater installation. Amarradores de Santander supplied the main vessel and operational support, and Grupo Peñascal Kooperatiba contributed to the development of the Nature Inclusive Design elements.
According to Saitec Offshore Technologies, the project provides practical insight into the installation and operation of nature-inclusive solutions on floating offshore wind structures. The findings are expected to help inform the design of future floating wind farms by demonstrating how environmental considerations and aquaculture activities can be incorporated from the early stages of development.
