Mammoet has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-headquartered Tugdock to expand the use of the latter’s submersible platform that has been designed to improve buoyancy, stability, and load-in/load-out operations across marine industries.
The modular Tugdock submersible platform (TSP) allows large floating structures to be transferred from quayside into the water. Structures are driven or skidded onto the TSP in a controlled process, after which the platform can be submerged or raised as required.
Each unit is built from interlocking component cells, which can be inflated, deflated, and joined together to create floating platforms up to 120 m x 120 m, with a lift capacity of 30,000 tonnes. Every node point can withstand loads of up to 350 tonnes, while buoyancy is maintained through compressed air, precisely monitored and controlled with computer systems and electronic gauges.
The TSP can also extend quaysides, enabling more ports to support offshore wind projects. This has been a major focus for the company in the past, having participated in pilot projects at the port of Milford Haven’s Pembroke Port facility; collaborating on a study with RWE to investigate the quayside offload and launch of two types of floating offshore wind platforms; and signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Salamander Offshore Wind to collaborate in research and innovation related to the development of floating wind energy in Scotland.
Recognising its wide-ranging potential, Mammoet will support Tugdock in bringing the TSP to a broader global market, with applications not just in offshore wind, but also oil and gas, defence, civil engineering, LNG, and even the space industry.
Barnaby Mills, general manager of offshore services at Mammoet, said: “We’ve followed Tugdock’s progress for some time and have been impressed by its innovation, particularly in offshore wind. The TSP system also brings clear advantages to other marine sectors where Mammoet already operates. We are excited to collaborate with the Tugdock team and help drive this technology forward commercially.”
Shane Carr, ceo of Tugdock, added: “While our initial focus has been on offshore wind, we see strong potential in many other industries. Working with Mammoet confirmed our shared vision: to scale this innovation to the global market across multiple sectors.”
