FLS200 autonomous floating LiDAR Buoy Deployment for EOLOS
Overview
Marine Plant Hire supported EOLOS with the recovery, inspection, servicing and redeployment of the FLS200 autonomous floating LiDAR buoy in the Irish Sea. The buoy collects wind, wave and ocean current data to support offshore wind farm development and is powered by integrated renewable energy systems.
Following completion of a separate delivery project in Swansea, the Tom Scruby mobalised in Workington to load equipment, replacement components, and test kits required for the buoy service.
The Challenge
Located approximately 16 nautical miles offshore, the buoy was connected to a 300m mooring system comprising two 5-tonne clump weights and heavy chain. The operation required safe recovery of the buoy and mooring, detailed inspection of critical components and efficient redeployment to minimise downtime.
How We Delivered
After mobilising in Workington, Tom Scruby completed an overnight transit to the buoy location. The buoy was recovered onto the deck, allowing EOLOS engineers to download data, carry out maintenance, replace anodes and inspect mooring components.
The vessel crew then recovered the 300m mooring system onto the deck using the vesselʼs winches, working closely with the engineers as chain wear and shackles were inspected. Following inspection, the mooring and buoy were safely redeployed, before operational checks were undertaken.
The Outcome
The FLS200 buoy was successfully recovered, serviced, inspected and redeployed during a single campaign. The buoy was returned to operation safely and efficiently, ensuring the continuation of critical environmental data for offshore renewable energy projects.