New Marine Energy Technologies Tested at Falmouth’s FaBTest Site

Two pioneering renewable energy technologies have been tested off the coast of Falmouth this summer, marking another major step forward in marine innovation at the FaBTest site.

CableSpring Makes Its Debut

The latest deployment at FaBTest is CableSpring – a new integrated buoyancy and cable protection system designed for submarine dynamic power cables that connect floating offshore wind turbines to the grid.

Developed by SeaThor Ltd, CableSpring has been engineered to boost the durability of cables in challenging shallow waters and energetic wave conditions, widening the design envelope for offshore engineers.

Andy Simmonds from SeaThor said, “Following extensive design and laboratory testing, it has been great to see CableSpring at FaBTest – which provides the ideal location for real-world sea trials. Excellent port facilities and local expertise provide the best support for research and testing.”

The project is being supported by the University of Exeter, whose team is carrying out advanced hydrodynamic modelling to simulate how the system behaves in ocean conditions, as well as managing the marine licensing process.

Prof. Philipp Thies from the University of Exeter said, “It is fantastic to work with innovative engineering companies. In this project, our work has really helped to refine predictive models to assess CableSpring’s performance in future commercial deployments and improve research methods for this crucial engineering challenge.”

📷Tests on SeaThor’s patented CableSpring have been carried out (photo – SeaThor)

A Busy Year at FaBTest

Located 4.5km off the coast in Falmouth Bay, FaBTest is a 1.5km stretch of seabed leased by Falmouth Harbour from the Crown Estate for the testing of offshore renewable devices and related technology.

CableSpring’s arrival coincided with the departure of Buoyant Production Technologies’ power and control buoy – another green energy demonstrator designed by the Southampton-based company, with its steel hull built locally at APCL A&P Falmouth.

This buoy was tested at FaBTest to assess design and technology for floating offshore wind, subsea carbon capture, and other offshore sectors.

Falmouth’s Growing Role in Offshore Energy

Falmouth Harbour’s Environment Manager Vicki Spooner said, “Seeing not just one, but two cutting-edge marine energy devices deployed at FaBTest this year has been a real milestone.

“By bringing innovators to Falmouth, we’re not only powering a more sustainable future for the maritime industry but also boosting the local economy and putting Falmouth firmly on the map for marine energy.”

📷SeaThor’s “CableSpring” is a new buoyancy and cable protection system designed for submarine power cables that connect floating offshore wind turbines to the grid ( graphic – SeaThor)

Collaboration Powering Progress

Each project at FaBTest requires permission from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), with the licensing process supported by several partners, including Falmouth Harbour, Celtic Sea Power, the University of Exeter, and designers.

Neil Farrington of Celtic Sea Power said, “We’ve been delighted to support the consenting process for new technologies at FaBTest. Especially as it is providing contracts for local companies and highlights the growing investment into Cornwall from offshore renewables.”

Falmouth Harbour says this collaborative approach is key to FaBTest’s success, benefitting developers, partners, and local suppliers alike.

Organisations interested in testing renewable energy-related projects at FaBTest can contact Falmouth Harbour. More information about this and other work can be found at www.falmouthharbour.co.uk

📷BPT’s Demonstrator has been monitored at the FaBTest site over the summer (aerial – Shark Bay for Falmouth Harbour)