Hydrosphere Provides O&M Services to FLiDAR

Hydrosphere is working with FLiDAR NV offering operations and maintenance services for the FLiDAR wind measurement buoys that are deployed within UK waters. 

FLiDAR NV has developed the world’s most accurate buoy integrated Lidar for wind resource assessments. The state-of-the-art LEOSPHERE WINDCUBE®v2 LiDAR equipment has been installed on a custom-made data buoy platform designed by world-leading buoy manufacturer Mobilis.

Hydrosphere UK Ltd is the UK distributor of the Mobilis range of navigation marks and data buoy platforms. The Mobilis data buoy comprises a large hull constructed from multiple-section polyethylene floats bolted around a central steel structure. The data buoy provides a stable base to support the large aluminium tower holding the LiDAR equipment.

The FLiDAR buoy platform, which is modelled on the standard Mobilis DB 17000 was chosen for its track record as a robust, stable and flexible data buoy platform. The DB 17000 is able to withstand some of the harshest marine environments, has a flexible and secure mooring arrangement to allow deployment in all water depths and utilises a modular design meaning that components can be maintained and replaced individually, reducing the need for spares holding.

This wind assessment technique provides data in a shorter timescale and with less outlay compared to a traditional fixed mast, and with a smaller environmental footprint. It also offers the flexibility to move the unit to another site should measurements be required elsewhere.

Sean Corlett , Hydrosphere UK Ltd Technical Manager, Offshore Renewables said: “Hydrosphere are delighted to be working with FLiDAR. We will be offering operations and maintenance services for FLiDAR around the UK. This work involves the planning, logistics and commissioning the platforms prior to deployment, advising on marine operations and moorings, facilitating the coordination of vessels and having a BOSIET-qualified engineer to service them throughout their deployment.”