Moving floating offshore wind forward requires collaboration and innovation. To scale up and present an energy source that is both reliable and cost-competitive, Saitec Offshore Technologies has integrated into Pilot 1 of the European I3FLOAT Project.
The I3FLOAT Framework
Co-funded by the European Union under the I3-2024-INV1 call, I3FLOAT is a 36-month initiative that brings together 24 partners, including Saitec and Saitec Offshore Technologies, across 8 countries. The objective is strictly operational: testing pioneering technologies in real-world environments to reduce uncertainties, lower the levelized cost of energy, and build a robust interregional supply chain.
Driving SATH Technology Forward in Pilot 1
Within this project, Pilot 1 serves as the testing ground for innovations surrounding our SATH (Swinging Around Twin Hulls) technology. We are working directly on three core technical areas alongside specialized partners:
| Partner | Innovation Area | Core Focus |
| Aventa | Inter Array Cable (IAC) System | Metocean analysis, cross-section electrical design, and mooring configurations. |
| France Énergies Marines (FEM) | Digital Twin & Forecasting | Real-time sensor integration, aero-servo-hydro-elastic modeling, and AI. |
| IngZero | Fiber Reinforced Concrete | Structural innovations, fatigue analysis, and industrialization processes. |
Detailed Scope of Works
In the framework of this project, we are working on the following specific innovations to optimize platform performance and reliability:
- Inter Array Cable (IAC) system with Aventa
- The project involves the selection of 2 installation sites: Galicia with a 150m water depth and the Gulf of Lion with a 65m water depth.
- The engineering teams are executing the cross section design, which includes the electrical definition of the section and local analysis.
- Work also includes the design of the mooring system configuration for the Galicia site.
- DemoSATH Digital Twin and Forecasting model, in collaboration with France Energies Marines (FEM)
- To increase simulation fidelity, real physical measurements are fed into the numerical model.
- A primary objective is the behavioural and health state forecasting model development.
- This forecasting capability is achieved by using AI techniques and neural networks to learn dependencies between variables.
- Fiber reinforced concrete alongside with IngZero
- Focus on the development of structural innovations, considering high-strength concrete, fiber reinforced concrete or steel for specific parts of the SATH floating platform.
- A key task is to determine how fatigue aspect affects the design of the platform or its parts.
- We are conducting a comparative economic study between the fiber-reinforced concrete and high-strength concrete or even steel for specific parts.
- The ultimate goal is to define durability strategies to increase lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.
The engineering activities within Pilot 1 are already in progress. The data, validated designs, and forecasting models obtained from these three areas will be directly applied to optimize the next iterations of the SATH platform.
