Saitec Offshore Technologies, through the DemoSATH Lab, is using its operational floating wind demonstrator as a real testing ground to study interactions with the environment, improve monitoring methods, and find solutions that support coexistence with marine biodiversity.
After successfully deploying biomimetic reef solutions on the underwater part of the platform, the company is now testing new methods for co-locating floating wind installations and aquaculture.
A recent offshore operation marked a new step in the DemoSATH Lab biodiversity program and is part of the AQUASATH project, which involves the installation of several additional systems designed to explore how floating wind foundations can support marine life and investigate their potential integration with aquaculture activities.
The work includes elements of Nature Inclusive Design (NID), adapted to the underwater columns of DemoSATH, filled with shells and mussels to create new surfaces and microhabitats for marine organisms, as well as providing spaces for growth, shelter, and feeding of species around the floating foundation.
One component of the program is a pilot project of multi-trophic aquaculture integrated into the platform. Using a mother rope to suspend lantern nets, mussel ropes, and collection ropes, this experiment evaluates the feasibility of cultivating European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), clams (Venerupis corrugata), mussels, and Ulva seaweed alongside the operations of floating wind installations, exploring the synergies of such co-use.
In the first phase, live material was collected, and NID elements were temporarily installed on the mussel raft before their final transfer to DemoSATH. Each element was pre-identified with a unique number, color code, and associated function or type of live material, ensuring full traceability throughout the operation.
Once the elements were placed on the raft, the working area was organized by separating elements, tools, and live material. The first prepared elements contained seaweed and mussels, followed by elements related to scallops and local oysters. Each element was attached to the raft, checked for secure attachment, and fixed on the raft placement plan according to its identification number.
In the second phase, the elements were collected from the raft and transported offshore for their final underwater installation on DemoSATH. The operation required coordination between the main vessel, support teams, anchoring personnel, and professional divers responsible for positioning and securing the system on the floating wind platform.
The operation was coordinated by Saitec Offshore Technologies, which managed the protocol, installation checklists, documentation, and overall work control. The live material was provided by Mar Ceibe, while Instituto Kardala supplied the raft used for temporarily suspending the elements and technical support during the first day of operations. Kotazero performed underwater work, including collecting elements from the raft and their final installation on DemoSATH. Amarradores de Santander provided the main vessel and operational support in the second phase, including anchoring work required on the platform.
