Biofouling Study Buoys
Instrumented buoys for studying biofouling
The Institute has several instrumented buoys deployed in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, located near areas for future offshore wind farms. Equipped with biofouling monitoring devices, they allow the study of the biocolonisation phenomenon of submerged structures by marine organisms.
The data collected aims to characterise and quantify biofouling under different environmental conditions and at various depths, to better understand its variability and specify its effects on structures. The information provided is particularly useful for the design, deployment, and maintenance of floating wind turbines.
Our service offering
The associated offering includes a wide range of services and expertise for studying biofouling, including:
Access to rare data
Gain access to detailed biofouling data collected from three sites in the Mediterranean and two sites in the Atlantic. These data, covering several years and varying depths, include taxonomic information based on morphological and molecular criteria, as well as measurements of weight, volume, and thickness of biofouling. Species identification and counting are also provided.
These data also include environmental information such as pressure, temperature, chlorophyll, salinity, turbidity, oxygen, pH, and fluorescence. This information allows for the establishment of correlations between the evolution of biofouling and environmental parameters.
Critical analysis of third-party biofouling data:
We offer an in-depth analysis of biofouling data to determine key engineering parameters essential for the design of floating foundations and hydrodynamic calculations.
To go further, we provide a turnkey solution that includes:
Deployment
- The deployment of buoys equipped with specially designed instrumented systems for the study of biofouling.
- The design and deployment of instrumented systems specifically developed for studying biofouling on existing buoys
Biofouling monitoring protocols for the calculation of engineering parameters
- We offer proven biofouling monitoring protocols, rigorously tested and operational, to be implemented from the early design stages of the project or during the monitoring phases. These protocols enable the collection of precise and reliable data, essential for calculating engineering parameters
Biofouling data analysis
- We offer analysis of data from in situ measurements, including the measurement of wet weight, dry weight, density, thickness, and volume of the biofouling layer.
- A coupling between the analysis of taxonomic data based on molecular and morphological criteria, necessary to better understand the development of biofouling.
- Guidance on integrating the results into the calculation of engineering parameters for the design of floating foundations, dynamic cables, and anchoring lines.
Incorrect use of the results may lead to overestimations or underestimations in the sizing of systems. - Specific advice on estimating the influence of substrate tilt and the effect of multiple units at sea on the evolution of biofouling.
Our resources and experts
Why choose us?
France Energies Marines combines expertise in marine biology and engineering. This transdisciplinary approach allows for a more precise characterisation and understanding of biofouling, leading to more reliable engineering parameter calculations.
Our team has a combined expertise of over 15 years in hydrodynamics and fluid-structure interaction calculations, as well as an in-depth understanding of marine biological phenomena. This dual competence allows for precise characterisation and modelling of biofouling, which is essential for the sizing of submerged offshore renewable energy systems. Thanks to this synergy, we are able to provide comprehensive and reliable analyses, making our team a benchmark in both engineering and marine biology for the phenomenon of biofouling.