Mocean Energy which has been operating since 2015; has been working on turning its concept into a reality for the past three-and-half-years. The 20-metre long, 38-tonne wave machine (Blue X) is a prototype design that was manufactured with funding from Wave Energy Scotland’s Novel Wave Energy Converter programme.
Blue X has now undergone it’s first wet testing, load tests and ballast testing at Rosyth with the help of Modulift, a technical expert and manufacturer in the heavy lifting industry, based in Poole, Dorset in the UK. The Blue X has now been transported to Orkney to undergo more testing at the European Marine Energy Centre.
“Lifting is a critical operation for Blue X – the device is lifted on and off transport, into and out of the water sometime over steep quaysides. And it is complex – Blue X is a hinged machine that can be lifted in two configurations. Modulift provided a fit-for-purpose solution and delivered not just the lift beam but the rigging and helped in the design process. We are extremely grateful for Modulift’s support throughout Blue X launch programme,” said Cameron McNatt, MD/co-founder, Mocean Energy.
John Baker, sales director, Modulift said; “It was great to work with Mocean Energy on this project and crucial test lifts and we’re happy that we were part of it. Our custom design solutions are being used across all sectors for a wide variety of complex lifts and the one sector we really do enjoy is the wave energy industry. We have existing off-the-shelf products, but we’ve found that a custom designed frame can be the best solution for lifts like these.”
Modulift already has a presence in the wave energy industry but hopes to expand and work with more experts in the field to help ensure more heavy lifting projects go to plan.
