Award Winning Seawater Life Support Deployment Project

Seawater Life Support Deployment Project - Advanced Marine Conservation and Research Project which features a state-of-the-art seawater life support system for the Marine Biological Association's (MBA) Research Aquarium.

The main aim of the project was to replace the damaged water inlet system with a new extended water inlet system, which enables a consistent intake of seawater to the Research Aquarium.

A supply of fresh seawater is critical for the health and stability of marine organisms studied at the Research Aquarium and the new line will enhance the research possibilities for the MBA.

An important factor of the design for the new water intake line was to work towards net zero and to make the new design, as well as the installation methodology, as environmentally friendly as possible.

The new intake line is designed with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies, minimizing the ecological footprint. The intake line is covered with ARC Marine’s Marine Matts, made from a carbon-neutral concrete alternative called Marine Crete. These Matts will protect the new intake line whilst supporting the replenishment of local marine biodiversity through the incorporation of nature inclusive designs, creating advanced surface textures along the entirety of the structure. This aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable practices in marine research facilities and developments.

Project Goals

Through this Project the Marine Biological Association (MBA), aims to advance marine conservation and research by ensuring a reliable, sustainable seawater supply to the Research Aquarium. The previous seawater intake system, a 3” ABS plastic pipe, was tide dependent and could no longer meet the increasing demands of the Aquarium.

The existing system's limitations prompted the development of a new, 27-meter-long 3” Polyethylene intake line that can provide a steady flow of seawater throughout the tidal cycle, enhancing research capabilities and operational efficiency.

Scope of Work

This Advanced Marine Conservation and Research project features a state-of-the-art seawater life support system for the Marine Biological Association's (MBA) Research Aquarium. It includes a 27-meter-long 3” Polyethylene intake line to connect to the existing system for consistent seawater intake irrespective of tidal changes, enhancing research conditions. The intake line is protected by ARC Marine's Marine Matts, made from carbon-neutral Marine Crete, which shield the line while promoting local marine biodiversity. The system also incorporated ScaffFloat’s floating barge technology for eco-friendly deployment and installation, utilizing recyclable plastic floats and scaffold boards to construct a floating barge for the installation, to minimize the environmental footprint.

The collaborative efforts of Structural Evolution, ARC Marine, ScaffFloat, Seawide Services, WH Scott & Son Engineers and MDL Marinas ensured a sustainable and environmentally friendly design and installation methodology. The team worked closely with local suppliers, sourcing materials and services within a 70-mile radius, thereby reducing transportation emissions and supporting the regional economy. The use of a professional dive team for precise installation further minimized ecological disruption, showcasing a coordinated approach to sustainability.

The University of Plymouth's PLUTO-2 live-streaming system further integrates into the project, providing real-time observation and promoting public engagement in marine conservation.

Innovation

This Advanced Marine Conservation and Research project represents both a novel approach and a significant improvement over existing systems. The innovative use of carbon-neutral Marine Crete for protective Marine Matts, coupled with the eco-friendly installation methodology using ScaffFloat’s recyclable pontoons depending on the tide to deploy the pipe to the sea floor, rather than large barges and cranes, sets new standards for sustainability in marine engineering. The integration of real-time observation technology with the PLUTO-2 system enhances public engagement and educational outreach, demonstrating a holistic approach that combines advanced engineering with environmental stewardship and community involvement. The collaborative team effort, incorporating expertise from Structural Evolution, ARC Marine, ScaffFloat, Seawide Services, and WH Scott & Son Engineers, along with the strategic sourcing of materials from within a 70-mile radius, further underscores the project's commitment to sustainable practices.