Minesto eyes vessel for trials

Scaled Deep Green testing (Photo: Minesto)

 
Swedish tidal energy developer Minesto is looking to procure a vessel that will be used for scale testing of its Deep Green tidal energy technology.

Minesto is looking for a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) vessel to handle the upgraded Deep Green power plants in the tidal kite system from Minesto, the company said in a tender notice on Sell2Wales.

The vessel can be second hand, purpose built, new off-the-shelf or other standard as long as it meets the requirements, according to Minesto.

The developer noted the main objective is to buy the vessel, but options for long or short-term hire have also been left opened.

The vessel should be supplied to Portaferry at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland where Minesto operates test and demonstration facility for technology and equipment trials in offshore conditions.

The Deep Green technology has been undergoing open sea testing in scale models at the site since 2010, according to Minesto.

The deadline to apply to the tender has been set for February 9, while the award date is expected on February 28, 2018.

To remind, Minesto plans to begin with the installation of its first 500kW commercial-scale Deep Green tidal power plant off Northern Wales in April this year.