Project:

Advancing Designs for Floating Offshore Wind Mooring Lines and Anchors
torpedo anchors

CUSTOMER:

California Energy Commission

TECHNOLOGIES USED:

Suction Anchors | Torpedo Anchors

PARTNERS / COLLABORATORS:

InterMoor | University of California - Irvine | University of California - San Diego | WSP USA

STATUS:

Active

Sperra, along with its research partners, has been awarded a grant (GFO-22-402) from the California Energy Commission to develop and commercialize concrete anchors for floating offshore wind installations. ​

The project aims to overcome the anchor and mooring challenges in California’s deep waters, including the need for anchors with omnidirectional load capacity, resistance to seismic activity, and lower manufacturing and installation costs. ​ 

Leveraging Sperra’s unique approach to 3D concrete printing, the project also aims to facilitate localized manufacturing and reduce the carbon footprint of the anchors, aligning with California’s clean energy goals while providing job opportunities and improving grid resiliency. 

PROJECT GOALS:

  • Design concrete suction and torpedo anchors anchors suitable for floating offshore wind plants in California’s Humboldt and Morro Bay wind energy areas
  • Prototype anchors using automated concrete manufacturing methods including 3D concrete spraying, 3D concrete printing, and casting in 3D printed formwork.
  • Assess the marine environmental impact, lifecycle emissions impacts, and economic impacts of concrete and steel anchors.
  • Perform laboratory structural and geotechnical testing to validate anchor designs and performance models.
Skip to content