Supported by Scottish Enterprise, the fund specifically explores early-stage FEED and feasibility studies which focus on delivering innovative solutions to enable Scotland’s offshore wind commitments. MMC have previously undertaken two additive manufacturing studies, MariLight 1 and MariLight 2, both of which investigated the adoption of Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) technologies in the marine industry, and the ways in which they may transform how ships, boats and other marine structures are designed and fabricated in the UK through topology optimisation. Topology optimisation allows designers to create a structure with efficient material distribution in the design space, effectively delivering items that are just as strong, if not more so, but with considerably less material and weight. This latest study harnessed the lessons learned from these studies and investigated how extant drag anchor designs may be reviewed, revised and optimised using these new, more sustainable methods of manufacturing. This innovation thereby contributes towards decarbonisation targets and has the potential to drive a 25% reduction in weight, decreasing requirements for material purchasing, availability, and reducing wastage.

Chris Dunn, Managing Director of Malin Marine Consultants stated, “In the UK there is considerable emphasis on reducing emissions with the stated target of decarbonising all sectors to achieve ‘net zero’ by 2050, and the offshore wind industry is a key component to deliver this. However, to do so, current design and manufacturing processes must be investigated and improved upon to allow planned build out of developments – and this study is a demonstratable step towards this. Additive manufacturing and topology optimisation has the potential to fundamentally change the way in which the industry works. This current project, is a step towards not only changing what traditional drag anchors look like but also transforming the means and manner by which we fabricate structures, producing better working conditions, reducing emissions, and delivering energy savings in manufacturing. We are incredibly grateful for the support from Scottish Enterprise and the CAN DO fund and are very excited to see how we can implement the findings of this latest study into next steps for additive manufacturing in the industry.”

You can find out more on additive manufacturing, topology optimisation, the Can Do project and our interview with Scottish Enterprise on the importance of the work below.