Image:Subsea Micropiles
New subsea anchor technology could reshape offshore construction logistics
An ambitious offshore foundation project off the coast of Scotland just set a new industry benchmark, as Subsea Micropiles, based in Dublin, completed the installation of the first commercial offshore drilled and grouted micropile anchor for the Orkney Harbour Authority (OHA). This marks a critical milestone in adapting land-based micropile technology to offshore marine environments.
Backed by €12 Million in R&D and Years of Development
It wasn’t an overnight success. This first-of-its-kind installation is the result of nearly €12 million in research and development. Subsea Micropiles has been developing a drilled micropile solution that could reduce the environmental footprint of offshore construction, while also delivering flexibility in engineering design and logistics.
Micropiles — think of them as slender, high-strength anchors drilled deep into the seabed — are not new to civil engineering. But getting them to work reliably offshore? That’s a different challenge altogether. Subsea Micropiles believes they’ve cracked the code, using compact seabed drilling systems deployable from smaller vessels, avoiding the need for massive jack-up rigs or extensive seabed disturbance.
Installed at Scapa Flow: A Strategic First Deployment
The chosen site for the debut installation was Scapa Flow, a well-known natural harbor in Orkney, and home to various maritime operations. The project involved mobilizing drilling equipment from Lyness, Hoy — not a small feat given the logistical complexity of offshore mobilization.
But why Scapa Flow? The area provides both a technical challenge and a strategic location to trial new technology that could benefit Scotland’s floating wind sector. For OHA, getting involved early made sense.
Jim Buck, Harbourmaster at OHA, shared, “The technical solution that has been developed by Subsea Micropiles has exceptional potential to become critical infrastructure for floating offshore wind in Scotland.”
His comments underline the dual function of the anchor: it’s not only a reliable mooring option for harbor operations like tug fleets, but it’s also paving the way for larger offshore wind infrastructure to come.
A Logistics-Friendly Alternative for Offshore Wind Foundations
The biggest advantage of the micropile approach? It significantly cuts down on logistical headaches. Offshore projects are notoriously expensive and environmentally intensive — transporting, lifting, and installing massive foundations can be a juggling act of weather windows, equipment availability, and environmental compliance.
This new drilled micropile method simplifies things. Lighter, modular, and adaptable to various seabed conditions, it suits both fixed and floating wind farms. That’s a big plus for regions like the North Sea, where deep waters and varying soil types make one-size-fits-all solutions impossible.
According to Derek Robertson, CEO of Subsea Micropiles, the installation was the culmination of years of teamwork, technical trials, and supplier collaboration. “I am very proud to recognise the pioneering achievements of our team who are introducing a full-solution and service capability to the market,” Robertson said.
He also credited partners like Mincon, a drilling solutions firm, for co-developing the subsea equipment necessary for the job.
Local Content and Environmental Wins
Besides reducing the carbon footprint, this project hit another high note — it supported the local economy. Subsea Micropiles emphasized strong supplier engagement in Orkney, helping to channel business into the island’s economy and creating a template for future deployments that lean on local partnerships.
That local content angle could be key to gaining broader industry and government support, especially as the UK pushes for greater domestic value in renewable energy projects. The ability to rely on smaller, more agile vessels also supports faster deployment in remote or weather-challenging regions — a logistical sweet spot for offshore operators.
What’s Next for Subsea Micropiles?
While the current installation supports harbor use, the implications go well beyond. The offshore wind sector, especially floating platforms, is hungry for foundation solutions that are scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable.
With Scotland betting big on floating wind, and the North Sea preparing for a new wave of renewable projects, Subsea Micropiles is positioning itself as a supplier of choice for next-generation anchor systems.
As testing continues and real-world deployments grow, the question isn’t whether this technology works — it’s how fast it can be scaled.Source
Source:Marine Ireland Industry network
