Penryn’s ScaffFloat Drives Groundbreaking Marine Installation in Plymouth Sound

Photo: Marine Mattress deployment – pontoon mattress and pipe on slipway – Credit Hannah McFadyen

Eco-Friendly Collaboration Yields Innovative Marine Solution

In a remarkable display of regional collaboration, several pioneering companies from Cornwall and Plymouth have successfully installed a state-of-the-art, 27-metre-long water intake pipe in Plymouth Sound. This eco-friendly and sustainable project aims to provide the Marine Biological Association’s Research Laboratory with a steady supply of seawater, crucial for their ongoing research.

Cutting-Edge Design and Materials

Penryn-based ScaffFloat was tasked with developing a unique submersible pontoon to facilitate the installation of bespoke Marine Matts, designed to secure the new pipe. These Marine Matts, a novel structural material created by ARC Marine, are crafted from Marine Crete, a carbon-neutral concrete alternative. With a texture and surface tailored to support and enhance local marine biodiversity, the Matts offer both durability and protection for the intake line.

Photo: Marine Mattress deployment – pontoon mattress and pipe on slipway – Credit MBA

Innovative Installation Process

ScaffFloat designed self-propelled pontoons to transport the Matts and the pipe to the installation site. The assembly, suspended beneath four pontoons, was precisely positioned with the help of Seawide Services’ divers from Falmouth. This meticulous process required partially submerging two pontoons by flooding specific floats, ensuring the Matt and pipe assembly was laid on the seabed with a 100mm tolerance.

Environmental and Economic Efficiency

The ScaffFloat system, constructed from recyclable floats and standard scaffolding, demonstrated significant flexibility and adaptability, eliminating the need for heavy machinery. This not only reduced environmental impact but also lowered project costs. Notably, all materials and project members were sourced within 70 miles of Plymouth, further minimising the carbon footprint.

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Photo: Marine Mattress deployment – on station with dive boat – Credit Hannah McFadyen

Promising Future for Marine Solutions

Toby Budd, Founder and Managing Director of ScaffFloat, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its significance as a pioneering case study for the company. Toby stated, “This was a great first case study showing how ScaffFloat can be used below as well as above the water. We always enjoy the opportunity to develop the scope of work that we can achieve with ScaffFloat.”

This successful collaboration not only provides the Marine Biological Association with essential resources but also sets a new standard for environmentally conscious marine infrastructure projects.

Photo: Marine Mattress deployment – on station – Credit MBA