YOUR PROPULSION EXPERTS
How can we make our contribution to the energy transition? With innovative anchoring technologies, AQUOS SCHOTTEL Marine Technologies GmbH provides a future-proof and sustainable solution
The expansion of renewable energies is progressing rapidly, and the wind turbines required for this process are becoming ever taller and more powerful. In order to be able to securely anchor the floating facilities in deep waters and different seabeds in the long term, new technologies are needed. They allow floating structures to be installed at any depth of the sea where the construction of conventional systems on fixed foundations is no longer technically or economically feasible. Besides the emerging offshore wind industry, this anchoring technology is also suitable for other areas of application, such as photovoltaic systems, aquacultures, buoys or mooring systems.
The central element for use in rocky seabeds is a self-drilling subsea rock anchor. “The special feature of the new AQUOS anchoring systems is that, in a single installation process, the anchors first drill their own borehole and then permanently secure themselves in it using the associated, special subsea anchor drill rig,” explains Sascha Scholz, CEO of AQUOS. “This ensures maximum safety at all times.”
The novel underwater anchoring technology offers various advantages: it is characterized by a significantly reduced material requirement with lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional anchoring methods and guarantees permament stationary use in the intended position. Sascha Scholz: “The anchors are set in just a few hours, thus reducing the construction time for the entire wind farm. Operators not only save valuable time, but also money.” Thanks to the unique design of the anchors, a denser installation in the available area is possible.
“With our new anchor technology, we are not only making our contribution to the energy transition, but can even accelerate it,” the CEO adds.
With new expansions within the SCHOTTEL Group, the propulsion expert is preparing for the challenges of the future. It therefore purchased majority stakes in the electric system integrator elkon and founded AQUOS, a company specialized in underwater anchoring technologies. Accordingly, the industrial holding company SCHOTTEL Industries GmbH now comprises six companies with more than 1,500 employees worldwide.
