Moray Base - Unlocking deep-water wind potential
Floating wind turbines unlock vast deep-water areas with strong, consistent wind resources, but their large-scale deployment depends on industrial-scale production. This remains one of the key barriers today. With our Moray Base floating foundation, MULTI.engineering is now approaching economically viable large-scale deployment.
The Moray Base is a semi-submersible floating foundation that stands out for its triangular floating structure, engineered to support ultra-large turbines of 18 MW and larger. Its manufacturing philosophy is particularly innovative.
The structure is composed primarily of monopile sections that are already widely used in offshore construction. By relying on these standardized components, the Moray Base is designed for faster serial production, simplified assembly, and lower fabrication and logistics costs.
From model validation to full-scale offshore deployment
Recently, model tests were conducted at Océanide’s wave lab in the South of France. A scale model of the Moray Base was subjected to scaled wind, wave, and current loading, representative of operational offshore conditions. Extreme weather scenarios were also recreated to test the robustness of the foundation.
During the tests, the model's motions and accelerations were measured using sophisticated measurement apparatus. Additionally, force sensors within the model measured the internal loads. The data obtained from these tests are used to validate the numerical models of the structure, an important step in the overall design process, and prove that the Moray Base is highly stable and robust.
In parallel with validating the structure, we are also exploring how to streamline the production process and validate both the mooring systems and the offshore installation method. The ultimate objective is to construct and deploy a full-scale prototype in open-sea conditions to enable comprehensive validation of its operational behaviour and performance.
The development of the Moray Base is being performed within the EU co-funded i3Float project, which was launched to advance scalable, cost-efficient floating wind concepts in Europe. The project brings together 24 partners across eight European regions to combine industrial expertise, research capabilities, and regional energy clusters.
Floating wind, grounded in engineering
Immense structures calmly floating in deep ocean waters seem counterintuitive. Yet as offshore space grows scarce and climate targets become more ambitious, floating wind turbines are essential. Innovations such as the Moray Base and collaborations like the i3Float project help ensure that Europe continues to lead the way.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
