Apollo completes sea trials of quick connection system for floating offshore renewables (Video)

Aberdeen-based engineering and energy advisory consultancy Apollo has finished sea trials of the PALM Quick Connection System (QCS) for floating offshore renewables in Orkney, Scotland. The trials, conducted from late March to late May, tested the system’s capabilities in real-sea conditions. 

Financed by and developed through the Wave Energy Scotland (WES) Quick Connection Systems program and supported by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, the PALM QCS is designed to streamline the hook-up and disconnection of cables and moorings for floating offshore renewable devices, said WES. 

Apollo’s PALM connector uses a passive locking mechanism that provides the connection and load transfer between the wave energy converter (WEC) and its moorings. This function is purely mechanical and requires only the input of a suitable deck winch on the installation vessel.

The system is said to reduce operational costs by enabling quick connections via a conventional tow tug’s winching action, avoiding the need to tow devices to port for maintenance. According to WES, the system also allows for connections and disconnections in higher sea states and avoids the need for on-deck operations.

The PALM QCS is a mechanical system that can also include electrical wet mate connectors, bringing both together using the winching action alone. During the recent Orkney trials, the system endured severe weather, including Storm Kathleen, and performed multiple connect and disconnect operations.

“It is reassuring to see the PALM perform exactly as Apollo hoped, including its capabilities in challenging weather conditions. Quick connection technologies are an exciting enabling development for offshore marine renewables and WES looks forward to seeing Apollo continue to develop their technology and collaborate further within the marine renewables sector,” added Managing Director of Wave Energy Scotland, Tim Hurst.  

This trial confirms Apollo’s solutions for the offshore renewables sector, according to WES. The technology is poised to support the floating offshore wind sector’s expansion, particularly with developments in ScotWind and the Celtic Sea.

“The successful trial of the PALM QCS in Orkney is not just a milestone for Apollo, but a testament to the powerful collaborations that drive our industry forward. We are grateful to Wave Energy Scotland, through which the PALM QCS was conceived and developed. Their ongoing support is vital to our success,” said Apollo’s Offshore Renewables Director Nigel Robinson.

“Equally, our thanks go to Leask Marine, who were essential as our marine contractor, and to the numerous local supply chain companies whose contributions were crucial. This trial showcases what we can achieve together to advance the future of offshore renewable energy, and we look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts in the future.”

In August 2021, Apollo progressed to the third stage of the WES program, which focused on the physical demonstration of the technology. The company set its sights on reducing the costs and risks associated with wave energy through the development of a PALM connector.