Quoceant secures another approval for quick connection system for marine renewables

Scottish engineering consultancy Quoceant has received an IECRE Feasibility Statement for the quick connection system for marine renewable energy applications from Lloyd’s Register, a renewable energy certification body (RECB).

Q-Connect is an adaptable, subsea, quick connection system that provides mechanical and electrical connection of a marine energy device to its mooring and electrical infrastructure.

“We are delighted to have completed the next step on the journey to technology certification for our quick connection technology. Q-Connect has the potential to bring significant benefits to floating renewable technologies during installation, maintenance, repair, and fault protection operations,” said Beth Dickens, Director of Quoceant.

“We are grateful to Lloyd’s Register for their guidance through this process and to Wave Energy Scotland for their support through this next step and the previous design development and qualification testing.”

The Q-Connect system integrates with various mooring and cabling technologies for wave and tidal energy systems, offshore floating wind systems, floating substations, and other harsh environment floating offshore applications. 

According to Quoceant, the Q-Connect enables fast, remote connection and disconnection of moorings and electrical systems, either together or separately, without needing personnel or taut lines on deck. This enhances safety during marine operations.

Q-Connect’s quick connection and disconnection reduces hook-up operation costs by minimizing offshore time and harbor waiting time for suitable weather. It simplifies the maintenance and replacement of cables and mooring lines and supports a tow-to-harbor maintenance strategy if needed, said Quoceant.

 “Lloyd’s Register as a trusted assessor and only RECB within the IECRE conformity assessment system with a scope to evaluate wind and marine energy technologies, is excited to continue providing an independent assessment of this technology as it journeys towards component certification,” said Winston D’Souza, Global Technical Authority for Offshore Renewables at Lloyd’s Register.

The development of Q-Connect received funding from Wave Energy Scotland, including the completion of a multi-year three-stage support program under their Quick Connection Systems development initiative, along with assistance for certification progress.

“This step towards technology certification is a significant achievement for Quoceant and their engineering team. Their methodical, considered and thorough approach to development leaves them in a strong position to continue through the qualification process, supported by Lloyds Register,” said Tim Hurst, Managing Director of Wave Energy Scotland. 

In May 2023, Quoceant secured approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register, which undertook a review of the basis of the design and its adherence to relevant codes and standards alongside evaluating the design and risk management processes put in place by Quoceant.

Before receiving the approval, the Scottish company completed qualification tests for Q-Connect which included full-scale tests to demonstrate the system’s self-alignment and self-latching functions.