Impact-9’s key strength is the optimal design of mooring and marine structures for challenging applications. Using numerical modelling (Proteus DS and Orcaflex), Impact-9 designs mooring sytems to satisfy established industry standards (IEC 62600-7, DNV-OS-E301 and emerging codes for aquaculture), while being ready to qualify innovative solutions when the need arises (via DNV-RP-A203 or similar technology qualification method). Impact-9 specialises in early conceptual engineering and optimisation, especially for emerging applications in renewable energy and aquaculture. Working with our trusted engineering partners, we can mange delivery of full FEED and detail design solutions to offshore standards.

Impact-9 is about research with impactful outcomes. Systems Engineering breaks down a system that serve a market need. Innovation means introducing novelty in a system to improve market potential. This often incurs risks.. We chase market-competitive innovations through careful iterative design optimisation to maximise the techno-economic potential and minimise risk. Where technical novelty remains in the system, we devise the experimental qualification plan to demonstrate that the solution meets customer and regulatory requirements. Managing this process requires the facilitation of multi-disciplinary teams and engagement of external stakeholders, something with which Impact-9 can assist our partners.

Qualifying new marine solutions for market readiness will require some mix of design assessment and experimental testing. Impact-9 has a strong track record of delivering commercial R&D programmes, including as part of public procurement contracts and grant-co-funded projects. Using a Systems Engineering approach, we engage partners and subcontractors to identify core novelty and produce evidence to demonstrate commercial potential of solutions. We specialise in R&D projects that may require numerical design assessment, laboratory hydrodynamic tank assessments and even sea trial experimental activity.

Impact-9’s experts have a long track record of working on marine renewable energy projects including tidal and especially wave power conversion solutions. This includes in depth design activities of mooring, structural, power conversion systems and grid connection interfaces. Most recently, Impact-9 has worked with clients to help manage the full techno-economic risk of utility-led marine projects that rely on incorporating novel structures or power conversion solutions.

An emerging area of interest, Impact-9 has completed work for clients on integration of renewable power with existing aquaculture feed barge operations. More recently this has extended to conceptual engineering for co-locating fish fish-farming and seaweed farming at offshore wind sites. The potential for co-location or event structural integration of aquaculture on renewable power conversion platforms are emerging areas of conceptual engineering.