Trials of the full-size unit, carried out at theTechnical University of Berlin, showed the foundation, a tension leg platform (TLP) concept designed to be fixed to the seabed inwater depths of between 20-500-plus metres, was up to travelling over 3.5-metrewaves at speeds of seven knots.

This seaworthiness means the SOF, a latticework of bracesand flotation cylinders that sits half-submerged in the water, like asemi-submersible, will not have to be installed offshore by a special transportbarge, dramatically improving its economics.

“These