Low carbon marine eco engineering

The aim of the project is to develop a commercialised supply chain of novel low carbon artificial reefs called Eco Reefs that act as scour protection for marine infrastructure, whilst delivery biodiversity net gain. We aim to develop and evidence mass manufacturing capabilities and mass deployment methods at sea with the aims to reduce carbon emissions and increase marine diversity. This is a complex and innovative area that has not yet been achieved by existing products on the market.

Currently artificial reefs available on the market are deployed individually, in a time consuming and costly manor by winching single units down to the sea floor. Therefore, the commercialisation of Eco Reef units that can be deployed en-masse would constitute a significant innovation, potentially catalysing increased uptake of artificial reef eco scour systems for offshore windfarms.

By mass deploying Eco Reef units, the cost of deployment is reduced, resulting in artificial reef eco scour protection becoming a more viable option for windfarm installers, operators, and contractors as a means to achieve biodiversity net gain in offshore wind farms.

Eco Reefs utilise Exo Engineering's innovative method to incorporate waste and recycled materials into our products, turning dredged sediment or waste aggregate from the quarrying and construction sectors, into viable, habitat enhancing products. This approach results in a 17% carbon saving compared to conventional concrete.

We will work closely work with industry partners and collaborate with academics to ensure a robust pathway to commercialisation.