Offshore R&D
R&D projects in marine and offshore energy sectors
At Inalia, we are committed to driving innovation through applied research and development in the challenging marine and offshore energy environments. Our R&D projects focus on developing advanced monitoring systems, intelligent data analysis tools, and new hardware solutions to support the performance, reliability, and safety of offshore structures and renewable energy technologies.
WHY INALIA
Key R&D Initiatives
MonLUG –Monitoring of mooring loads
A patented, field-tested solution for monitoring mooring loads in extreme marine conditions. The system uses fiber optic sensors installed on the static parts of the mooring to measure stress and correlate it with load magnitudes, enabling accurate validation of mooring designs and operational performance.
SIMEWind SHM – Smart monitoring for long-term mooring integrity
SIMEWind SHM is Inalia’s advanced solution for long-term monitoring and predictive assessment of mooring systems in floating offshore wind (FOWT) and wave energy converters (WEC). This integrated system combines real-time sensing of platform dynamics and position, digital twin technology, and machine learning to deliver accurate, scalable, and predictive insights for moorings structural health analysis over the entire asset lifecycle.
Predictive algorithms powered by real data
SIMEWind SHM is Inalia’s advanced solution for long-term monitoring and predictive assessment of mooring systems in floating offshore wind (FOWT) and wave energy converters (WEC). This integrated system combines real-time sensing of platform dynamics and position, digital twin technology, and machine learning to deliver accurate, scalable, and predictive insights for moorings structural health analysis over the entire asset lifecycle.
Hydrodynamic digital twin, simplified and fast
The system integrates hydrodynamic digital twin, calibrated with monitoring data. This simplified model requires only imposed motion (MRU input), eliminating hydrodynamic model uncertainties and enabling fast, reliable simulations for real-time and historical load analysis. The result is a powerful simulation tool capable of adapting to different platform designs and environmental conditions.
From load prediction to structural health diagnosis
SIMEWind SHM goes beyond load estimation by incorporating local FEM models, unitary load cases, and material S-N curves to assess the fatigue life of critical mooring components and the interfaces with the platform. The system continuously updates:
- Real-time mooring load estimates
- Fatigue damage histograms
- Accumulated fatigue on structural elements
- Failure probability and maintenance forecasting
- This end-to-end capability provides engineers and operators with actionable insights for predictive maintenance, extending asset life and improving safety.
Operational fingerprinting and anomaly detection
Using both synthetic and real databases, the system develops “operational fingerprints” that define expected mooring behavior under different conditions. By comparing live measurements to these fingerprints, SIMEWind SHM detects anomalies in real time, such as unexpected tension patterns or abnormal dynamics, triggering early warnings before failures occur.
Dynamic cable & bendstiffener curvature monitoring
Inalia is leading the development of an innovative curvature monitoring solution for dynamic power cables used in offshore floating platforms. These critical components are exposed to constant deformation due to environmental forces and platform motion, making curvature one of the most relevant indicators of long-term mechanical stress and fatigue.
Phase 1. Sensor development and concept validation
We designed and built a custom curvature measurement sensor based on a multifibre optical system, engineered specifically for offshore dynamic cable applications. Field trials were conducted on buoyed mooring systems and at the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir, validating sensor performance under realistic conditions. Real measurements were compared against OrcaFlex simulations, confirming accurate curvature data and a clear correlation between wind-induced loads and curvature response.
Phase 2 — CAMAIA: AI-Driven SHM for dynamic cables
Building on the concept validation, Inalia has leaded CAMAIA — an R&D project focused on developing an AI-based Structural Health Monitoring system for the critical connection point between dynamic cables and their bend stiffeners. The project introduces two complementary innovations: a novel fibre-optic curvature measurement system installed directly on the bend stiffener, and an AI predictive model that estimates curvature from indirect measurements — platform motion (MRU) and position (GPS) — without requiring sensors embedded in the cable itself. This approach directly addresses the durability and scalability limitations of current monitoring technologies.
Real curvature data is being acquired at the HarshLab floating laboratory at BiMEP, providing the field dataset needed to train and validate the AI models under true offshore operating conditions — a critical barrier that existing systems have not overcome.
Outcome
CAMAIA is expected to deliver a long-term, non-invasive SHM solution for dynamic cables that reduces O&M costs and supports predictive maintenance across floating offshore wind assets.
Siport XXI — Smart mooring lines
Inalia developed a non-intrusive monitoring system to measure real loads on mooring lines— in collaboration with Siport XXI as part of the Activa Startups open innovation program.
Need
To measure real mooring line loads during port operations — with a non-intrusive, low-cost, and easily deployable system scalable across different terminal types and vessel sizes.
Challenges
- Design of a non-intrusive system adaptable to different mooring line diameters and materials without interfering with port operations.
- Conversion of deformation and angle measurements into mooring loads and vessel motion across multiple degrees of freedom.
Solution
- Development of a prototype that measures mooring elongation, vertical and horizontal angles in real time.
- Proof-of-concept testing at the Port of Bilbao with a tug vessel, validating system performance against reference measurements.
