[ Triskel Marine Limited - Projects : Oil - Innovative Maritime Problem Solving ]


	We have developed and fully tested an innovative method for the design and deployment of oil booms, especially in areas of high current flow. This is the first major innovation in oil boom design for years and allows complex geographies and difficult environments to be protected effectively. We can even design protective booms which allow for the passage of marine traffic with the boom in place. Software simulations have shown this new technique to be up to 95% effective in environments which were previously considered impossible to protect. We provide a complete survey and design service for port’s wishing to update their oil spill response contingency planning. A number of options are available: Detailed surface water movement surveys can be carried out to determine precisely where any spilled the oil would go and therefore where any boom should be positioned for best effect. This takes full account of tide and wind effects. Computer modelling of existing or planned booms provides accurate data on the effectiveness of any proposed systems without the expense of physical deployment. Should a port wish to upgrade its booming plan in the light of the survey and simulation work, we can provide detailed boom designs including a full list of all equipment required and a deployment plan. Our boom designs allow spilled oil to be collected whilst still afloat. In most circumstances this oil can then be sent for recycling; we do not use a sacrificial beach and do not have the consequent problems of disposing of tonnes of contaminated waste. Clever use of catenary moorings allows precise geometries to be deployed quickly using chains and mooring blocks which are available in most ports. Typical deployment times are approximately four hours for the mooring blocks and chains and another four for the boom itself.

	Extensive trials of the new system have been undertaken with Cornwall County Council's Emergency Planning Department as part of the EU Cycleau Project. This project was set up to benefit regional river and coastal environments and to promote an integrated approach to the planning and management of natural water resources. We have been working primarily in the Fal and Helford rivers in west Cornwall, areas which are internationally recognised for their diverse wildlife and habitats. The final trial took place in the Helford estuary in October 2005. Click here to download the PowerPoint file demonstrating the design, simulation and deployment of the Helford boom.

	Our innovative approach to oil boom design offers a number of significant benefits: Collection of oil afloat for recycling Effective in strong tides Advanced geometries allowing protection of complex areas No sacrificial beach No oily waste to landfill Detailed surface water charting Detailed computer simulation Custom design Uses readily available resources for swift and responsive deployment