DANISH UNIVERSITY TESTS HULL COATINGS ON FLOATING PLATFORM

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark's Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST) are continually striving to improve watercraft hull coatings.

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark's Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST) are continually striving to improve watercraft hull coatings. To perform experiments using real-world environmental conditions, they utilize a unique research platform built with SF Marina floating concrete pontoons. Located off the Øresund strait in Hundested, Denmark, near Copenhagen, the 170sqm structure provides 360° walkaround access to three testing pools.

Installed by SF Pontona Denmark, the 10m W x 17m L CoaST platform is made up of two 2m W x 17m L and four 2m W x 6m L SF1020 floating concrete pontoons. Their sheer mass makes them extremely stable with excellent wave-dampening characteristics, and virtually unsinkable. While all edges have railings installed for safety, a minimal pontoon freeboard of 50cm simplifies access to the water. Integrated utility conduits protect the electrical service. Four piles with SF Marina guides secure the structure. A floating yellow perimeter warns water traffic and keeps debris from fouling the test panels.

"It's a stable and well-constructed platform that has weathered some very strong storms," said Nezam Azizaddini, CoaST technical specialist. "Our researchers and students feel completely safe and secure while working on it."

The concrete pontoons were built by SF Marina at its Wallhamn, Sweden facility and delivered by truck to Hundested. SF Marina has six precast manufacturing plants worldwide; its products can be transported aboard a vehicle or ship, or floated to the installation location.

Founded in 1829, the Technical University of Denmark develops and creates value using science and engineering to benefit society. Its Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre (CoaST) works to support the development, production and use of coatings with improved sustainability profiles over the lifetime of the material. Its website is www.kt.dtu.dk/english/research/coast.

For over 100 years, Gothenburg, Sweden-based SF Marina has engineered and manufactured floating breakwaters and concrete dock pontoons, and related structures built to overcome extreme weather and seas. It has an expansive network of offices across the globe ready to undertake a wide range of marine construction projects.

Contact SF Marina, Propellergången 4, SE-417 64 Göteborg, Sweden. +46 31 7790765. info@sfmarina.com; www.sfmarina.com.