Minesto, a leader in ocean energy development, has completed construction and functional testing of the seabed connection system for the 1.2-megawatt Dragon 12 power plant.
Marine Operations Evolution: Minesto’s Dragon 12 Connection System
The unique connection system, enabling one of the fastest launch and recovery operations. Particularly in the field of marine energy, is now ready for installation. The Dragon 12 connection system is a further scale-up and enhancement of Minesto’s unique and proven LARS (Launch & Recovery System) technology, a principle applied and proven by Minesto since 2020.
It is remotely controlled and monitored from the surface vessel by lowering the LARS frame attached to the male connector into the female connector in the foundation. In the lower joint, power, data and force connections are all combined. This makes the process both cost-effective and safe: monitored solely by cameras on the frame, no divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are required.
The Dragon 12 kite installation will use the system to enable rapid launching by towing with a small workboat and a ‘one-stab’ connection.
“Our unique connection system shows the heart of our innovative technology – fast, efficient and easy to handle,” says Minesto CEO Dr Martin Edlund.