ARC grant secured for groundbreaking plate anchor research

Intermoor, Acteon’s Moorings and Anchors business line, is proud to announce that the pioneering “SEPLA in Sand” project, developed in collaboration with researchers from The Centre of Offshore Foundation Systems at the University of Western Australia (UWA), has received a major grant from the Australian Research Council. This Joint Industry Project (JIP) brings together leading organisations including Shell Australia, EDF Power Solutions, TotalEnergies, 2H, and Intermoor to advance offshore anchoring technology. 

The research aims to enhance the understanding of suction embedded plate anchors (SEPLAs) in sandy and layered soils - knowledge that will shape future offshore developments. 

Intermoor first introduced SEPLAs in the 1990s, and today they remain the only plate anchor type used commercially. These anchors are inserted into the end of a suction follower, which creates the pressure differential needed to embed the anchor before being retrieved and reused. 

While the project focuses on SEPLA performance in sandy soils, its findings will also inform the development of the FEPLA (Flexibly Embedded Plate Anchor), a new-generation concept currently under development at Acteon. By exploring suction technology in challenging seabed conditions, this research will provide critical insights for safer, more efficient offshore operations. 

Intermoor looks forward to working with its partners to push the boundaries of anchoring solutions and deliver innovations that support the future of offshore energy.