Suction embedded plate anchor (SEPLA)

Lowering mooring costs and emissions with suction-embedded plate anchors

The SEPLA (Suction Embedded Plate Anchor) is a patented anchoring solution that combines two proven technologies: suction piles and plate anchors. It brings together the precise positioning of suction piles with the geotechnical efficiency of plate anchors; the SEPLA delivers the same performance with less weight, complexity and cost.

SEPLA anchors are up to four times lighter than traditional suction piles and easier to fabricate and install. This makes them a powerful choice for both temporary and permanent moorings -especially when carbon reduction and cost efficiency are key priorities.

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50%

Total mooring cost savings using SEPLA anchors can be greater than 50%

180

Installations worldwide, from the Gulf of Mexico to West Africa and Asia

How the SEPLA works

Intermoor’s SEPLA system uses a suction follower (similar to a suction anchor) to embed a plate anchor deeply in the soil.

Once the anchor reaches its target embedment depth, the follower is recovered for reuse. This method ensures high accuracy and leaves no mechanical hardware on the seabed, making it efficient, reusable and suitable for a wide range of projects.

SEPLAs can be used for both temporary and permanent moorings, across oil and gas, renewables and nearshore infrastructure.

Acting on anchor cost, complexity and emissions

Much smaller and lighter than suction piles, the SEPLA delivers significant logistical and environmental benefits.

Simplifying fabrication and reducing costs

SEPLA anchors are smaller and up to four times lighter than suction piles. Their simple plate construction reduces fabrication cost and complexity, offering a lower-cost alternative to drag-embedded VLAs.

Accelerating installation and reducing impact

SEPLA anchors facilitate efficient transport and installation, allowing multiple anchors to be carried on a small installation vessel. This significantly reduces installation time and the number of boat trips required, leading to a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, the recoverable system ensures that nothing mechanical is left subsea, further streamlining the process.

Ensuring accurate, reliable embedment

SEPLA anchors provide precise suction embedment, ensuring accurate geographical positioning and depth penetration. This precision is particularly beneficial in crowded and congested areas, where exact placement is crucial.

Latest resources

See how SEPLA technology is being applied in the field to reduce mooring system costs and support sustainable offshore construction.

Campaign

05 May 2026

Permanent moorings

Floating energy projects are becoming more costly and risky due to expansion into deeper, harsher environments, ageing infrastructure, and supply‑chain challenges. Traditional siloed approaches lead to reactive decision‑making, which is no longer sustainable for long‑life mooring systems. A more effective solution is an integrated approach that uses deeper insight into seabed conditions, platform behaviour, and future performance to design more resilient moorings.

Anchored in experience: How permanent moorings are evolving for FPSOs

The offshore energy market is entering a new era of demand and complexity. Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) activity is surging across South America, Africa and Asia, with schedules tightening and vessel availability remaining a critical constraint. According to Rystad Energy, over $70 billion in FPSO capex is forecast over the next decade – around 85% of it concentrated in these three regions. As investment ramps up and timelines compress, every day offshore counts.

Permanent mooring track record

Our permanent mooring track record brochure consolidates hundreds of permanent mooring projects across multiple environments, water depths, and asset types and summarises our work scope for each project. By combining advanced engineering, robust anchor technologies, disciplined offshore procedures, and long-term integrity management, we deliver mooring solutions that behave exactly as intended throughout the asset’s life.

Talk to our mooring experts

Acteon delivers smart anchoring solutions like SEPLA to help reduce mooring costs, lower emissions and simplify installation. Our team can advise on suitability, specification and deployment for your next offshore project.

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Insight report: Anchored in certainty