Anchor geotechnics for floating offshore wind: Current technologies and future innovations

A rapid expansion of the anchor market is required to meet increasing demand for floating offshore wind. This paper, which aimed at a broad readership within and beyond geotechnical engineering, summarises current state-of-the-art discusses future developments types design methods. Current technologies are presented via comparative analytical assessments performance across range practical scales seabed conditions. analysis demonstrates relative merits different types, using simplified cost-performance indicators each technology. An example outcome large differences in efficiency (capacity per unit weight), that linked ways anchors achieve their holding capacity. Potential improvements performance-cost response type, through enhancements, then explored. These enhancements categorised as (1) unlocking higher improved methods with better understanding response, (2) upscaling or (3) commoditising by making larger versions enabling more efficient mass production installation, (4) invention new technologies. Finally, findings sections summarised single table enable quick selection anchoring solutions.