Super-smart buoy to be launched in Cork harbour

A new super-smart buoy is to be launched in Cork harbour in the next few weeks which will provide scientists with a wealth of information and facilitate a number of hi-tech research projects.

The Data Platform, as it’s known, costs €300,000 and was developed by SmartBay Ireland, which is theNational Research Test and Demonstration Facility funded by the Higher Education Authority.

The yellow buoy will be equipped with sensors, marine communications and acoustic monitoring equipment.

It will also be used for testing new inventions and for ocean energy research and will provide instant information on local weather, wave and environmental conditions.

Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster director Valerie Cummins said: “The benefit of having such a resource based in Cork is the opportunity to access data for multiple applications, including the marine environment and maritime security.”

Dr Cummins said that the buoy would be extensively utilised for marine research.

An example, she said, is when a ship’s hull becomes clogged with barnacles and slows the vessel’s speed.

“We could attach different types of materials to the buoy and monitor what types of paints could be used to make hulls more resistant to such growths,” said Dr Cummins.

It could also be used by the Tyndell National Institute to develop nano sensor technology.

The information generated by the sensors and communications systems on the buoy will be transmitted in near real time via the SmartBay dedicated web portal where the data can be accessed by users.

John Breslin, the company’s general manager, said that, in conjunction with IMERC and its partners they were hoping to support a variety of projects for the research and maritime industry in Cork.

Dr Cummins said it was envisaged that the Naval Service would deploy the smart buoy in the harbour within the next few weeks.

“Our long-term goal would be to have these buoys deployed all around the coast,” she said.