Sailbuoy publication in Ocean Dynamics

Sailbuoy publication in Ocean Dynamics

An autonomous vessel, the Offshore Sensing Sailbuoy, was used for wave measurements near the Ekofisk oil platform complex in the North Sea (56.5º N, 3.2º E, operated by ConocoPhillips) from 6 to November 20, 2015.

Being 100 % wind-propelled, the Sailbuoy has two-way communication via the Iridium network and is capable of missions of 6 months or more. It was previously deployed in the Arctic, the Norwegian Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, but the present study was the first test for wave measurements.

Sailbuoy publication in Ocean Dynamics: During the campaign, during rough conditions, the Sailbuoy held a position about 20 km northeast of Ekofisk (on the lee side). The mean wind speed measured at Ekofisk during the campaign was 9.8 m/s, with a maximum of 20.4 m/s, with the wind mostly from the south and southwest.

A Datawell MOSE G1000 GPS-based 2 Hz wave sensor was mounted on the Sailbuoy. The mean significant wave height (H s 1 min) measured was 3 m, whereas the maximum H s was 6 m. The mean wave period was 7.7 s, while the maximum wave height, H max, was 12.6 m.