TIGGOR provides ‘critical’ support for Trident Dynamics project.

Newcastle-based Trident Dynamics received a share of £1.7m in match funding through the first round of the TIGGOR programme’s technology demonstration strand, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA). NTCA has partnered with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, which is delivering the programme on its behalf.  Kate Lovelock, Trident Dynamics Director of Business Development, explains how the programme played a pivotal role in the development of their innovative new product.

Wind turbines at sea

Tell us your name, job title, and a little about your business

Kate Lovelock, Director of Business Development for Trident Dynamics Limited. We are developing an integrated range of Modular Support Craft capable of remaining resident onsite at offshore installations to provide remotely controlled inspection and light intervention both above and below the waterline. All aspects of these craft have environmentally positive credentials from manufacture to end of life.  All our products are designed to work with nature rather than negatively affect it.

Our core business competence includes more than 200 years of combined experience in offshore operations and complex systems integration and production allied to leading edge application of unique materials, power, and propulsion.

What product are you receiving support for through TIGGOR?

We are receiving TIGGOR support for the development of a unique surface oriented autonomous modular support craft designed specifically for resident offshore renewable energy installations providing inspection and intervention capabilities.

What stage is your product currently at?

The surface modular support craft front end engineering is now coming to an end and we are moving into intensive prototype manufacture and testing.  Testing will occur both in the lab with Newcastle University and on open water with the ORE Catapult.

How has the funding helped your organisation?

The award of a TIGGOR grant has given us the ability to explore a range of material and process options and to conduct extensive testing.  This funding will enable us to focus on developing next generation offshore renewable energy support products designed to have minimal environmental impact throughout the products’ entire lifecycle.

What aspect of the TIGGOR programme has been the most valuable to you?

As a start-up, financial assistance is critical.  Access to ORE Catapult staff has been extremely beneficial as they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise which is complimentary to ours.  Also, the ORE Catapult has a wide array of excellent facilities and resources that provide us with theoretical and practical capabilities we simple could not hope to gain access to without their assistance.

Would you get involved in a similar programme again?

Most definitely, we are already planning our next project!