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Grant programme, Supply Chain innovation for Offshore Renewable Energy (SCORE), announces the first SMEs to receive funding to drive forward their innovative products and processes which benefit the offshore renewable energy supply chain.

Lowestoft-based company, Scour Prevention Systems, which offers a field proven, patented and innovative solution for the prevention of scour around offshore structures and cables was successful in securing $17 000 funding in the pilot stage of grant programme Supply Chain innovation for Offshore Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Scour, the erosion of sediment around objects located in flowing water, can lower the seabed below the specified design level for a structure, which can affect structural stability and accelerate fatigue damage to components.

Scour Prevention System’s mats are made using recycled vehicle tyres laid side-by-side, which trap sediment in their centres and thus form a protective layer. This method is particularly innovative and has higher success rates than alternative methods due to the ideal density of the tyres meaning that they do not sink into the seabed.

Warren Hoskins-Davies, project manager at Scour Prevention Systems, says: “We were delighted to secure the funding for our system which assists offshore engineers in combating the considerable challenges scour presents. The grant has enabled us to secure intellectual property rights for our technology as well as investigating the practicalities of installation, such as anchoring techniques.”

The SCORE programme delivers a $4.2 million funding investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). SCORE grants range from $4200 up to a maximum of 30% of the project’s eligible costs, or $84 000, whichever is the lower.