ÉIRECOMPOSITES SUPPORTS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT IN ARAN ISLANDS
Connemara-based manufacturer helps European Research Council project in venture to install the furthest maritime broadband transmission without satellite or cellular connection.
GALWAY, May 2023 – The furthest maritime broadband transmission without cellular connection previously stood at 19.4 nautical miles, spanning between Rochespoint Lighthouse and the Offshore Supply Vessel Ocean Spey. However, on the 27th of May 2023, The European Research Council project HIGHWAVE beat this distance, using the SEAFI technology invented by consortium member Arnaud Disant.
SEAFI is a self-funded scientific research project, facilitating the creation of private networks in ports and coastal areas by establishing connections between lighthouses, maritime wind turbines, or offshore drilling platforms and vessels at sea. These networks are used to connect ships and their crews, as well as the data collection buoys (weather, tides…) for example.
HIGHWAVE aims to help future generations improve sustainable practices by using real-time data on waves breaking collected through a wireless telecommunication network. A research station has been constructed as part of this project on Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands at the Aran Island International Research Station (AIRS), which was utilised in the record attempt.
ÉireComposites supported the challenge to better the current World Record. The SME donated its time and expertise to help create a concept dome structure, in a move to benefit both the technology industry in Connemara, and telecommunications and ocean engineering as a whole. The success of this work emphasises Connemara as a prime location for marine research and development within the EU.
Construction of the dome was completed using the wealth of composites knowledge available within the established team in Éire Composites. A design team was able to create a computer model of the concept required. A state-of-the-art 5 Axis CNC guaranteed a suitable and accurate mould, robust and suitable for high volume production. Finishing of the dome was conducted in the high-quality paint booth that is available in ÉireComposites’ 6000m² facility.
The world record attempt was made possible thanks to the participation of:
- Sr Research Engineer Arnaud Disant (UCD & ENS-PS),
- Dr. Syed Ahmad Hasan (UCD),
- Project Engineer Micheál O’Conghaile (ÉireComposites),
- Sr Technician Willy Larsonnier (Addendum-IT),
- Software Engineer Daniel Pelaez Zapata (ENS-PS), Evidence Management: Tatjana Kokina (UCD) Claire Bergin (UCD),
- Marie Claye (UCD),
- Coastal station operators Cedric Larsonnier,
- Pat Faherty
- Public Relation in Irish: Solomon Gleeson and the community of Inishmaan
The organizers want to especially thank the inhabitants of the island and the Marine Institute for their support
About ÉireComposites: Established in 1998, ÉireComposites is an innovative design, manufacturing, and testing company, involved in lightweight, high-performance, fibre-reinforced composite materials, with an international blue-chip customer base of over 70 companies in aerospace, renewable energy, marine, and automotive sectors.
As a leader in designing and manufacturing composite materials ÉireComposites have extensive experience, state-of-the-art facilities and advanced design capabilities as a one stop shop for composites process and product development. The company is based in Inverin, Galway, Ireland with a 6000m² fully accredited facility and employs over 60 people.
