Innovative Suction Anchor System (SAFL) with Extendable Fastening Legs: Design, Prototype Development, and Initial Field Testing in Soft Seabed Environments

G. Rutkowski ¹

, O. Jaskulska ¹

¹ Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

DOI: 10.12716/1001.20.01.23

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ABSTRACT: The article introduces the innovative seabed anchor system SAFL (Suction Anchor with extendable Fastening Legs) and presents the results of the research team’s initial tests. Traditional seabed anchors often struggle to maintain stability in soft seabed environments, limiting their effectiveness in various marine applications. This breakthrough system is specifically designed for anchoring objects in such conditions. The project aims to develop an anchor that, once embedded in the seabed, deploys lateral, extendable legs to significantly enhance its holding capacity. The research team successfully developed a SAFL anchor prototype and conducted preliminary field tests. The initial results not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the SAFL system but also lay the groundwork for significant advancements in marine engineering and offshore construction, enabling more reliable and efficient anchoring solutions for a wide range of marine applications.

KEYWORDS: Marine Engineering, Hydrodynamics, Safety, Offshore Structures, Anchoring Systems, Seabed, Design, Prototype Development

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Citation note:

Rutkowski G., Jaskulska O.: Innovative Suction Anchor System (SAFL) with Extendable Fastening Legs: Design, Prototype Development, and Initial Field Testing in Soft Seabed Environments. TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, Vol. 20, No. 1, doi:10.12716/1001.20.01.23, pp. 217-222, 2026

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