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Floating wind that’s MUCH cheaper to build and deploy.
Based on 30+ years of expertise and renown in wind engineering. Practical floating offshore wind configured for:
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Existing-port manufacturability and access
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Faster installation
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3x lower install cost
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Smaller heavy-lift crane vessels
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Lower LCOE
Built for supply-chain reality and predictable operations.
Patented. Engineered. Ready.
Why floating wind needs a simpler platform
The challenge
Fixed-bottom turbines cannot reach the best wind resources in deep-water and steep-shelf regions. Meanwhile, many existing floating concepts add structural complexity and rely on offshore heavy-lift operations, driving up costs and increasing schedule risk.
Our approach
Nautica utilizes a simpler, self-elevating structure paired with a tow-out installation strategy. We prioritize conventional fabrication, harbor assembly, and ease of maintenance throughout the project lifecycle.
Why now
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Capacity & Security: Deep-water wind zones are key to offshore wind capacity growth and energy security.
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Supply Chain Alignment: Ports and fabricators require designs that fit existing infrastructure and meet local-content goals.
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Risk Reduction: Developers need installation concepts that minimize heavy-lift exposure and weather-related delays.
How the Nautica platform works
Core concept
A self-elevating, three-float platform with articulated geometry that balances stability, transport, and assembly. The architecture emphasizes conventional materials and modular build-up to facilitate harbor integration and a wet tow to the site.
Key elements
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Structure: Primary steel structure optimized for modular fabrication and repeatable QA/QC.
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Stability: Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic stability tuned for both transit and turbine operation.
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Installation: A streamlined pathway centered on harbor assembly, tow-to-site, and simplified hookup.
SEALIFT installation method
The SEALIFT 2024 patent covers a tow‑out installation approach designed to lower offshore heavy‑lift exposure and improve schedule predictability.
SEALIFT is an installation approach that leverages existing port and dock infrastructure to complete the bulk of work onshore. The floating platform, tower, and nacelle are assembled in harbor to a near-final state—leaving blades off to reduce footprint and simplify handling— configured into a low-profile, fold-down geometry for wet tow to site. Once on location, the unit is moored and stabilized, blades are installed before tower standup using readily available vessels as conditions allow, and the structure is brought up to its operating attitude and secured. Final cable pull-in, commissioning, and verification follow.
Results:
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Expand access to existing port and dry-dock networks.
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Bypass traditional air draft and radar restrictions.
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Reduce high-risk offshore heavy-lift operations.
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Enhance safety standards by reducing offshore man-hours.
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Streamline execution through standardized steps.
Safety and compliance
SEALIFT is designed to avoid high-elevation offshore lifts by installing blades at low height prior to upending, reducing reliance on tall crane vessels. Tall crane lifts on site are the highest risk activities. Overall, the design conforms to recognized offshore and wind design standards.
More material
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Overview paper
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partner/investor deck
Assemble in harbor in retracted configuration.
Tow to site. Install blades.
Stand up onsite without large cranes or vessels.
Progress and next
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SEALIFT (2024 patent) Traditional offshore wind installation requires massive, specialized heavy-lift vessels and is often constrained by infrastructure limits, such as bridge clearances. Our proprietary technology solves these logistical bottlenecks through a unified design that integrates transportation, installation, and operation.
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Reference designs and load cases under development.
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Early engineering sprints with prospective supply‑chain and project partners.
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Roadmap set for scaled model validation and pilot‑site planning.
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Commercial scoping with developers in priority markets.
Our mission
To accelerate the energy transition by lowering LCOE and increase safety for floating wind.
Team
Eric Thompson — CEO (fractional)
CXO with experience in multiple wind energy startups and a commercial leader for utility-scale wind and clean energy. Commercial leader for utility-scale wind and clean energy. Focused on partnerships, pilots, and go-to-market execution.
Karen Viterna — COO
Provided oversight for a $650 million NASA Research Program portfolio. Deep experience in technology development, contracting, and IP licensing.
Scientific Legacy (In Memoriam): Larry Viterna — Inventor & CTO
Pioneering wind-energy engineer whose work informs modern turbine analysis and design practices. At Nautica, Larry originated the SEALIFT concepts and engineering. His rigor and practicality continue to guide our engineering standards.
Selected contributions: widely referenced methods in wind-turbine aerodynamics; decades of applied research and industry collaboration; recipient of his namesake honor, the Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence.
Advisory Support BRITE.org — Team supporting Midwest clean energy startups. Multiple BRITE.org energy and venture experts contribute to strategy and execution.