Isola del Giglio · Pilot projectThe pontoon that generates energyfrom the sea and the sun
On the Isle of Giglio, Seares conceived and developed the first walkable floating marine platform with hybrid energy generation: a harbour infrastructure that turns from a simple walkway into a point of production.
Four years of research with the Municipality of Isola del Giglio
The pilot project was conceived, developed and coordinated by Seares together with the Municipality of Isola del Giglio, and is the result of more than four years of research, design, investment and testing. The goal: to turn a traditional pontoon into a more stable, smarter infrastructure capable of producing renewable energy.
The structure serves as an access walkway and mooring pontoon for pleasure craft, from motor yachts to sailing boats. Floating pontoons, historically limited to a purely logistical role, here become part of an active power-generation circuit without compromising walkability or safety.
The origins
The project began four years ago, following Seares' win of the European BlueDeal call in Valencia. After that recognition, Seares was selected by the port of Isola del Giglio, which included the investment in the PNRR “Green Islands” programme.
Energy from waves, stability at the berth
Seadamp FX are hydraulic dampers designed and manufactured by Seares. They absorb and control the stresses generated by wave motion, reducing loads on structures and pontoon oscillations by up to 90%. In the Giglio configuration, four 300-watt units convert part of the sea's energy into electricity, even at night.
- Load damping and mooring stabilisation
- Continuous energy recovery from the swell
- Real-time performance monitoring
A surface you walk on that produces energy
For the solar component, Seares selected a walkable photovoltaic decking — technology by partner New Time — and integrated it into the pontoon's electrical architecture. The two sources complement each other: solar peaks during daylight hours, while the Seadamps keep generating when the sun is gone.
The energy produced powers quay services and charges the batteries of moored boats, eliminating local emissions while they are berthed.
The installation on Giglio
“The Isola del Giglio project is the result of more than four years of work, research, investment and continuous dialogue with the Municipality. The outcome is a highly innovative hybrid system, potentially replicable in ports and marinas on a larger scale.”
Smart devices for boats and pontoons
Seares is an innovative SME founded in 2018 that designs and manufactures advanced mooring systems and hydraulic devices for stabilising boats and floating structures. Our technology comes from Italian research and development and applies to two complementary fronts: the boat and the infrastructure that hosts it.
From Seadamp devices installed on board and on the quay to systems for floating pontoons like the one on Isola del Giglio, we work so that mooring stops being a weak point and becomes an asset: safer, monitored in real time and able to generate energy.
For boats
Next-generation hydraulic shock absorbers that absorb line snatching, protect hull, cleats and equipment, and ensure comfort on board even in bad weather. From pleasure boating to superyachts.
For pontoons and floating structures
Damping and stabilisation systems for pontoons, quays, aquaculture plants and offshore installations, with real-time monitoring and wave energy recovery.
Clients and partners include: Yacht Club de Monaco, Marina di Pisa, Marina Cala dei Sardi, Agroittica, SNAM, Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority, Municipality of Isola del Giglio.