Buoy may warn of tsunamis (From Western Telegraph)

Buoy may warn of tsunamis

A revolutionary new product made by a Pembroke Dock engineering firm could raise the alert to oncoming tsunamis, according to the company's managing director.

William McLean, of Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, said the low-motion buoy, which stands at 15 metres above sea level and is resistant to strong wind and waves, could identify large waves from 40 miles away and could be positioned a long way out to sea.

A prototype of the buoy, developed in conjunction with Pembrokeshire College, will be tested in the waters off St Anne's Head, Milford Haven, in the next month following the success of model testing. Mr McLean said: "It could definitely be used to give advanced warning of tidal waves.

"Fitted with radar, the new buoy will be able to detect large waves from 30 or 40 miles away and could be placed any distance out to sea."

Nicola Howells, business development manager at Pembrokeshire College, worked on the project with four other members of staff seconded from the college.

As project manager, she headed the team as they studied radar systems and their application to the buoy and the feasibility of different forms of renewable energy to power it.

While the prototype will run on diesel, the group has come up with renewable energy alternatives involving wind and solar energy depending on the global position of the product.

Ms Howells said: "This is an excellent example of the college working with a local business on a live project.

"The buoy is a very important development and raises the college's profile."

The buoy surveillance powers also make it ideal for monitoring fishing boats, identifying smugglers and marine defence. Ledwood expects its main clients to be security services and governments.