The U.S. Coast Guard is partnering with The University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (known as AEWC) to conduct a study to determine the cost savings associated with the development of composite buoys. Currently, two types of buoys are used in northern climates; standard buoys and ice buoys. Twice a year the buoys have to be rotated from standard to ice to withstand particular seasonal stresses. The ice buoys are stronger but do not perform as well as the standard buoy.

AEWC engineer Jake Marquis is currently working with the Coast Guard investigating the possibility of AEWC designing a buoy that could be used year round that would be lighter and require less maintenance without sacrificing performance. He recently traveled with the Coast Guard to see firsthand how the buoys are handled in order to gain insight into the type of wear and tear they are subject to. The next step in this project will be an inspection maintenance facility in South Weymouth, Massachusetts.

These new composite buoys have the potential to save money by eliminating the need for bi-annual rotation, decreasing maintenance requirements, and by necessitating smaller boats and crews when maintenance is needed because of their lighter weight.