The aluminum 3 metre buoy is a very capable and rugged metocean platform that can be configured with a wide range of sensors for monitoring weather, air & water quality, directional waves and currents. This platform’s long term survivability and its substantial reserve capacity make it the ideal offshore metocean platform. The 3 metre has proven to be very reliable and cost-effective platform.
With more than 30 years experience operating the world’s largest operational buoy network the USA’s National Data Buoy Center has settled on the 3 metre aluminum discus buoy and the larger 6 metre NOMAD buoy as their primary platforms.
Canada operates the world’s second largest operational buoy network, which similarly includes 3 metre and 6 metre NOMAD platforms. The AXYS designed 3 metre has evolved with many years of operational experience and can be considered a mature design.
The expected service life of the 3 metre platform is in excess of 20 years and properly maintained 3 metre buoys have never been retired due to corrosion. Learn more about AXYS moorings designed for metocean buoys.
The AXYS 3 metre buoy is also available using a foam float, with aluminum superstructure and steel substructure. The foam hull can be customized to accept moon pool tubes welded into place. This hull and primary solar power system require very little annual maintenance. AXYS has used the 3m foam hull in a water quality application on the Fraser River. Read the technical paper and check out the case study.
AXYS 3 metre metocean buoys are operational with the Canadian Weather Buoy Network, Memorial University of Newfoundland, China's State Ocean Administration, Venezuela's Statoil, the Korean Meteorological Association, Brazil Navy, Petrobras, Mexico’s CICESE and the Egyptian Aswan High Dam Authority (AHDA).
Learn more about using the AXYS 3m buoy for offshore renewable energy projects.
Product Documentation
3 Metre Buoy (PDF, 962 Kb)
Canada's Weather Buoy Network (PDF, 2.7 MB)
Offshore Renewable Energy Assessment & Monitoring Systems (PDF, 464Kb)
Additional Information
Case Study - Two AXYS 3m buoys create part of the SmartBay network in Newfoundland
Case Study - AXYS 3 metre buoy helps Petrobras in Oil Exploration
Testimonial Letter - Marine Institute (PDF, 89 Kb)
Client List
Check out real-time weather & water data in Smart Bay off the coast of Newfoundland
Watch a video of the 3 Metre buoy going through annual service and re-deployment