Case Study

Enviromud

Floating Laboratory on the River Parrett

The Brief

Case Study

Enviromud

Floating Laboratory on the River Parrett

The Brief

Client

Enviromud

Specialist geotechnical and environmental testing company

Location

River Parrett, Somerset

One of the UK’s most challenging tidal rivers

The Brief

Enviromud required continuous data collection and mud sampling across a 12-hour tidal cycle on the River Parrett.

The team needed to take samples every 20 minutes, including during the 1-metre tidal bore that sweeps up the river on spring tides.

The brief called for a floating platform capable of withstanding strong tidal currents (up to 6 knots), operating safely over deep mud banks, and remaining stable for a complete tidal window from high water to high water. BM Safety was asked to design and deliver a solution.

The Challenge

The River Parrett’s 12-metre tidal range and soft mud banks over half a metre deep make it one of the most unpredictable working environments in the UK. When the tide floods, it fills the river in just 90 minutes, creating intense flows, shifting conditions, and limited access windows.

Enviromud’s testing schedule demanded precise positioning and constant stability across an entire tidal cycle without grounding or losing safe access.

Our Solution

A Floating Laboratory

Drawing on our experience as in-water operatives and technical access specialists, BM Safety designed and deployed a custom modular pontoon system configured as a floating laboratory.

Anchored modular pontoons provided a stable platform for sampling and instrumentation.
The pontoon was configured to have a ‘moon pool’, a vertical opening to the water below, allowing equipment to be safely deployed and retrieved even in rough conditions.
Work boats were used to manoeuvre the platform safely through the tidal window.
Our in-water trained operatives monitored conditions continuously, adjusting anchoring and orientation as the tide turned.
The setup enabled uninterrupted testing and data collection during the tidal bore.

This bespoke solution kept personnel safe while allowing Enviromud to gather continuous, high-quality data in conditions other companies had deemed inaccessible.

The Result

The project was completed safely, on schedule, and without disruption.

Enviromud achieved complete data coverage across the tidal cycle, validating models of sediment behaviour in extreme tidal conditions.

By combining technical knowledge and problem-solving, BM Safety delivered where others would not operate, proving that we make complex water access simple, safe, and achievable.

At a Glance

Technical support: Designed a bespoke floating laboratory.
Platform configuration: Modular pontoon with a moon pool for equipment access.
On-site support: Work boat, safety boat, and in-water operatives.
Project duration: 12 hours over three different days.
Our difference: Our knowledge and experience of working within tidal waterways was the key differentiator. We could deliver where others could not.