The float’s buoyant core is made using ultra-low-density waterproof concrete (instead of EPS foam). This core is then cast inside a high-strength engineered concrete skin.
The float is multiple times stronger than an equivalent float made using an EPS foam core as our core is structural.
CORE TEST: Point load test of 15kg (147N) on a 10mm x 10mm (100mm2) area = 1.5 MPa
The float is around 30% heavier than one made with foam. To compensate for this, we increase the displacement by making the float larger. This increased mass lowers the CoG and increases the inertia of the float, resulting in a more stable pontoon.
Yes. We have developed a system to swap floats in situ, without removing pontoons, reducing cost, berth holder disruption, and revenue loss.
Commercial pricing is still being finalised, but we are confident that the through-life cost is equivalent to, or less than, standard EPS cored floats.
Below is our TRL (Technology Readiness Level) and our Roadmap.
“The majority of marina pontoons in the UK rely on EPS foam blocks encapsulated in concrete for buoyancy, a low-cost solution which, in the long term, has unfortunately proven to be environmentally detrimental. Over time, the concrete skins inevitably crack and fall away, exposing the foam and causing the consequent release of plastic balls into the ocean. We have a Seabin in our marina, and polystyrene with concrete attached is a very common waste product recovered, likely to have been released from both abandoned and operational pontoons in our harbour area.
This legacy liability is compounded by the disposal costs for old concrete foam floats, which are classed as a hazardous waste in the UK. We recently removed three failing floats from a finger pontoon, which were visibly releasing EPS balls. The disposal cost was £500 per float, which is more than the cost of a new replacement concrete foam float. Whilst we have chosen to dispose of floats responsibly, sadly, there are some that do not, and it is not uncommon to see old floats stacked up at the top of a boat yard or find people selling them off cheaply. These old and unserviceable floats invariably end up beached and abandoned up a creek somewhere, and the local council or harbour authority then has to bear the cost of collection and disposal.
Given all this, Falmouth Harbour has made the conscious decision to move away from EPS foam pontoons in all our operations. Reef Float is the first company to offer a plastic-free alternative with a zero-cost, end-of-life disposal, as it can be crushed and used for hardcore or equivalent, and we have been keen to support them by purchasing a prototype float. The Reef Float team used a ballasted ScaffFloat to remove the old, damaged concrete float and then install the new float under the finger pontoon. This was all done in a few hours, and it is this ‘in situ’ replacement package that is attractive to us. It gives us the option to instigate a rolling programme of float replacement, spreading the cost over years, without needing to remove pontoons from the water, which saves on associated costs and minimises loss of revenue and disruption to our valued berth holders “
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has selected ReefFloat as one of five finalists for the Innovators & Start-Up Showcase at Marinas26 in Australia this May. In addition to exhibiting, we have been asked to speak at the conference about how ReefFloat can offer marinas an alternative to EPS for pontoon floats and breakwaters. Australians are… Continue reading Reef Float Shortlist for Innovator & Start-Up Showcase at Marinas26
We are absolutely thrilled to announce a massive milestone: our new Reef Float has been shortlisted for the prestigious DAME Design Award at METSTRADE 2025! This isn’t just an award; it’s a huge recognition for what we believe is a truly game-changing product for the marine sector. It validates our commitment to innovation. Reef Float… Continue reading Reef Float Shortlisted for DAME Design Award at METSTRADE 2025
It has been 80 days since our first ReefFloat was installed in Falmouth Harbour Visitors yacht Haven, Cornwall, replacing a failing EPS foam concrete float. Falmouth Harbour has made a strategic commitment to eliminating foam-filled floats from its marina and pontoons. As part of this initiative, they are committed to replacing any existing foam floats… Continue reading 80 Days Afloat for ReefFloat
We are pleased to share a video showing our recent project to replace an ageing concrete float under a finger pontoon using a purpose-built ScaffFloat dry dock in order to install our ReefFloat prototype. Dry Dock Construction Our team successfully constructed a mini dry dock utilising submersible ScaffFloats. This setup features bottom valves… Continue reading ReefFloat Replacement – Falmouth Harbour, Cornwall
