IHCantabria launches DSSMARPLUS, an operational platform for trial support in BiMEP and Mutriku

The new DSSMARPLUS digital platform is now operational at the BiMEP and Mutriku test sites, offering environmental forecasts, certified report downloads, and advanced technical support for the planning and execution of marine environment trials

The Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the Universidad de Cantabria (IHCantabria) has launched DSSMARPLUS, an innovative web-based platform designed to support marine technology testing. The platform is already operating with real-time data at both the offshore BiMEP site (Armintza) and the Mutriku wave power plant.

Developed under the framework of the MAR+ project, DSSMARPLUS marks a key milestone in advancing marine renewable energies by integrating spectral prediction models, real-time operational systems, and access to certified technical information.

A technological milestone for marine energy testing

DSSMARPLUS has been conceived as a technical and strategic support tool that facilitates the planning, operation, and validation of marine energy converters in real-world environments. Its main features include:

• Spectral wave prediction at the breakwater in Mutriku, based on the MSP2.0 propagation model.
• Comprehensive environmental forecasting in BiMEP, including wave, wind, current, and sea level conditions.
• Access to certified resource and site compliance reports, using methodologies such as WRA and SCA, endorsed by Lloyd’s Register.
• Automated daily data delivery for registered users.

A platform tailored to the specific needs of BiMEP and Mutriku

At Mutriku, the integration of spectral prediction into each OWC chamber turns the facility—continuously operating since 2011—into a true real-sea laboratory, enabling detailed evaluation of turbine performance and control strategies.

Meanwhile, BiMEP benefits from a complete operational forecasting system to support testing of grid-connected wave and floating wind energy devices in offshore conditions.

This distinctive approach means that DSSMARPLUS is not merely an environmental viewer but a direct support tool for experimentation, design, and operational decision-making.

Multidisciplinary development and international scope

The platform’s development has involved multiple technical teams at IHCantabria, in a multidisciplinary effort combining expertise in:

• Wave, wind, current, and sea level modelling
• Spectral forecasting in coastal domains
• Web development and data architecture
• Integration with physical testing and validated databases

DSSMARPLUS is embedded within the MAR+ project, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the State Research Agency (CPP2021-009079), and the European Union – NextGenerationEU / PRTR.

Its modular architecture and replicable design make DSSMARPLUS a methodological benchmark that can be exported to other international test sites.

The origin of this project lies in the strategic alliance between BiMEP and IHCantabria, established in 2014. This collaboration has led to pioneering initiatives such as TRL+, EuropeWave, and TurboWave, and has enabled the joint development of a scientific-technical offering in the field of deep-water marine energies. This shared vision, grounded in excellence and a strong service orientation, has been key to achieving one of the core objectives of the MAR+ project: to equip Spain with a certified testing system capable of reducing technological risks and accelerating the industrial deployment of marine energy converters.

The platform is now publicly accessible. The portal includes an interactive demo showcasing the core functionalities of DSSMARPLUS at both BiMEP and Mutriku.

The platform can be accessed via the following link: https://dssmarplus.ihcantabria.com/#/bimep

Mutriku area