"Mighty Whale" is a floating wave energy device based on the oscillating water column principle. It absorbs the energy of incoming waves to give rise to a relatively calm ocean surface behind. The calm area will be useful in a number of applications including fish farming. Research on Mighty Whale has been in progress at JAMSTEC since 1987. Theoretical research and model tests so far have provided sufficient insight into the devices' hydrodynamic characteristics.

An assessment has also been enabled of the operational safety and economic performance of this device. A prototype design for open sea tests has been developed using experience gained thus far. The prototype construction was completed in May 1998, and open sea tests were begun in September of 1998.
For more information about the prototype design features, contact tayay@jamstec.go.jp or go to www.jamstec.go.jp