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The author has clearly sorted out the economic advantages and technical paths of floating concrete platforms, especially by comparing the price difference of different construction methods (50-800 USD/m²) with onshore real estate, which directly shows the cost potential of marine development. Combined with our experience in the Drijvend Paviljoen project in the Netherlands, we would like to add a few discussion directions:



1. Technical optimization space for construction methods

• Lightweight VS durability: Although the cost of 5mm fiber concrete honeycomb structure (such as the Cartagena pilot) is controllable (≈166 USD/m²), does the long-term fatigue resistance and impact resistance (such as Draupner waves) require the introduction of carbon fiber grid reinforcement or prestressed anchoring system? Referring to the modular frame of the Norwegian Ocean Space Frame, it may be possible to balance lightweight and structural rigidity.

• Innovation in filling materials: Although polystyrene foam blocks (EPS) as buoyancy cores are low-cost, they are environmentally controversial (microplastic leakage). Have you tested mycelium biofoam (Ecovative technology) or recycled plastic honeycombs (similar to the river interceptor design of The Ocean Cleanup)?



2. Market positioning logic of price stratification

• 50-200 USD/m² range: Is it aimed at temporary facilities (such as floating docks, emergency housing), using simple formwork casting + EPS filling? Is it possible for the life cycle cost (including maintenance) of such projects to surpass the mid-range solution?

• 500-800 USD/m² range: If it is benchmarked against high-end residences (such as TSI's 5000 USD/m²), is it necessary to integrate intelligent systems (dynamic ballast adjustment, energy self-consistency) or ecological design (artificial reef base) to increase the premium? For example, Blue Frontiers' "Seaweed Symbiotic Community" concept.



3. Hidden costs of large-scale production

• Supply chain bottleneck: The article mentions that "global procurement of cement through ships" can break the monopoly, but will the carbon footprint of bulk cement shipping (accounting for 7% of global CO₂ emissions) offset the environmental advantages of floating buildings? Are there plans to use low-carbon cement (such as Solidia or Brimstone technology) or basalt fiber to replace steel bars?

• Labor-intensive challenges: Lightweight honeycomb structures rely on handicrafts ("skilled experts are needed"), how to transform to automation? Referring to the 3D printed floating modules promoted by the Singapore Coastal Authority (in cooperation with MX3D of the Netherlands), can we reduce the reliance on manual labor?



4. Innovation in regulations and financial models

• Definition of "marine property rights": If floating platforms are not defined as ships or buildings, how to realize asset securitization through NFT sea area use rights (such as the Maldives Floating City project) or DAO governance?

• Insurance and financing: The advantage of low regulation may be converted into a high-risk label. Is it necessary to develop exclusive insurance products for floating structures with institutions such as Lloyd's, or to achieve risk diversification through blockchain (similar to Etherisc's parametric insurance)?



Controversial points:

• The article mentions that "it is easier to move heavy objects on the water", but the towing of large concrete platforms needs to consider fluid resistance and stability (such as the semi-submersible ship solution of the Dutch moving company Dockwise). Does it underestimate the transportation cost of modular assembly?

• The price comparison does not mention the cost of the mooring system (accounting for about 10-30% of the total project investment). Will the price difference between dynamic positioning (DP) and traditional mooring in deep sea affect the feasibility of the high seas project?

I look forward to the host sharing the specific parameters of the Cartagena project (such as wind resistance level, module connection technology) and the measured buoyancy data of different filling materials!