Marine monitoring in Stromboli: installation of instrumented buoys for tsunami early warning

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the island of Stromboli presents a particularly challenging environment for monitoring natural phenomena associated with volcanic activity.

In this context, SOCOTEC Italy has contributed to a major project for the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), involving the supply and installation of two instrumented buoys for marine monitoring.

The project highlights SOCOTEC's expertise in offshore operations and the installation of technological infrastructure, supporting early warning systems designed to promptly detect marine anomalies potentially associated with tsunami events.

Key information

• Project Name: Installation of Instrumented Buoys for Marine Monitoring
• Date: 2026
• Client: Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV)
• Location: Stromboli, Aeolian Islands – Sicily, Italy

Project details

A monitoring system to enhance coastal safety

Stromboli is characterised by intense volcanic activity, making dedicated infrastructure for observing natural phenomena and detecting potential marine anomalies particularly important.

The project commissioned by INGV involves the installation of two instrumented buoys designed to accommodate marine measurement and data acquisition systems.

These installations contribute to strengthening the monitoring network and supporting early warning systems, improving the ability to observe phenomena potentially associated with tsunami events.
 

Scope of work

Marine and offshore expertise for complex technological installations

SOCOTEC provided its specialist expertise to deliver the project through the following activities:

• Supply of instrumented buoys, in accordance with the project's technical specifications.
• Planning and coordination of offshore operations, including transportation and deployment at sea.
• Handling and installation of the structures, using specialised vessels and equipment.
• Positioning of anchoring systems, ensuring the stability of the infrastructure.
• Inspection, testing and commissioning of the installations, in compliance with the specified technical requirements. 

Project challenges

Offshore installations in a complex volcanic environment

The installation of instrumented buoys in the waters surrounding Stromboli required careful operational planning in a marine environment characterised by the presence of an active volcano and particularly demanding environmental conditions.

One of the main technical challenges involved handling and positioning large, heavy structures, with particular attention to lifting operations and the deployment of anchoring systems on the seabed.

Offshore activities also required precise coordination of vessels, lifting equipment and specialised personnel, taking into account weather and sea conditions as well as the specific characteristics of the installation sites.

Another critical consideration was ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the infrastructure, essential for maintaining the continuity of monitoring activities and supporting the effectiveness of early warning systems.

The project demonstrates SOCOTEC's technical and operational capabilities in managing complex offshore installations, where precision, safety and coordination are essential to successful project delivery.

Added value

Early warning system: marine monitoring for tsunami early warning

Instrumented buoys play an important role in marine observation infrastructure, helping detect anomalies potentially associated with tsunami events.

The operations required careful management of activities in the marine environment, combining operational capabilities, technical expertise and logistical coordination.