Telescopic Buoy Design Concept — Applied Project Case Study

In dynamic waterways where water levels rise and fall unpredictably, traditional navigation buoys often fail to maintain visibility—creating safety risks for vessels and workers. To overcome this, our team at EPTEC developed an innovative telescopic buoy concept designed to remain visible under all water conditions.

This project set out to reimagine buoy technology and address the shortcomings of fixed-height systems commonly used across rivers, ports, and marine construction sites.

Challenge

Maritime safety authorities, construction contractors, and environmental agencies frequently face a critical issue:
When water levels rise, standard buoys become submerged or significantly less visible. This compromises navigation safety and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Existing solutions lacked adaptability. Most buoys are fixed in height, making them unreliable in flooded or fluctuating waterways.

Our objective was clear—design a buoy that automatically adjusts with changing water levels while maintaining structural stability and long-term durability.

Design Approach

The project began with a detailed review of current buoy technologies and environmental conditions. We explored telescopic systems capable of extending or retracting based on buoyancy and real-time water elevation.

Key Innovation - Buoyancy-Driven Telescoping System

The concept features multiple concentric sections that slide within one another, similar to a telescope.

• The base floatation chamber rises with the water level.

• Buoyant force triggers the upper sections to extend.

• The buoy maintains a visible height above the water line at all times.

Additional Design Features

• Stabilising Fins: To reduce tilt and improve performance in choppy waters.

• Marine-Grade Materials: Corrosion-resistant composites selected to withstand continuous exposure to harsh environments.

• Reflective Marker Head: Ensures day and night visibility for navigation and safety crews.

Visually, the buoy presents a sleek, cylindrical profile with a high-visibility top section. As water rises, new segments emerge smoothly from within—maintaining the beacon height without mechanical motors or electronics.

Benefits

The telescopic buoy concept offers significant advantages:

Safety

Consistent visibility dramatically reduces navigation hazards in unpredictable waterways.

Cost Efficiency

Although the concept requires a higher initial investment, reduced maintenance and fewer incidents provide long-term economic benefits.

Environmental Considerations

The design prioritises sustainable materials and low-impact manufacturing processes.

Versatility

Ideal for:

• River navigation

• Marine construction sites

• Flood-prone zones

• Temporary hazard marking

• Coastal waterways with seasonal tide variance

Outcome & Insights

While the project did not proceed to production due to budget and shifting stakeholder priorities, it achieved its purpose as a proof of concept—demonstrating a practical and forward-thinking solution to a long-standing maritime challenge.

The development process provided valuable insights into designing for variable environmental conditions and balancing innovation with real-world cost constraints. These lessons continue to guide our approach to complex engineering design at Applied Project.

The telescopic buoy design concept is a testament to our commitment to safe, future-ready engineering solutions. It illustrates how innovative thinking and practical design can reshape essential infrastructure.

If you’re seeking expert engineering design, drafting, or concept development for your next project, our team is ready to support you.
Contact us to discuss how Applied Project can help bring your ideas to life.