A rust proof BA?

About six years ago I posed the question as to whether non ferrous material could be used to construct Ceto buoys?   
Not long after, we learned that DCNS had in fact built the Ceto 4 buoyant actuator out of plastic panels in modular form.

As we later learnt, the BA was destroyed by a Catergory 5 cyclone that had a direct hit on Reunion Island not long after deployment.

We were never told whether the details of the failure ie was the BA destroyed? Or, did the tether just break and the BA set adrift?

To me, it seems to make sense that materials other than steel would be preferable for use in the harsh marine environment.  Polymers, plastics, ceramics, etc. are materials that are used to produce components in the 3D printing process.  If it turns out that these other materials are suitable, a BA built from non ferrous material may be possible and constructed in this way?   If not the BA, some of the other components could possibly be constructed using other materials.

Wave Energy Scotland provided funding for the development of a power take off unit in collaboration with Aquamarine Power, CWE and Bosch Rexroth.  Perhaps CWE can benefit from this latest trial by Wave Energy Scotland?

"Wave Energy Scotland has launched a £3m call for engineering design studies into structural materials and manufacturing processes in relation to wave technology.

The studies will examine whether it is possible to make a step-change in the levelised cost of energy by constructing wave energy devices from a range of materials.

WES is seeking project proposals on hybrid structures such as those using rotational moulding of polymers or fibre reinforced composites and/or steel; elastomers; and concretes.

Other materials will be also considered.

WES will cover 100% of project costs for the first stage of the three-stage programme by providing up to £250,000 per project of up to 12 months duration. Applicants are free to contribute further funds if desired.

The closing date for applications is 8 September.

WES director Tim Hurst said: “We know there are industries which have specialised experience of testing various materials and of their manufacturing processes.

“WES needs to tap into that expertise and build working relationships with these companies, by bringing them into the programme to discover which materials are best suited to WEC."

http://renews.biz/103477/wes-launches-third-call/