BOA and BrestPort have signed a cooperation agreement to develop methods for launching floating offshore wind turbines from port facilities into open water and to support related port infrastructure development.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on 6 October, focuses on studying safe, efficient and cost-effective launch solutions that draw on BrestPort’s marine renewable energy terminal and BOA’s fleet of semi-submersible barges and offshore engineering expertise.
The partnership aims to accelerate the industrial rollout of floating wind farms in Brittany, the Atlantic and beyond by combining BrestPort’s strategic location and facilities with BOA’s heavy-lift and maritime experience.
Under the agreement, both partners will explore scalable and economical launch techniques using BOA’s floating and grounded configurations to support the growing offshore renewable energy sector.
Christophe Chabert of BrestPort said: “Developing robust solutions for the launching of floating wind structures is a critical step for the offshore renewable energy industry. It requires not only advanced engineering and specialised vessels, but also a port infrastructure capable of handling large components safely and efficiently.
“This MoU with BOA allows us to combine BrestPort’s strategic location, facilities and experience in industrial maritime operations with BOA’s fleet and offshore expertise. Together, we aim to define innovative and scalable solutions that will accelerate the deployment of floating offshore wind projects in Brittany and across Europe, while ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.”
BOA chairman Ole T. Bjornevik said: “BOA are proud to support BrestPort in the development of effective and economical solutions for launching of wind turbine foundations and other heavy cargoes, based on our unique fleet of semi-submersible barges. As offshore wind drives the global shift to sustainable energy, this MOU demonstrates BOA’s commitment to enabling efficient and sustainable developments through innovative maritime solutions.”
BrestPort said the agreement marks an important step in its strategy to become a reference site for floating offshore wind assembly and deployment, positioning Brittany as a leader in Europe’s energy transition.