Qair has launched all three floating turbines for its Eolmed floating wind pilot project at Port-La Nouvelle as construction enters its final stretch before commissioning by the end of 2025.
The developer said 80% of construction costs have been entrusted to French companies, describing the project as a first and a key step in structuring a national floating wind sector.
The project is backed by the French state via the Future Investment Programme (ADEME), along with a consortium that includes TotalEnergies, BW Ideol and multiple public and private partners.
After nearly three years of work on the industrial quay, maritime operations began at the end of August.
Recent milestones included the launch of floaters and integration of turbines, with offshore installation now under way, it said.
The floaters were built by MP Archimedes, a joint venture of Matière and Ponticelli Frères, with support from European subcontractors including Brodosplit, Fincantieri, Navacel and Petrol Lavori.
Laurent Vergnet, CEO of Eolmed, said: “With the Eolmed demonstrator entering its final phase, we are reaching a decisive milestone for the French floating wind industry. Entrusting 80% of the construction costs to French companies demonstrates our commitment to combining industrial performance and energy sovereignty.”
He added: “Eolmed is paving the way for a new era of commercial projects and sustainable jobs on our coasts, and we are more committed than ever to successfully completing this final stage before commissioning by the end of the year.”
Qair said Eolmed is a demonstrator that will inform future commercial floating wind tenders in France and Europe, showcasing the economic benefits for national supply chains and ports.