ORE Catapult has launched a new phase of its Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme to support floating wind supply chain companies in South Wales.
At least 10 businesses from the Swansea region will be selected for the 12–18 month scheme, which aims to prepare companies to win contracts in the UK and international offshore wind markets.
The initiative is jointly funded by The Crown Estate and the Swansea Bay City Deal, a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Neath Port Talbot Council.
The latest Welsh F4OR round follows two earlier phases, which have so far seen 13 companies participate, with three achieving ‘granted status’.
Dr Davood Sabaei, F4OR project manager at ORE Catapult, said: “The F4OR programme has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of the floating offshore wind sector.
“F4OR Wales will ensure that companies joining this programme will benefit from expert offshore wind consultancy support, helping them bid for and win contracts in the UK and internationally.”
Rebecca Williams, director of devolved nations at The Crown Estate, said: “Through a thriving supply chain, we can create jobs and skills within communities and play an important role in the clean energy transition.”
Jane Lewis, regional learning and skills partnership manager at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “This will enhance opportunities for companies in South West Wales to be involved in the Celtic Sea offshore wind programme and bring jobs and economic growth to the region.”
The programme launch comes as The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 targets up to 4.5GW of floating capacity in the Celtic Sea, which could support 5300 jobs and deliver a £1.4bn boost to the UK economy.
Over the past five years, more than 170 UK companies have taken part in F4OR, reporting an average turnover increase of 26%.