Technip Energies and SBM Offshore have announced the formal implementation of Ekwil, a 50/50 floating offshore wind joint venture.
The former said Ekwil will be a pure player delivery partner offering a diversified range of ‘series production’ floating offshore wind solutions to meet the growing and demanding needs of energy customers around the world.
It added the new company also brings together expertise and experience of two energy transition leaders to collectively power progress with the two leading-edge technologies – semi-submersible INO by Technip Energies and tension leg platform Float4Wind by SBM Offshore.
This approach covers a large spectrum of the FOW market, aiming to bring these technologies to commercial deployment.
Headquartered in France, Ekwil will have a core team of 40 specialists and will be backed by the resources of SBM and Technip for project execution.
With 25 years of experience in the offshore industry, former managing director of new energies & services at SBM Offshore Séverine Baudic will be the new Ekwil chief executive. Willy Gauttier, previously vice president of FOW at Technip Energies, will be the chief operating officer.
“By bringing together two world leading players, Ekwil will accelerate the deployment of industrial solutions for the nascent Floating Offshore Wind market,” said Technip Energies chief executive Arnaud Pieton.
“This joint-venture with SBM Offshore illustrates the commitment of Technip Energies to provide a diversified and expanding range of low-carbon solutions to support the global net-zero trajectory.”
SBM Offshore chief executive Oivind Tangen said: “It is just a question of time for market potential in Floating Offshore Wind power to materialise.
“This collaboration with Technip Energies ensures the availability of optimal solutions with certainty and reliability in delivery.
“Ekwil leads both partners towards success, pioneering new standards in renewable energy and driving progress towards a net zero future.”
Ekwil chief executive Baudic added: “Today’s launch of Ekwil marks a significant step to power progress in the floating offshore wind market, combining industry-leading expertise and solutions.
“I am proud to have the trust and commitment of SBM Offshore and Technip Energies and look forward to leading our talented teams towards a greener future for all.”