Scottish outfit Flotation Energy is teaming up with Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to explore floating offshore wind opportunities off the coast of Japan.
The duo have agreed to jointly evaluate offshore wind development, building on the 2GW portfolio of offshore floating wind projects in the country being developed by Flotation Energy Japan.
MOL will jointly develop local supply chain and Flotation Energy will manage overall project development.
Flotation Energy director of international operations Tim Sawyer said: “The partnership with MOL is a very significant step for Flotation Energy as it builds its presence in Japan.
“We bring an innovative approach with fresh eyes in implementing offshore wind projects and look forward to working with MOL to deliver floating offshore wind in Japan.”
MOL managing executive officer and deputy director general of the energy and offshore business unit Hirofumi Kuwata said: “UK and Japan have a lot of similar background, both are island country, limited energy resources, and UK is ahead of Japan on offshore wind farm development.
“With Flotation Energy, who has vast experience in developing offshore wind farms in UK and internationally, MOL believes that this collaboration would accelerate the floating offshore wind farm development in Japan market.
“MOL has a rich knowledge and experience in building, owning, operating and managing ships and offshore floating structures.
“Those will be a great help for development of offshore wind farms in Japan and Asian region.”
Flotation Energy directors Allan MacAskill and Lord Nicol Stephen started the Kincardine project (pictured) off Scotland in 2014.