DEME Offshore and Penta-Ocean Construction have formed a joint venture to serve the Japanese offshore wind industry.
Japan Offshore Marine (JOM) combines DEME Offshore’s marine engineering knowledge and experience in the renewables sector, with Penta-Ocean’s specialised marine construction technology.
DEME Offshore will hold a 49% stake and Penta-Ocean Construction a 51%° stake in the Japan-based company.
Takuzo Shimizu, CEO of Penta-Ocean Construction, said: “We are confident that through JOM we will be able to combine our extensive experience and expertise in offshore wind construction and marine civil engineering, to lead the growing offshore wind farm construction market in Japan.
“JOM’s new challenge begins with overcoming Japan’s challenging natural conditions such as harsh metocean conditions, earthquakes and complex soil conditions.”
Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO of DEME Group, added: “Both partners bring their drilling and offshore expertise to JOM.
“Japanese projects will be marked by complex seabed conditions, which means that drilling expertise will be vital for becoming successful in Japan.
“We are very excited to be able to make a significant contribution to the long-term development of the offshore wind sector and to help Japan fulfil its ambitions.”
The DP2 jack-up installation vessel Sea Challenger will be relocated to Japan and will be brought under the Japanese flag.
Sea Challenger is set to undergo a major upgrade, preparing it for the first round of offshore wind farm projects in Japan expected to start in 2025.
JOM’s investments in new technology will ensure the company is “ready for the future and to become an offshore wind industry leader” in the Japanese market.