Norwegian shipping company Knutsen and compatriot utility Haugaland Kraft/Sunnhordland Kraftlag have teamed up to form Deep Wind Offshore with the aim of developing projects at home and abroad.
The new company said it has an experienced management that is complemented by industrial owners with capability in all phases of development, construction, and operation.
Knut Vassbotn (pictured) has been appointed chief executive of Deep Wind Offshore.
He said: “I now see similar triggers in Norway as I have seen in the most advanced offshore wind markets internationally.
“The opening of the two areas for offshore wind could be a new industrial adventure for Norway, and with the two areas opened, Norway can take a position as a leading offshore wind nation built on our expertise from the maritime sector, oil and gas and hydropower production.
“There is nothing that pleases me more than leading a company anchored in these industries with a close geographical connection to the first offshore wind fields.
“The strong team that we are now building, will position the company ideally in Norway.
“We have a global network, and with the 16 ships our owner Knutsen is currently building, we have a strong international foothold.”
Knutsen owner and board chairman Trygve Seglem said: “With a proud Norwegian maritime history, Norway is well positioned to develop a new offshore industry. Knutsen will be part of that journey and be a contributor in realising offshore wind projects.
“We also have a strong fleet and see significant business opportunities in converting some of these vessels to, for example, T&I operations.”
Haugaland Kraft chief executive Olav Linga said: “We are now establishing a new company, headquartered in Western Norway, a region with a long history in producing power to Norway and beyond.
“We want to develop the expertise in the region, and new renewable power production outside Utsira. Our capability in infrastructure and network development will be a differentiator in the offshore wind sector.”
Sunnhordland Kraftlag chief executive John Martin Mjanes said: “We are facing a green shift that requires significantly more renewable energy.
“The combination of offshore wind and balancing hydropower is extremely exiting, and will provide a truly sustainable renewable energy resource of scale, hence facilitate the green industrial growth.”