Petrofac has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seawind Ocean Technology, which has developed a two-blade floating offshore wind energy system.
Petrofac will initially support design verification of the system and, thereafter, is positioned to provide project management and related services in connection with Seawind’s first 6.2MW floating offshore wind turbine demonstrator.
The demonstrator is due for deployment in European waters by the first quarter of 2024.
Netherlands-based Seawind has developed proprietary two-bladed floating wind turbines integrated with a unique concrete floating structure suitable for installation in all seas, including cyclonic regions and ultra-deep waters.
The two companies will work together to combine Seawind’s floating offshore wind expertise and Petrofac’s world-class engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and energy project delivery track record.
Under the terms of the agreement, they will collaborate on the delivery of early floating offshore wind plant concessions, initially in the Mediterranean Sea and subsequently in other European and global locations, as well as work towards the electrification of other offshore energy assets.
Petrofac new energy services chief operating officer John Pearson said: “The recent ScotWind offshore wind leasing announcement signals major commitment towards achieving the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. More than half the awards were granted for floating wind projects, which we consider a major driver of our growth ambitions in the new energy sector.
“We look forward to deploying more than a decade of offshore wind expertise in support of Seawind Ocean Technology and the growing floating wind sector.”
Vincent Dewulf, CEO of Seawind Ocean Technology, said the system comprises a patented technology that deploys the “teetering hinge two blade wind turbine technology”, which has “many benefits” for offshore application.
“Assembly of the complete system is made in a harbour with land-based cranes, no installation vessels are required for installation at sea,” he said.