Petrofac, a leading international service provider to the energy industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seawind Ocean Technology, an engineering and technology company which has developed a unique floating offshore wind energy system.
Through the MOU, Petrofac will initially support design verification of the system and, thereafter, is positioned to provide project management/EPCm services in connection with Seawind’s first 6.2MW floating offshore wind turbine demonstrator, 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.
John Pearson, COO of New Energy Services at Petrofac, commented:
“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, commented: “Today we are delighted to announce our strategic collaboration with Petrofac which will strengthen our execution capability for our promising initial projects. Petrofac assures delivery for its clients through innovation and technology, with proven results. Seawind has developed a unique 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.”
Petrofac has been deploying its expertise in support of renewable energy projects since 2008 and has an extensive track record in the design and fabrication of offshore wind substations. In 2020, it was awarded the design, supply and installation of the High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) onshore and offshore substations for the Seagreen offshore wind farm project in Scotland. The Company is expanding its new and renewable energy portfolio further, recently announcing contract awards and strategic partnerships to support Carbon Capture and Storage, Hydrogen, and waste to value projects in the UK and internationally.