UK's Pioneering Initiative: Funding Secured for First Low-Carbon Vessel

Tuesday, 30 January 2024

The UK government has taken a significant step forward in the floating offshore wind sector by allocating funds to a consortium, led by Morek Engineering, for the creation of a groundbreaking low-carbon installation vessel. This consortium, which comprises industry leaders such as Solis Marine Engineering, Tope Ocean, First Marine Solutions, and Celtic Sea Power, was chosen through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. This initiative underlines the UK's commitment to merging maritime innovation with its decarbonisation agenda.

?The vessel, which is poised to be the first of its kind, aims to cater specifically to the intricate installation demands of floating offshore wind farm moorings and foundations. This initiative is not just about advancing the UK's maritime industry but also about setting new environmental performance benchmarks for offshore wind construction and maintenance on a global scale.

?Bob Colclough, the Managing Director of Morek Engineering, emphasized the need for cost-effective solutions to install substantial mooring and foundation systems for floating wind farms while minimizing carbon emissions. This vessel project is seen as a pivotal development in achieving serial production levels unprecedented in the offshore industries, essential for meeting the ambitious net-zero targets set by the UK and other countries.?

The consortium plans to complete an extensive feasibility study to ensure that the vessel design is future-proof and can adapt to a wide range of mooring and foundation technologies expected in upcoming floating offshore wind projects. The design aims to receive approval in principle from classification societies by early 2025, marking a significant milestone in the UK's journey towards achieving its net-zero 2050 targets and bolstering the growth of the global floating offshore wind market.

This initiative is part of the UK SHORE program by the Department for Transport, which allocates a substantial budget towards developing technologies crucial for decarbonising the UK's domestic maritime sector. The project represents a vital step towards sustainable maritime practices and the wider adoption of floating offshore wind technology, offering a promising path to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with offshore wind farm operations and maintenance.

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