The technical collaboration on this innovative project has been so successful, evolving throughout concept and FEED, that Atkins will now undertake the detailed design for the project. A first of its kind, the multi-turbine platform uses clever design to help maximise energy yield from far-from-shore turbines located in deeper water.
Atkins’ extensive experience in floating wind has played a key role in developing the concept through to detailed design. This experience has been developed through our involvement in more than half a dozen floating wind projects around the world drawing on the skills we have developed through the design of fixed offshore wind and offshore substation structures. Our 40 years of expertise in designing fixed and floating oil and gas structures in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico has helped build our pedigree in the offshore sector.
Marcus Thor, project director for Hexicon, said: “Atkins brings innovation, quality and professionalism, and we’re pleased to be continuing our relationship in developing our floating wind concept ready for the offshore wind market. Our aim is for this project to show how a multi turbine concept can help bring down the cost of offshore wind, enabling this form of renewable energy to be even more financially viable.”
Chris Cowland, Atkins project director for offshore assets, commented “Clearly this is fantastic news for Atkins but it is also good news for the UK as it goes a little way to help plug the gap in development that we’re seeing due to the delay in the next Contracts for Difference allocation round until December 2016 at the earliest. Importantly, the local value to Scotland where the structure will be installed and operated will help to safeguard the offshore expertise the UK has built over decades supporting the oil and gas industry in the North Sea.”
