Principle Power and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) have signed a collaboration agreement to promote Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) projects off the coast of Japan.

The agreement represents a continuation of the companies’ cooperative relationship first established for the design, performed for NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), of a WindFloat to be deployed in Japanese waters. That design was formally issued an Approval in Principle by Japanese Classification Society, Class NK, in November 2016.

The new agreement establishes the framework for MES and PPI to collaborate on advancement of the FOW market in Japan, through multiple project development activities.

Going forward, MES and PPI will cooperate to further enhance the WindFloat design to meet floating offshore wind deployment opportunities in Japan, and potentially other markets.

“Over the years, MES has been a strong and dependable partner to Principle Power,” said Joao Metelo, PPI’s President and CEO. 

“Already one of the most accomplished offshore engineering and construction companies in Japan, we are very excited about the opportunities our ongoing collaboration with MES can deliver, not only for our work together, but for the floating offshore wind industry in Japan and potentially elsewhere.  This is a very important step for our company.”

“Our floater is feasible to the Japanese waters, satisfying both the technical and economical requirements,” said Mr. Cho, General Manager of the Business Development Division, Ship and Ocean, Project HQ., MES.