Advancing port and supply chain solutions on Scotland’s East Coast

At the end of November, a project delegation visited a number of locations along Scotland’s picturesque east coast, expanding our connections with vital ports and trailblazing supply chain businesses. The objective? To build on our ongoing engagement with these key partners that will play a vital role in the construction phase of our floating offshore wind projects in the North Sea basin: Green Volt and Cenos.

In a strategic move to de-risk the construction phase of these front runner projects, the Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn delegation met with representatives from Cromarty Firth, Port of Nigg, and Methil, as well as welding and fabrication companies based along the east coast. A focal point of these discussions was of course port infrastructure and future investment, as well as how cutting-edge manufacturing techniques can drive efficiencies.

The spotlight was shone on advancements in robotic welding and electron welding, designed to significantly streamline fabrication times. These innovations will inject efficiency into the project lifecycle, ensuring a smoother trajectory for Green Volt and Cenos as the projects progress through the preconstruction phase.

What makes these technological advancements so compelling is their potential to reshape the landscape of apprenticeships and skill development across the region. Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn recognise that nurturing local talent is not just an investment in the workforce but a crucial element in the scaling up of UK capabilities in floating offshore wind. By supporting apprenticeships and skill development initiatives, the project team and its partners aim to create a robust and agile supply chain ecosystem that can seamlessly handle the assembly activities for floating wind systems on the East Coast of Scotland.

The implications of these endeavours extend far beyond the construction site. They represent an onward step towards a resilient future for the UK’s energy landscape, including the just transition of skills and knowledge from the longstanding oil and gas sector in the region. As we pioneer these advancements, the ripple effect is felt not only in the offshore wind sector but in the broader scope of technological innovation and economic growth for the region.

Stay tuned as the project team continue to chart new waters, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of floating offshore wind systems. The East Coast of Scotland is not just a location for projects; it’s a canvas for innovation, with Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn wielding the brush.