Aberdeen-based Encomara, a specialist in floating wind and subsea engineering, has initiated inshore trials for its pioneering Squid™ connection system at the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility. This marks a significant development for a technology refined over five years, moving it closer to commercial deployment within the burgeoning floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) sector.
The patented Squid™ solution is engineered to facilitate the pre-installation and rapid connection or disconnection of FOWTs by supporting mooring lines, power cables, and all subsea connectors off the seabed. This innovative approach is designed to mitigate risks during offshore construction phases and streamline tow-to-port operations, thereby bolstering project reliability and enhancing insurability.
As the UK’s floating offshore wind industry expands over the coming years, Encomara, which is part of Aurora Energy Services, anticipates scaling its operations to meet increasing developer demand for its technology. This projected growth is expected to generate approximately 130 new project delivery and manufacturing roles at Aurora’s facilities in Huntly and Inverness by 2030.
Ian Donald, Managing Director of Encomara, commented on the technology’s readiness: “We received Product Design Assessment accreditation from the American Bureau of Shipping in June, and on completion of the trials at Ardersier this month will be certified to TRL8, proving that we are ready to start manufacturing to scale. No other solution addresses the developers’ problem the way our plug-and-play technology does.” The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Product Design Assessment (PDA) validates a product’s compliance with industry standards, while a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8 signifies that the actual system is completed and qualified through testing, demonstrating its functionality in expected conditions.
In Case You Missed it:
Joyful connection and fun lined up as Light the Blue 2026 announced
Aberdeen subsea firm conducts world-first propeller research and lands major connector orders
New Global Underwater Hub working group targets safer, more reliable subsea cable projects
Ghostly thriller set to spook at His Majesty’s Theatre
Donald further highlighted the economic advantages of the system: “Latest modelling points to a saving of up to 15% of LCOE [Levelised Cost of Energy], driven by pre-installed mooring and cables and then faster connection when the FOWT arrives infield, reduced vessel costs and reduced lost production time. As floating wind around the world moves from pilot projects into full construction, we anticipate creating around 130 positions in Scotland over the next few years to support the number of Squids being manufactured to meet that demand.” The Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) is a critical metric for assessing the overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation projects.
The inshore trials represent the first floating offshore project of its kind to be launched at the newly developed Ardersier Energy Transition Facility. Mark Gillespie, Chief Commercial Officer at Haventus, the port’s owner and operator, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We welcome Encomara to Ardersier Port as it takes the next step in the development of its Squid technology. Supporting this programme provides an excellent demonstration of how the port can provide the space, access and infrastructure needed to advance new offshore energy technologies.”
Gillespie added: “With extensive deep-water access and significant development space, our ambition is to build a hub where offshore energy businesses can establish a presence, collaborate and grow. Encomara’s work at Ardersier is a strong example of that ambition becoming reality.” Situated 14 miles east of Inverness in the Moray Firth, Ardersier Port boasts convenient access to the North Sea and is being developed into Scotland’s largest offshore wind deployment and servicing facility.
