New system aims to save operators up to £2.7 million per turbine
T12 Engineering has secured significant funding from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) to accelerate the development of an innovative technology. The company estimates this technology could save floating wind operators up to £2.7 million per turbine.
The project builds upon a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study, which was supported by Scottish Enterprise in 2025. That study confirmed the technical viability of T12 Engineering’s Floating Mooring System (FMS).
Floating offshore wind is anticipated to play a significant role in helping the UK achieve its net zero ambitions by allowing turbines to operate in deeper waters, where wind resources are stronger and more consistent. However, installation and maintenance remain considerably more expensive and technically challenging than for fixed-bottom turbines, posing a major barrier to large-scale deployment.
T12 Engineering’s system is designed to improve maintenance options, access, and operational windows for floating wind turbines. It aims to allow major maintenance work to be carried out more safely and efficiently while reducing reliance on heavy-lift vessels and lengthy offshore operations.
Building on the initial FEED study, the latest project will refine the design, improve structural efficiency, reduce material requirements, and advance the technology towards commercial deployment. It will also support the development of an integrated ecosystem of ship-based installation and maintenance tools, including heave-compensated systems capable of handling blades, nacelles, and generators. T12 Engineering believes this approach could help create a more standardised and cost-effective maintenance model for floating wind farms.
Graham Melroy, Director at T12 Engineering, stated: “When major components fail, operators often have little choice other than to mobilise large and costly specialist vessels or tow turbines back to shore. Both approaches are expensive, time-consuming and heavily weather dependent.” He added: “Our system will create a safer, more efficient and more predictable approach to maintenance while significantly reducing costs. We estimate it could save £2.7m per turbine over their operational lifetime.”
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Fellow T12 Director Andrew Hughes commented: “The Scottish Enterprise-supported FEED study demonstrated the concept is technically viable. This latest support from OWGP allows us to take the next step towards commercialisation.” Hughes continued: “As floating wind projects move further offshore and continue to increase in scale, the industry needs new approaches that improve safety, reduce costs and minimise turbine downtime. We believe the Floating Mooring System can help overcome some of the biggest challenges facing floating offshore wind.”
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established to strengthen the UK’s offshore wind supply chain by supporting the development of innovative technologies and capabilities.
T12 Engineering delivers engineering services across the energy and industrial sectors from offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Teesside, and Oslo, supporting clients throughout the UK and internationally.
