Aker Solutions, DeepOcean Norway and Solstad Offshore have joined forces to create the ‘Windstaller Alliance,’ a partnership that aims to provide supply, fabrication and marine services to the offshore wind industry and pursue opportunities in other segments of the offshore renewables market
The Windstaller Alliance will combine the established capabilities and expertise of the three companies, forming a ‘one-stop-shop’ provider able to offer product deliveries, fabrication services and marine and subsea operations. It will be a non-incorporated, asset-light alliance, with no joint ownership or liabilities for vessels or other assets, except for specifically agreed projects.
Windstaller Alliance head Guro Høyaas Løken said, “The supply chain for offshore renewables is highly fragmented and, in our view, sub-optimal in terms of efficiency, cost, risk and environmental footprint.
“Windstaller Alliance is able to take an integrated approach where appropriate, unlocking value for operators and suppliers, at the same time reducing the total carbon footprint of offshore renewable projects.”
Windstaller Alliance has access to a substantial product, fabrication and marine services portfolio with related engineering and project management capabilities through Aker Solutions and DeepOcean. Aker Solutions has lengthy experience in fabricating substructures, including four yards and a broad product offering in subsea and topside equipment.
DeepOcean has extensive experience in offshore renewables, including dedicated assets for the renewables market, including trenchers and cable repair spreads. The company provides the alliance with specialised subsea installation and service solutions.
Solstad Offshore has supported offshore wind installation projects, operations and maintenance since 2009, has 3,600 employees and a fleet of 90 vessels available to the alliance.
“In terms of competence, size and asset base, Windstaller Alliance’s offering is probably unrivalled in the marketplace. However, it is how we will integrate and join the three companies’ offerings that will create the real value for both operators and us suppliers,” said Solstad Offshore chief executive Lars Peder Solstad.
The alliance members will co-operate to jointly identify market opportunities and agree on a case-by-case basis which prospects and solutions to pursue. The exact execution scope and co-operation model on a specific project will be set up based on client preferences and market conditions.
A third of DeepOcean’s fleet is expected to use hybrid power by 2022 and the company is considering a pilot project for a vessel using hydrogen fuel cells. Solstad Offshore’s fleet currently has 15 vessels on battery or shore power and the company expects to upgrade 30% of its 90-strong vessel fleet to hybrid solutions by 2025. Aker Solutions aims to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030.
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