Shipping super-major Knutsen founds offshore wind development firm

Initially targeting Norway’s recently announced Utsira Nord and Sørlige Nordsjø II offshore wind development zones, the new company Deep Wind Offshore is led by chief executive Knut Vassbotn, former head of business development at Aker Offshore Wind. In the longer term, the company is also targeting international offshore wind projects.

Knutsen is best known as an owner/operator of shuttle tankers, floating storage and offloading vessels, liquefied natural gas carriers and product tankers, and is following other Norwegian shipping companies now targeting the fast-growing offshore wind market. These include Fred Olsen Renewables, which formed a partnership in late 2020 with Hafslund Eco to participate in upcoming tenders for Norwegian offshore wind projects.

“We are at the start of what could be a new industrial adventure for Norway with Utsira North and Sørlige Nordsjø II,” said Mr Vassbotn. “Norway can take a position as a leading offshore wind nation building on our expertise in the maritime sector, oil and gas and hydropower.”

Knutsen owner and chairman Trygve Seglem said, “Norway is well positioned to develop a new offshore industry. Knutsen will be part of that journey and be a contributor to realising profitable offshore wind production. It will be good for Norway, in an environmental and in an economic sustainability perspective and provide opportunities for the supplier industry.”

Haugaland Kraft chief executive Olav Linga said, “We are establishing a new, regional company in western Norway. We want to contribute to the development of expertise in the region, and hopefully new renewable power production,” noting that the company brings expertise in infrastructure and network development to Deep Wind Offshore.

SKL chief executive John Martin Mjånes said, “We are facing a green shift that requires significantly more renewable energy. Offshore wind, together with hydropower, can give the region a great advantage, using renewable resources to create future-oriented green industrial growth and development.”

Deep Wind Offshore’s head office will be located in Haugesund.