In a strategic push to bolster domestic shipbuilding, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult has joined forces with leading industry players to assess the potential for UK-built vessels in the rapidly expanding offshore wind sector.
Partnering with the National Shipbuilding Office and The Crown Estate, ORE Catapult has appointed APCL Cammell Laird, a renowned British shipbuilder, to spearhead an in-depth market analysis. The objective? To chart a path toward more outstanding UK-based vessel production, ensuring the country is well-positioned to capitalize on the global demand for specialized ships servicing offshore wind farms.
With offshore wind capacity projected to exceed 850GW globally by 2050, the need for Service Operation Vessels (SOVs)—floating offshore Operations & Maintenance (O&M) hubs—is skyrocketing. These vessels, designed to provide seamless access to offshore turbines for repairs and upkeep, are crucial to sustaining the long-term viability of wind energy infrastructure.
ORE Catapult’s research underscores the sheer scale of this opportunity. By 2050, hundreds of SOVs will be navigating offshore wind farms worldwide, supporting a £35 billion market in vessel manufacturing and related services.
The study conducted by APCL Cammell Laird aims to pinpoint how the UK can carve out a competitive edge in this lucrative industry. By investing in domestic vessel production, the initiative seeks to generate jobs, drive economic growth, and reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in offshore renewable energy.
Clean maritime manager at ORE Catapult Lauren Hadnum said: “We know that for the UK to tap into the full potential offered by offshore wind, we’re going to need to dramatically increase the number of vessels that are able to maintain the turbines of the future.
“It’s vital, therefore, that we work to ensure as many of those vessels as possible can be manufactured in British shipyards.
“This work will help us to better understand what needs done to make this a reality, and outline ways in which industry and government can work together to develop a successful and joined-up approach to UK shipbuilding for offshore wind.”
APCL group chief technology officer Linton Roberts said: “APCL Cammell Laird is delighted to have been selected to lead the UK SOV manufacturing business case development study.
“This project represents a significant step forward in strengthening the UK’s position in offshore renewable vessel manufacturing.
“As one of the UK’s largest and most established shipbuilders, we are committed to delivering a robust, evidence-based business case that will shape the future of sustainable shipbuilding and reinforce the UK’s role in the global offshore wind supply chain.
“We look forward to working closely with ORE Catapult, The Crown Estate, and the National Shipbuilding Office to drive this vital initiative forward.”
Comments