Issuu

No.1 MAY 2025 COOPERATION & ENERGY

Offshore Energy Securing Energy, Sustaining the Future

GUEST COLUMN Jeroen de Graaf NMT-IRO

ARTICLE EU presents Clean Industrial Deal

ARTICLE Offshore wind common goal in the Netherlands

ARTICLE Replace oil & gas will be a ‘gargantuan’ task

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table of contents

SBM Offshore takes slice of Ocean-Power ownership pie

page 18

BP pivoting back to oil & gas page 26

French tidal energy project secures innovation grant page 12

'Crews no longer have to operate blind' page 10

3 Editor’s note 5 Guest Column 6 EU presents Clean Industrial Deal to future-proof energy sector 10 'Offshore energy vessel crews no longer have to operate blind' 12 French tidal energy project secures innovation grant 14 FuelEU Maritime: The breaking of a new dawn in shipping 18 SBM Offshore takes slice of Ocean-Power ownership pie

20 ‘Building a system to replace oil & gas will be a ‘gargantuan’ task’ 24 Offshore wind common goal in the Netherlands 26 BP pivoting back to oil & gas and cutting transition spending 28 Scotland eyes marine energy boost by 2050 32 Offshore energy investment policy key to ensure UK’s supply chain 34 Empower your leadership at Offshore Energy Amsterdam

36 Unlocking Digital Potential in Offshore Wind 40 Dredging on liquid hydrogen: feasible or not? 44 Asisto and Bachmann collaborate on Mammoet’s crane project 49 What is happening? 60 Colophon 60 Advertisers’ index

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Editor's note As the world stands at the crossroads of energy transition and security, the offshore energy sector is emerging as a cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient future. The industry is not just a supplier of power; it is a driver of innovation, energy stability, and a catalyst for a cleaner tomorrow. In an era marked by geopolitical shifts and increasing global demand, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply has never been more critical. Energy security and sustainability are no longer competing priorities-they are two sides of the same coin. The ability to provide stable, affordable, and accessible energy while reducing our environmental footprint is the challenge that defines our time. Offshore energy, encompassing oil, gas, wind, hydrogen, and emerging marine energy technologies (including floating solar), plays a pivotal role in striking this balance. The offshore oil and gas industry continues to be a fundamental component of global energy security. As nations seek to reduce dependence on volatile supply chains, domestic and regional offshore production ensures reliability and resilience. At the same time, the industry is making strides in emissions reduction, carbon capture and storage, and operational efficiencies to align with ambitious climate targets. Meanwhile, offshore wind has emerged as a transformative force in renewable energy. With advancements in floating wind farms, deeper waters are becoming viable frontiers for clean power generation. Governments and industry leaders are investing heavily in expanding offshore wind capacity, reducing costs, and integrating these projects into existing grids. Offshore wind is not just about clean electricity-it is about economic growth, job creation, and long-term energy independence. Green hydrogen produced using renewable energy, is another exciting development in the offshore energy landscape. The integration of offshore wind with hydrogen production has the potential to revolutionize energy storage and decarbonization in sectors that have been historically hard to abate. This edition of our magazine explores the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities shaping the offshore energy sector. The future of energy is being built offshore. By embracing innovation, responsibility, and resilience, we can secure a brighter, more sustainable world for generations to come. The editorial team

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EMPOWERING OFFSHORE TRANSFORMATIONS

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I believe we should be proud of the Dutch offshore industry Now that I’ve been director of NMT-IRO for nearly a year, I dare say I’ve become quite familiar with the developments in the offshore sector. But I still learn new things every day. And the more I learn about this sector, the more I begin to appreciate its beauty. At the same time, it is becoming more clear that some things could – or should – be done differently. If we want a sector that contributes so significantly to Dutch employment, the economy, and our future to thrive, we must give it the space to do so.

One of the major challenges in the near future is energy security. It’s clear that our electricity grid is struggling with serious capacity issues. To overcome these in the coming years, we will heavily rely on the offshore energy sector – for example, gas extraction from our own North Sea. The Dutch government states on its website: "Households, industry, and electricity supply in the Netherlands are heavily dependent on natural gas. There is still not enough sustainable energy […] available to replace natural gas." This gas can be found, among other places, beneath the North Sea. In the so-called 'small fields,' there’s still enough supply for the near future. Yet we see decreasing investments in these areas by oil companies. Why? Because the investment climate here is much less attractive than, for instance, in Norway. There is a great deal of uncertainty, especially around permit procedures, which tend to take a long time in the Netherlands. For many companies, that risk is too high. They move on to countries that offer more certainty. I’m not implying that nothing is being done to change this. Minister Hermans (Climate and Green Growth) is starting to take action. Discussions between the

minister, EBN, and the oil and gas industry organizations are gaining momentum. But I think it’s moving too slowly. If we want to make a real difference, action is needed now. At the same time, we’re seeing a lack of vision and coordination when it comes to the transition to renewable energy. Offshore wind, hydrogen, CCS, and many more are crucial elements for driving the transition forward. In this context, it’s vital to set clear frameworks to ensure a successful multi-track policy. Progress in our offshore wind market appears to be stuck. The current tender system for offshore wind farms leaves much to be desired. Here too, investors and developers are turning their focus abroad. Last October, Reuters reported that “challenges in decision-making” are contributing to delays in offshore wind projects. But simply complaining about what’s going wrong doesn’t help anyone. That’s why at NMT-IRO, we want to take action and help think through the solutions. For example, we see great potential in introducing a Contract for Difference (CfD) system. This system provides developers with the assurance of a minimum electricity price, while allowing the govern-

ment to skim off profits when prices exceed a certain range. Improving the investment climate and introducing a CfD system is not just beneficial for the offshore sector; it will have a positive effect on the entire economy. Changes that offer greater predictability and a clearer long-term outlook will be felt across many industries, such as shipbuilding. A stable, long-term vision helps guide sound investment decisions. I believe we should be proud that the Dutch offshore industry is leading the way in groundbreaking projects. The level of knowledge and expertise in our small country is extraordinary. I witness it every day in conversations with our members. They show me what they’re doing and – rightly so – are proud of their capabilities. Our members can execute anything at sea. It’s important not to lose sight of this and to ensure that the government stays closely connected to real-world practice. I see it as our role to build that bridge. Together with the team, we work every day to strengthen, connect, and represent our members in the maritime manufacturing and offshore industries – to keep this sector resilient and future-proof. Jeroen de Graaf Managing Director NMT-IRO

All eyes on EU as it presents Clean Industrial Deal to future-proof energy sector

The European Union has unveiled the Clean Industrial Deal, a transformational business plan outlining concrete actions to turn decarbonization into ‘a driver of growth‘ for European industries by supporting renewable energy sources.

Specifically, the plan aims to lower energy prices, create ‘quality’ jobs and the ‘right’ conditions for companies to thrive, accelerating decarbonization while at the same time securing the future of manufacturing in Europe. With the new plan, the EU wants to tackle three challengers at once-a climate crisis and its consequences, competitiveness concerns, and economic resilience. As informed, to provide short-term relief, the Clean Industrial Deal will mobilize over €100 billion to support EUmade clean manufacturing. As European industries are said to be faced with 'high energy costs and often unfair global

competition,' the framework can drive growth and competitiveness of these industries.

trial Deal is to cut the ties that still hold our companies back and make a clear business case for Europe."

''Europe is not only a continent of industrial innovation, but also a continent of industrial production. However, the demand for clean products has slowed down, and some investments have moved to other regions," Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, commented.

The focus will be mainly on two closely linked sectors: energy-intensive industries and the clean-tech sector. Circularity is also a central element of the deal, as the EU needs to maximize its limited resources and reduce overdependence on third-country suppliers for raw materials.

"We know that too many obstacles still stand in the way of our European companies from high energy prices to excessive regulatory burden. The Clean Indus-

The main elements of the Clean Industrial Deal are: • Affordable energy; • Boosting demand for clean products;

In the context of financing, the European Commission will also adopt a new Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework to accelerate the approval of state aid to roll out renewable energy, decarbonize industry and ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity of clean tech. It will also strengthen the Innovation Fund and propose an Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, aiming for €100 billion in funding, based on available funds in the Innovation Fund, additional revenues resulting from parts of the ETS as well as the revision of InvestEU. Moreover, the commission plans to launch a dedicated call under Horizon Europe to stimulate research and innovation in these areas. Finally, it would amend the InvestEU Regulation to increase the amount of financial guarantees that InvestEU can provide to support investments. This will in turn mobilize up to €50 billion for the deployment of clean tech, clean mobility, and waste reduction.

• • • •

Financing the clean transition; Circularity and access to materials; Acting on a global scale and; Skills and quality jobs.

With the Action Plan for Affordable Energy adopted on February 26, 2025, the EU intends to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, speed up the rollout of clean energy, and advance toward electrification and a fully integrated single market for energy. Furthermore, with the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, the EU will increase demand for EU-made clean products by introducing sustainability, resilience, and made-in-Europe criteria in public and private procurements. It will propose concrete measures to address permitting bottlenecks related to industrial access to energy and industrial decarbonization.

Promoting the uptake of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen According to the EC, hydrogen has a central role to play in decarbonizing the EU energy system, in particular in the hard-to-abate sectors where electrification is not yet a viable option. The commission said it will therefore adopt in Q1 2025 the delegated act on low carbon hydrogen, to clarify the rules for producing low carbon hydrogen in ‘a pragmatic way’, providing certainty to investors.To de-risk and accelerate the uptake of hydrogen production in the EU, the commission is expected to launch a third call under the Hydrogen Bank in Q3 2025 with a budget of up to €1 billion and encourage Member States to use the auctions-as-a-service platform provided by the commission, for example by facilitating the use of unspent EU funds. Moreover, the launch of the Hydrogen Mechanism under the European Hydrogen Bank in Q2 2025 will mobilize and

connect offtakers and suppliers, linking participants with financing and de-risking instruments to facilitate aggregation of offtakers’ demand for hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors and transport, e.g. in the maritime and aviation sectors. Clean Industrial Deal - a boost for green fuels in ships New EU plans to lower energy costs by doubling down on deployment of renewable electricity, and to activate more investment and trade instruments to scale clean-tech, have been welcomed by green group Transport & Environment (T&E). However, a decision to delay proposing an EU 2040 climate target sends a very worrying signal, the group said. The Action Plan on Affordable Energy aims to enable much higher levels of electrification in the economy, which the EU says should rise from 23% today to 32% in 2030. However, more than one year after confirming that it will publish a 2040 emissions reduction target for the EU, the European Commission failed to release a proposal as planned. T&E said any climb-down from the expected -90% target would deprive European shipping companies and others of the investment certainty that clean technology is here to stay. T&E welcomed the prioritization of green fuels in the Clean Industrial Deal. It said the plans for a Hydrogen Mechanism – which will connect hydrogen suppliers and buyers with financing options – and the prioritization of the shipping and aviation sectors are crucial. However, the Hydrogen Bank needs not only matchmaking tools but also double-sided auctions, which were omitted today. The text announced plans for a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, which T&E said should focus on e-fuels as a priority investment.

'Europe is not only a continent of industrial innovation, but also a continent of industrial production'

"The Clean Industrial Deal is a step in the right direction, recognising the essential role that green hydrogen-derived fuels play in decarbonising shipping and aviation. But it lacks essential details on how the EU is going to bridge the price gap between fossil fuels and greener alternatives or address the need for larger and longer term offtake commitments. The Sustainable Transport Investment Plan should fill in those missing details or green fuels risk missing the boat and plane," Faig Abbasov, shipping director at T&E, noted. WSC: Clean Industrial Deal is an opportunity for the EU to bridge fuel price gap As a global shipping hub and major supplier of traditional maritime fuels, the European Union risks being left behind if it doesn’t put serious investment and political commitment behind the Clean Industrial Deal announced today, the World Shipping Council (WSC), the voice of liner shipping, emphasized. A record number of green-fuel-capable ships are hitting the water right now, but the supply of these fuels remains limited, and cost up to four times more than fossil fuels. The WSC sees the Clean In-

dustrial Deal as an opportunity for Europe to bridge the fuel price gap and build key infrastructure needed to drive transition. "We’re really pleased to see investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and clean transport infrastructure prioritised today," Joe Kramek, WSC President & CEO, stated. "If the Clean Industrial Deal is fully realised, it represents an opportunity for Europe to strengthen its position as a global shipping hub. As one of the world’s largest exporters, the EU’s economic power and global influence depend on shipping. However, without the necessary investment and commitment, the EU risks being left behind." Key aspects of the deal, including accelerating renewable energy deployment, promoting renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, and increasing EU-level funding for the clean transition, are critical to producing the green marine fuels needed to decarbonize shipping. WSC cautions that current investments have been too low in key elements needed for green marine fuels, such as green hydro-

EP Plenary session - Clean Industrial Deal. Photo by Brigitte Hase (Courtesy of European Parliament)

gen. The future funding commitment in today’s deal must significantly surpass past efforts to meet the industry’s needs. Liner shipping makes 65,000 port calls to over 130 EU ports annually, highlighting the need for port infrastructure to support the supply of green fuels. More investment is needed in green fuel production and port infrastructure. The WSC said it looks forward to further details in the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and EU Ports Strategy. "The industry is fully committed to the clean transition. 77% of new containerships and vehicle carriers to be delivered by 2030 are designed to run on green fuels – that’s 689 ships and counting," Kramek added. "By 2030, over 22% of fleet capacity (TEU) will be dual-fuel, capable of running on green fuels. For these ships to be able to make the transition, it’s crucial that Europe ensures the availability of green fuels at competitive prices." "We need urgent action to prepare Europe for this clean transition. With green-fuel capable ships hitting the water now, the best time to act was yesterday – but the next best time to act is today," he concluded. Scaling up the production of clean fuels and clean and innovative technologies in Europe is also a major objective of the report issued last year by Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank President and one of 'Europe’s great economic minds', who delivered recommendations to enhance the competitiveness of the European economy. The report recognized that shipping together with aviation, are the most difficult sectors to decarbonize. Investment needs for shipping alone will be around €40 billion each year from 2031 to 2050. By Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

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Next Ocean CEO: 'Offshore energy vessel crews no longer have to operate blind'

Dutch company Next Ocean is looking at a global reach for its technology that predicts waves and vessel motions minutes beforehand.

The company focuses on reducing operational risks and maximizing operational uptime in offshore environments by employing advanced technology and industry expertise. Next Ocean specializes in shortterm deterministic wave and ship motion prediction and has developed WavePredictor, a ‘Vessel Motion Radar’ that streamlines offshore operations by predicting high waves at sea up to minutes ahead of their formation.

In offshore wind, the technology can be employed both during offshore wind turbine installation and to ensure safe personnel transfer and equipment lifts during maintenance tasks in challenging conditions, according to the company. WavePredictor standard equipment Following a period of demonstration deployments of WavePredictor and the first vessels using it commercially, Next Ocean says it is witnessing

the technology becoming standard equipment onboard vessels working in offshore wind and other offshore energy industries. "As we check in with our clients using WavePredictor after a while to get feedback, we realized we were asking numerous and detailed questions while they just simply saw it as part of their essential, standard equipment – and this is the best feedback we could have

operating at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the UK, the world’s biggest offshore wind farm under construction. The wave prediction solution was also integrated onboard Pioneering Spirit, owned and operated by Allseas and said to be one of the biggest construction vessels in the world. Allseas has now also added Next Ocean’s technology to its pipelay vessel Solitaire which is embarking on an upgrade. "Most of our current clients are based in Europe and some of their vessels are operating worldwide. Seeing how our technology helps crews sail safely, especially in harsh and unpredictable conditions, we want to broaden the reach of WavePredictor and help way more people", said Karel Roozen. New partner With Arches Capital recently investing and taking a stake in Next Ocean, the Dutch technology developer is ramping up work on the WavePredictor product reaching a broader, global fleet of vessels.

Photo by Next Ocean

hoped to receive", said Karel Roozen, CEO of Next Ocean. Last year, the company revealed that its WavePredictor system was commissioned on board a Boskalis multipurpose vessel equipped with a trencher, specialized in subsea cable burial. The technology is being used for trencher launch and recovery operations in challenging weather conditions. The company’s WavePredictor is currently also installed on several service operations vessels (SOV), including North Star’s service operations vessels

"We are currently discussing projects in the US and Australia and we hope to expand even further across the market", Roozen said in an interview with offshoreWIND.biz/Offshore Energy. Roozen also noted that while there is research and development underway on similar solutions, WavePredictor is the most advanced technology in this field, in use onboard a multitude of vessels for several years already. "We often get comments from crews using WavePredictor that they are not operating in the dark anymore. Rather than picking a moment at random, the WavePredictor shows what is the best timing for critical steps in the operation. This is what our technology provides – offshore energy vessel crews no longer have to operate blind", Next Ocean’s CEO Karel Roozen highlighted.

The way WavePredictor works is by allowing ship crews to make decisions – such as when to splash the ROV, land a BOP on the conductor or a gangway on the transition piece – minutes beforehand as the technology anticipates waves and predicts vessel motions. This not only ensures the safety of crews and vessels but also helps save time and money, according to Roozen. "Our technology allows crews to plan for the most critical operations to be performed during quiet periods when there are no exceptional large waves to be expected. While there are a lot of technologies that help work as close as possible to the conventional statistical limits, we have a new way of looking at operational limits and allowing to work in a safe manner up to 20 per cent above these conventional statistical limits", Karel Roozen explained. "We have done calculations of the time saved and, for example, for an SOV in the North Sea, the additional saved time on a yearly basis can be as much as 8 per cent. That is almost a month of extra workable days." Next Ocean was one of the exhibitors at the Innovators’ Dock at Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference held on 26 and 27 November 2024 in Amsterdam. By Adrijana Buljan

French tidal energy project secures €31.3M EU Innovation Fund grant Tidal energy developer Normandie Hydroliennes’ NH1 tidal energy project has been awarded €31.3 million in funding from the European Union’s 2023 Innovation Fund.

According to Normandie Hydroliennes, the grant will accelerate the deployment of one of France’s first commercial-scale tidal energy pilot projects, advancing marine renewables in the country. The project will install four Proteus Marine Renewables’ AR3000 horizontal-axis turbines in Normandy, delivering 34 GWh annually to the French grid by 2028, enough to power 15,000 homes. The tidal energy developer’s NH1 farm aligns with France’s 2030 renewable energy targets and broader energy transition strategy.

Innovation fund backs tidal power The European Commission’s €4.8 billion Innovation Fund supports industrial decarbonization through low-carbon technologies. The projects are evaluated by the European Commission, based on greenhouse gas reduction potential, innovation, maturity, replicability, and economic viability.

"Being selected by the Innovation Fund is a major recognition of our work and the impact that our technological system, the innovative Proteus AR3000 horizontal axis turbine, can

have on decarbonization and the energy mix," said Katia Gautier, Director of Normandie Hydroliennes. With the second-strongest tidal currents in Europe, France has an estimated 5 to 6 GW of tidal energy potential, representing up to 18 TWh of annual electricity generation, Normandie Hydroliennes noted. NH1’s pilot deployment aims to pave the way for future commercial tidal farms, supporting France’s push for energy sovereignty. "The selected projects from 18 European countries are expected to enter into

'Being selected by the Innovation Fund is a major recognition of our work'

be part of it! The NH1 project by Normandie Hydroliennes has officially secured €31.3 million from the EU Innovation Fund, a major milestone for tidal energy in France," said Proteus Marine Renewables in a social media post. According to Proteus, for France, this could mean 34 GWh of renewable power annually, supplying 15,000 homes with 100 percent clean energy by 2028, strengthening energy independence by unlocking the 5 GW tidal potential of the Alderney Race, and boosting the blue economy and creating jobs across the supply chain.

NH1-Tidal-Farm Photo by Normandie Hydroliennes

operation between 2025 and 2031. The funding comes from the revenues of the EU Emissions Trading System. The grants range from €1.4 million to €262 million for projects," said the European Commission. Normandie Hydroliennes expects 80% of the project’s construction value to be sourced domestically, creating 400 direct and indirect jobs in France. Proteus Marine Renewables, key partner in NH1 UK-based tidal energy company Proteus Marine Renewables, a key technology partner, is supplying the four AR3000 turbines for the NH1 project. The company highlighted the importance of the EU funding. "France’s tidal energy ambitions get a big boost – and we’re excited to

"This funding will enable us to take decisive steps in implementing our innovative and competitive solution, accelerate our development and realize our vision," said Gautier. In February, Proteus Marine Renewables installed a megawatt-scale tidal turbine in the Naru Strait, Japan, making it 'the first to operate such devices in two countries'. According to PMR, the AR1100 turbine is expected to generate 1.1 MW of power, supporting the decarbonization of the Goto Islands’ electricity supply. Building on the AR500 pilot, which operated in the Naru Strait with 97% availability in 2021, Proteus signed a contract with Kyuden Mirai Energy (KME) in 2022 to upgrade the system. In August 2024, PMR started assembling the tidal turbine. The project was initiated by ENGIE, with the support of the turbine manufacturer PMR, the regional fund Normandie Participations, and the industrial group EFINOR which will build

the tidal turbines in its workshops in Cherbourg The Raz Blanchard site, a strait that runs between Alderney and Cap de la Hague, is one of the most energetic tidal stream sites in the world, with a potential for extraction of 3 GW of energy, out of the 3.5 GW of total potential available in France. Crowdfunding campaign for Raz Blanchard tidal turbine development In December 2024, Normandie Hydroliennes initiated a crowdfunding campaign on the WiSEED platform to support the development of its 12 MW tidal turbine pilot farm in the Raz Blanchard, located near Cherbourg, France. Scheduled for commissioning in 2028, the project marks an important milestone in advancing France’s tidal energy ambitions, according to Proteus Marine Renewables. The pilot farm will deploy four AR3000 tidal turbines, each with a capacity of 3 MW, designed by Proteus Marine Renewables. These turbines will be manufactured in Cherbourg by EFINOR, emphasizing the project’s focus on strengthening the local economy through regional expertise and industrial activity. Built in France, the Proteus Marine Renewables AR3000 turbine is the largest and 'most powerful single-axis turbine ever produced,' according to Normandie Hydroliennes. The fully submerged subsea turbines will cause no visual impact and be installed in harmony with the natural environment, the company noted. By Zerina Maksumic

FuelEU Maritime: The breaking of a new dawn in shipping The shipping industry is standing on the cusp of a major transformation with FuelEU Maritime in force starting January 1, 2025, compelling maritime stakeholders to meet the European Union’s (EU) decarbonization goals and pushing for ‘significant’ emissions reductions while making green fuels more accessible. Its impact is expected to ripple across the global shipping sector and chart a steady course toward a ‘truly’ sustainable future.

FuelEU: Inception years Fuel EU Maritime was introduced as part of the European Commission’s 'Fit for 55' package in 2021 and is considered the cornerstone of the EU’s efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry which is responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The regulation is also part of the European Union’s broader strategy, the so-called EU Green Deal-a set of policy initiatives by the commission approved in 2020 to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. The regulation was envisioned as a ‘clear’ framework with the aim of cutting down on these emissions via mandatory requirements for ships over 5,000 gross tonnage calling at EU ports, regardless of the vessel’s flag.

At its core, FuelEU Maritime mandates a progressive reduction in the GHG intensity of energy used on board ships, with specific targets set for the coming decades: at least a 2% reduction by 2024, increasing to 6% by 2030, and reaching at least 80% by 2050. The final rules for the regulation were adopted just recently and, now, aside from the emission reduction provisions, FuelEU also includes: • Special incentives for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) with high decarbonization potential; • An exclusion of fossil fuels from the regulation’s certification process; • An obligation for passenger ships and containers to use on-shore power supply for all electricity needs while moored in major EU ports;

• A voluntary pooling mechanism, under which ships will be allowed to pool their compliance balance with one or more other ships; • Temporary exceptions for outermost regions, small islands, and areas reliant on connectivity; • Revenues from penalties to fund maritime decarbonization projects, with enhanced transparency. Regulation convergence: FuelEU meets EU ETS Greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector were integrated into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), a market-based system designed to put a price on CO2 emissions, around two years ago. Specifically, at the end of 2022, a preliminary agreement was greenlit by the EU’s

top three institutions leading to several ‘milestones’ such as the inclusion of methane, nitrous oxide (N2O) as well as CO2 emissions into the trading scheme. This came just one year after the EU proposed a revision of the EU ETS to include the shipping industry within the new framework. Once the industry fell within the scope of the scheme, regulatory bodies and organizations agreed on a gradual introduction of obligations for shipping companies to surrender allowances, namely 40% for verified emissions from 2024, 70% for 2025, and 100% for 2026. It is believed that the EU ETS and FuelE Maritime create a ‘unique’ synergy. While FuelEU Maritime sets specific targets for GHG intensity reductions in fuels used by ships, the EU ETS directly prices carbon emissions, making high-emission fuels financially less viable. Working hand-inhand, the two regulations address both the supply and demand sides of the decarbonization equation.

What is more, FuelEU Maritime also imposed penalties for non-compliance, with hopes it would set up a ‘level playing field’ for sustainable solutions across the shipping industry. Cutting costs, not corners: The compliance question In light of the now-enacted regulation, compliance was, indeed, on the list of issues to keep an eye on for the entire maritime industry. At the start of December 2024, the Norway-based classification society DNV published a white paper called 'FuelEU Maritime – Requirements, compliance strategies, and commercial impacts'. The paper offered insights into the strategies to reduce FuelEU Maritime compliance expenses and avoid major penalties. The analysis showed, among other things, that using LNG and bio-LNG would be the least costly compliance strategy as it provides a lower well-towake GHG intensity than required during the first decade of the period com-

pared to marine gas oil (MGO)-fueled vessels.Another insight from the analysis highlighted that energy-efficiency measures could ‘substantially’ lower the costs associated with fuel, EU ETS, and FuelEU compliance. This is projected to lead to reduced overall expenses in the ‘pay-the-penalty’ and ‘blend in bio-MGO’ strategies. Nonetheless, DNV stressed that these measures alone cannot serve as a standalone solution. Among DNV’s recommendations for shipowners found in the white paper are: • Preparing the organization and fleet for FuelEU Maritime and identifying the most optimal compliance strategy; • Considering the long-term fuel offtake agreements to ensure access to low GHG intensity fuels and the energy-efficiency measures to cut fuel and compliance costs; • Including provisions for FuelEU Maritime in contractual terms and ensuring access to verified emissions data.

'Policy in Europe is showing just how impactful action at international level can be'

A dip further: Mending the cost gap The gradual tightening of limits within the FuelEU regulation was designed to encourage a ‘smoother’ adoption of cleaner fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels while phasing out reliance on traditional fossil fuels like heavy fuel oil. However, closing the cost gap between green and conventional fuels has been another burning issue for both the maritime industry and regulatory bodies for a while. In part, mending the gap was hoped to be achieved through EU ETS. Namely, FuelEU Maritime’s progressive reduction targets could pave the way for the demand for low-carbon fuels.

In parallel, the EU ETS is anticipated to drive market-based incentives for using these cleaner alternatives by penalizing CO2-intensive energy sources. This convergence may be critical for tackling the cost disparity between fossil fuels and green alternatives According to Finland’s technology giant Wärtsilä, FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS working in tandem could reach cost parity with fossil fuels as early as 2035 with the help of decisive emissions policies such as carbon taxes and emissions limits. Shedding more light on the matter, Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine

& Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, said that achieving net zero in shipping by 2050 required 'all the tools in the toolbox', including sustainable fuels. "As an industry, we must focus on coordinating action across policymakers, industry and individual operators to bring about the broad system change required to quickly and affordably produce a mix of sustainable fuels. Policy in Europe is showing just how impactful action at the international level can be, closing the cost gap between fossil- and low-carbon fuels for the first time," he concluded. By Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

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SBM Offshore takes slice of Ocean-Power ownership pie

On a mission to boost its decarbonization arsenal, Netherlands-based SBM Offshore, a provider of the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, has become the owner of a minority stake in Norway’s Ocean-Power, which spotlights the concept of ‘Blue Power Hub’ to generate electricity using gas turbines with carbon capture and storage (CCS) thrown into the mix to ensure significantly lower CO2 emissions.

After inking a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with OceanPower in June 2024, SBM Offshore decided to make an initial equity investment, which enables it to hold a minority ownership in the Norwegian firm. Thanks to this, the Dutch player

has appointed one director, who has joined the company’s board. According to SBM Offshore, the investment presents the opportunity to assess the application of its carbon capture expertise in the power

market, leveraging what it describes as a market-ready solution to support low-carbon electricity generation. This aligns with the firm’s strategic priority to offer solutions in the decarbonization space and broaden its client portfolio.

positive impact on the national grid. In addition, the hub is said to allow for the balancing of renewable energy sources, such as wind power. Erling Ronglan, CEO at OceanPower, underlined: "This partnership with SBM Offshore represents a significant milestone for Ocean-Power. SBM’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in our concept and vision for sustainable energy production. Together, we can accelerate the development of solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also create value for the energy market and society as such." While balancing ocean protection with progress, the Dutch giant is determined to deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. SBM Offshore told Offshore Energy that around 40 floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) opportunities would spring up during a three-year period, with 16 of those within its target domain.

FPSO EmissionZero Photo by SBM Offshore

Olivier Icyk, Chief Business Officer at SBM Offshore, commented:

a reputable and well-established business in the Norwegian market."

"This investment underlines SBM’s willingness to invest in solutions which support global decarbonization efforts in our industry. With Norway currently being the prime market for these solutions, we see value in teaming up with a local partner in an effort to penetrate the market. This is why we decided to partner with Ocean-Power,

Powering national grids and offshore assets Ocean-Power’s ‘Blue Power Hub’ is designed to supply power both to offshore assets and the national grids, enabling the electrification of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS), with minimal or even

These new FPSO orders are expected to flood the market because of the increase in global energy demand within the offshore oil and gas ecosystem. The Dutch player believes the sale and operate model will become more than half of its future business. SBM Offshore has been working on its emissionZERO program since 2020 to pursue near-zero emissions through a near-zero FPSO, which it sees as the first milestone and a key pillar of the emission-zero road map. The Dutch firm has been progressing its concept to have a solution ready for the market in 2025. By Melisa Cavcic

WoodMac:

'Low-carbon power central to future of energy transition, but building a system to replace oil & gas will be a ‘gargantuan’ task'

Energy intelligence group Wood Mackenzie has published a report listing several key trends shaping the future of the energy sector, including two that are relevant to the offshore industry – a comparison of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, and the potential of offshore wind compared to oil and gas in the North Sea.

As the new year rolls in, people tend to make plans and to-do lists and visualize their goals to see what the future might hold.

people with fresh eyes, taking in the lessons learned over the past year and major global events such as the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29).

insight into the complex dynamics of energy markets in a report titled ‘Conversation Starters: Five Energy Charts to Get You Talking.’

The energy arena is no different – it is a time to take stock of the situation and assess options to secure an optimal future for our planet and its

Since the energy landscape is rapidly transforming due to decarbonization, electrification, and geopolitical shifts, Wood Mackenzie has provided some

Carbon capture and storage: the ambitions of youth Wood Mackenzie wanted to shed some light on the scale of the global

Mariner field in UK North Sea Photo by Jamie Baikie, Equinor

CCS industry ambition by using what the author says is a "strange" juxtaposition between LNG and CCS capacity, even though one is in the business of energy provision and the other of waste disposal. LNG and CCS have some similarities – both entail delivering gas in a cooled liquid state from production to end market and require a large global infrastructure network for collection, processing, and transportation.

The main differences are that one starts at the reservoir and delivers to the customer, the other the reverse, and that the former can be profitable, while the latter is dependent on material subsidies, which the author says are unsustainable in the long run, or at least until the carbon price supports a commercial market. As stated in the report, LNG capacity is expected to see more than 200 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa)

brought to market this decade at an annual growth rate of 5%. In the CCS base case between 2030 and 2050, once CCS has established itself more firmly, the annual growth rate is anticipated to reach 13% – a rate that the author says LNG has rarely matched. "Even in the delayed energy transition scenario, CCS capacity is expected to be three times greater than LNG supply volumes by 2050, while in the

base case, it will be four times greater. This will require impressive growth rates!" noted Forbes-Cable. North Sea energy: the tortoise and the hare One of the world's most prominent oil and gas arenas – the North Sea – has been producing hydrocarbons since the 1970s, when it brought energy security and jobs for many. Now that the world is turning away from fossils, its role in energy security has changed, but its oil and gas potential is still being explored. While Aker BP and Equinor recently came out dry at their prospects, Harbour Energy had better luck, as did Equinor in another field. Additionally, Equinor and Shell decided to combine their offshore oil and gas businesses on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) to form an incorporated joint venture (IJV). They believe the new company will be the UK North Sea’s "biggest independent producer," helping sustain domestic oil and gas production and the security of energy supply in Britain. The North Sea has become the location of offshore wind projects, in particular following the energy insecurity

Image 2; Source Wood Mackenzie Lens

Image 1; Source Wood Mackenzie Lens

created by Russia’s war on Ukraine. The area is home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm under construction – Dogger Bank, and the largest one in operation, Hornsea 2. It is said to be at the vanguard of the offshore wind sector, boasting a capacity of 36 gigawatts (GW), which the author expects to exceed 240 GW by 2050. The author believes that offshore wind is a world-class resource, much like the oil and gas reserves used to be. As one form of energy increases and the other decreases, he wonders how

these two energy sources compare. Alongside their comparison, some have expressed concerns about their co-location since many oil and gas, CCS, and offshore wind licenses in the North Sea overlap. However, Wood Mackenzie says the idea that clean renewables might replace dirty hydrocarbons is a simplification that does not take into account the complexities of energy supply and the use of oil and gas that goes far beyond power generation. The chart quantifies the cumulative final energy output of oil and gas versus offshore wind, taking into account thermal efficiencies. For example, when oil is refined into a transport fuel, the final output at the wheel is 25% of the original energy content. On the other hand, offshore wind’s power output has an efficiency of 92%. Still, the offshore wind’s cumulative energy output is not expected to surpass oil and gas until the end of this century, with the author pointing out the 'extraordinary' contribution that oil and gas made to the energy supply. Finally, Forbes–Cable concludes that building a new low-carbon system in its place will be a "gargantuan" task. By Dragana Nikse

Offshore wind common goal in the Netherlands

In 2032, 75% of all electricity produced in the Netherlands will come from offshore wind as the country will continue powering ahead with permitting and deploying wind farms in its North Sea waters, even with the change of cabinet.

This is according to Jan Vos, Chairman of NedZero, who discussed the Dutch offshore wind outlook on November 27 , 2024 at Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) in Amsterdam. "The story in the Netherlands is a little bit boring because the outlook here is still great. We do have a new cabinet, however, the new cabinet made a clear statement that offshore wind is going to be developed as it was before", said Jan Vos. Currently, the Netherlands has 4.5 GW of offshore wind capacity in operation and plans to have a total of 21 GW by 2032. While the country’s new cabinet has a different position on the political spectrum than the previous one, the offshore wind roadmap progressed by the previous government continues to be one of the main energy goals. 75% offshore wind-powered "Offshore wind is the cheapest source of electricity and it is the best way for our country to generate power", Vos

said. "So this cabinet, which is way more on the right than any cabinet we’ve had in the Netherlands, is on track for offshore wind as any other government has been before and they’re fully implementing the roadmap."

alone. That is gigantic! There is no precedent in recent history for one production source of electricity being so dominant in the energy mix."

One of the drivers for the commitment to offshore wind is also the fact the Netherlands had around 56% of its electricity produced by clean sources in 2024, with renewable energy taking over fossil energy production.

Under its offshore wind roadmap, the Netherlands not only plans the 21 GW of offshore wind in 2032 but it also outlines the path towards adding further capacity after that, with an ultimate goal of reaching a total of 72 GW of offshore wind capacity in the North Sea.

"If you plug your laptop or your phone into the socket, 56% of that electricity is from solar and wind energy, and the majority of that is now from wind energy alone. This used to be very different only ten years ago when it was just a few percentage points. So renewable energy took off fascinatingly and, es-

"This is because we don’t only need to decarbonize our electricity system, we also need to decarbonize the energy system and this means producing hydrogen and providing clean power for the electrification of the industry. These are things that will come into play after 2032", said Jan Vos.

pecially in offshore wind, we will continue to grow rapidly", Vos said. "In 2032, when you plug in your laptop or your phone, 75% of all that electricity will be produced by offshore wind

The immediate goal currently is the target for 2032 and Vos expressed his certainty of the Netherlands achieving it saying the success the country has seen so far was largely due to good

cooperation between the government, businesses, NGOs, and other sectors like oil and gas and fishing. The business case The main issue at the moment is the business case for offshore wind developers as prices have gone up, which makes it hard to bid, according to Vos. In the latest offshore wind tenders in the Netherlands, there were only three bidders and it used to be seven, eight or ten bidders. "You’re not going to bid and put the money in a project that is not going to deliver any returns, both at the government side and the investor side, if you don’t have a good business case. And if you have only three bidders, you seriously need to take action. So the industry’s message to the government currently is to take action on this matter", Vos said. Both CapEx and OpEx are higher due to the inflation and even though the inflation is now lower than it was, it continues to affect the industry and hamper the steady growth of wind energy, according to Vos. Among other pressing issues the industry is currently facing is grid con-

gestion and an outdated grid, meaning that, even when the offshore transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT brings the electricity generated by offshore wind farms to land, the national grid on land is struggling to bring the power all the way through the Netherlands, Jan Vos said. The industry is working with grid operators in the Netherlands to bring congestion down on the demand side, but also on the supply side, Vos said and added that there is some competition in the energy space when it comes to infrastructure and this is making things "very complicated". He noted that several countries are "doing a better job" in this regard because they are less regulated and thus tend to move faster and that they also use more IT/ICT technology to manage the electricity on the grid. Vos further highlighted the challenges in the supply chain as also being some of the key concerns, especially in terms of vessel capacities. "The supply chain did not invest enough because they have been hit by COVID-19 and the inflation that they also saw in their business case. A lot of

shipbuilding companies and installation companies had a tough time and they did not invest as much as they should have because they were being cautious and did not invest that much to avoid risk. This is bad for the government goals for all European countries because they cannot make their goals since there is just not enough installation capacity", Vos said. Still, Vos voiced optimism for the offshore wind industry and the renewable energy sector in general as the clean energy goals are still within reach with a few actions being taken to clear the path for faster buildout. "Costs are going down in our industry in general. Prices of solar, battery systems and wind energy have been going down for a long time. Although we currently see a slight uptake, if you look at it historically, it is still only a minor uptake. So we will see costs going down way more, which means that we will be able to compete better with other sources of energy as our LCOE will be more competitive, and this means much faster growth in any market economy", said Jan Vos. By Adriana Buljan

BP pivoting back to oil & gas and cutting transition spending U.K.-headquartered energy giant BP has introduced what it calls a 'fundamentally reset' strategy focusing on more investments in the oil and gas sector and limiting those related to energy transition

According to the UK player, the new strategy entails increasing its upstream oil and gas business, focusing its downstream business, and investing with what it describes as increasing discipline in the transition. The aim is to strengthen its balance sheet, increase efficiency, and support higher returns. Seen as controversial by some, this move is thought to result from shareholders’ opposition to BP’s net zero strategy given the amount of time it

takes to bring these projects online, among other reasons. This is also why the UK major decided to downsize its workforce last month. BP’s Chief Executive Officer, Murray Auchincloss, said: "Today we have fundamentally reset BP’s strategy. We are reducing and reallocating capital expenditure to our highest-returning businesses to drive growth, and relentlessly pursuing performance improvements and cost efficiency. This is all in

service of sustainably growing cash flow and returns." Oil & gas investments getting multi-billion boost Based on the new strategy, annual investments in oil and gas are set to increase by around $10 billion, paired with an enhanced portfolio thanks to access to discovered resources. Production is expected to grow to 2.3-2.5 mmboed in 2030, with a possible further capacity increase by 2035.

els, and EV charging will be focused, while growing top-tier offshore wind and solar platforms will be done in a "capital-light" way. Additionally, further projects in hydrogen and carbon capture will be limited. Helge Lund, BP’s chair, noted: "Over the past 12 months, we have worked closely with Murray and his team as they have developed the new direction, ensuring it reflects the significant changes we have seen in energy markets and our purpose of delivering energy to the world today and tomorrow. This new direction places free cash flow growth, returns and value at its heart."

Atlantis platform Photo by BP

"We will grow upstream investment and production to allow us to produce high margin energy for years to come. We will focus our downstream on markets where we have leading integrated positions. And we will be very selective in our investment in the transition, including through innovative capital-light platforms. This is a reset BP, with an unwavering focus on growing long-term shareholder value," added Auchincloss. Ten new major oil and gas projects are planned to start up by the end of 2027, with an additional 8 to 10 by the end of 2030. A reserves replacement ratio of 100% is aimed by the end of 2027,

when the UK major hopes to increase upstream cash flow by around $2 billion. Capital expenditure will be reallocated to higher growth by increasing oil and gas investment and decreasing transition investment to $1.5-2 billion per year, which the company says is $5 billion lower than previous targets. The firm also wants to "significantly" reduce structural costs, by $4-5 billion until the end of 2027. What is in store for decarbonization and net zero journey? When it comes to transition-related projects, investment in biogas, biofu-

As for sustainability goals, BP says it has reduced scope 1 and scope 2 emissions within its operational control by around 38% against its 2019 baseline beyond its target of 20% in 2025 – and embedded sustainability into several key areas and management processes. Its 2030 aim is now to cut operational emissions between 45 and 50% against the 2019 baseline. Sustainability aims will be focused on those most relevant to the long-term success of its businesses and its net zero ambition. The new strategy comes on the heels of speculation over BP’s potential merger with Shell. While this is not the first time such rumors started circulating, it comes at a time when BP has been experiencing a prolonged spell of lower profit and investor frustration. By Dragana Nikše

Scotland eyes marine energy boost by 2050

Scotland’s tidal stream and wave energy sector could generate over £8 billion (almost $10 billion) in economic benefits and create more than 15,000 jobs by 2050 if the country retains its leadership position in the field, University of Edinburgh’s (UoE) new report reveals.

Published by the UoE and commissioned by Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Wave Energy Scotland (WES), the "Future Economic Potential of Tidal Stream and Wave Energy in Scotland," the report outlines a scenario in which Scotland captures up to 8.8 GW of marine energy capacity, contributing to a total of 12.6 GW across the UK. According to SE, on a global scale, marine energy deployments could

reach 300 GW, with Scotland standing to benefit from a potential £28 billion export market. The study, authored by The Policy and Innovation Group at the UoE’s Institute for Energy Systems, emphasizes Scotland’s strengths in marine energy, including its abundant natural resources, established industry expertise, and ongoing public sector support. It underscores the role of facilities like the European

Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and investments such as WES’s £50 million in wave energy research and development (R&D). However, the report warns that maintaining this advantage requires continued investment in supply chains, innovation support, and grid infrastructure. It calls for further policy measures to sustain Scotland’s position as a leading hub for marine energy development.

SE noted that Scotland is already home to the world’s largest operational tidal stream projects and has been at the forefront of wave energy development for two decades. The Scottish Government views marine energy as a key driver in the transition to a netzero economy. "This report confirms what islanders have known for some time: that tidal stream and wave energy have the potential to provide quality jobs and growth across the UK, and in coastal communities in particular," said Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, and Chair of the AllParty Parliamentary Group for Marine Energy.

Aerial shots of coastal route on the North East of Scotland Photo by Scottish Enterprise

"These findings really drive home the need to take action now if we want to reap the potentially sizeable economic benefits of remaining a world leader in marine energy," said Suzanne Sosna, Director of Energy Transition at Scottish Enterprise. "Marine energy has so far benefitted from strong public sector support and is now poised for commercialisation, so there’s never been a better time to help companies scale up their offering." Tim Hurst, Managing Director of Wave Energy Scotland, emphasized that the report highlights the economic

and social advantages of Scotland’s ongoing investment in marine energy, reinforcing its position as a global leader while leveraging natural resources for national gain. Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: "Scotland is already home to the world’s largest and most powerful operational tidal stream projects and has been a frontrunner in wave energy development for the last two decades – and this, coupled with our abundant natural resources, expertise and forward-looking policy approach – means our country is ideally placed to harness the enormous global market for marine energy."

"It is clearer than ever that the UK has a golden opportunity to lead the way in this industry of the future – all that is needed is for the government to grasp that opportunity by fully backing the sector. Other countries are waking up to the potential of marine renewables so now is not the time to let go of our advantage here." Industry welcomes report Industry players have welcomed the report that highlights the potential of Scotland’s wave and tidal energy sector to generate up to £8 billion (almost $10 billion) for the economy by 2050. "We’ve known for some time that the economic potential of marine energy for our economy is huge, and it’s great to have this quantified in a meaningful way by this University of Edinburgh report," said HIE Chief Executive, Stuart Black. "Scotland, and particularly the Highlands and Islands region, has been at the forefront of renewable energy development over the past 20 years or

30 more. We will continue to work hard and with our partners in the public sector and industry to make sure we stay ahead of the game and secure these economic gains for our region and our country." The study emphasizes Scotland’s strengths in marine energy, including its abundant natural resources, established industry expertise, and ongoing public sector support. "Scotland is already leading the way in wave and tidal energy. This report, which also showcases Mocean Energy, underpins the work that is ongoing and what should be addressed to maximise the positive impact to the economy, communities and the environment," said Cameron McNatt, Managing Director of Mocean Energy. "We look forward to continuing playing our part in this transition, working with clients and all stakeholders to delivering cleaner, reliable, continuous power." Scottish Renewables also weighed in on the report’s findings, with Policy Manager – Offshore and New Technologies, Maggie Olson-Jow, emphasizing the significance of the sector’s untapped potential: "The energy contained in Scotland’s seas is a vast and relatively untapped resource. The University of Edinburgh’s report highlighting the potential economic opportunity of wave and

Morlais demonstration zone Photo by the Welsh government

tidal energy should come as a shot in the arm to the marine energy sector and show investors the scale of the prize that is ready to be grasped." "Scottish Renewables will continue to work with both the Scottish and UK governments to build support and secure funding for these technologies, which deserve to take their place in the UK’s clean energy toolbox," OlsonJow added. Call for government support In January, a parliamentary debate brought the future of the UK’s marine energy sector into focus, as Members of Parliament (MPs) called for enhanced government support to harness the country’s tidal and wave energy potential. The discussion underscored the need for funding and initiatives to solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in marine energy technology. According to the UK Marine Energy Council (MEC), during the debate, 17 MPs emphasized key actions to propel the sector forward, including the allocation of £30 million for a tidal stream ringfence in AR7, the designation of £5 million for wave energy projects within AR7, the dedication of 3% of Great Britain energy’s budget to marine energy initiatives, and the establishment of a government-led Marine Energy Taskforce. These measures of the report, "Future economic potential of Tidal Stream & Wave Energy

in Scotland", on which Policy and Innovation Group worked together with UK MEC, would ensure high levels of UK content in projects deployed domestically and internationally, bolstering economic growth and energy innovation. Alistair Carmichael MP, expressed optimism for the sector’s future. He highlighted the findings of an upcoming report, saying: "I hope this report will significantly progress the debate [on marine energy] as we head towards AR7." "Marine energy could add £37 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2050, £28 billion of that, most significantly, from exports," Carmichael added. The report, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and Wave Energy Scotland is expected in early February, Policy and Innovation Group noted. The UK Marine Energy Council reiterated its vision for the country to lead the global marine energy sector, saying: "Our vision is for the UK to be the international leader in developing, deploying and exporting marine energy technology." In October 2024, the Marine Energy All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) was relaunched under the new UK Parliament, with Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael as chair. By Zerina Maksumic

POWERING OFFSHORE OPPORTUNITIES BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

NOVEMBER 25 - 26 | RAI AMSTERDAM

Meet the offshore community at Offshore Energy 2025!

Pragmatic’ offshore energy investment policy key to ensure UK’s supply chain stays put With research showing that nine out of ten companies perceive business playgrounds in other countries as better suited for investment and growth, Britain’s trade body for the offshore energy industry, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), has warned the UK government about the looming uncertainty surrounding the future of the nation’s offshore energy supply chain, spanning oil, gas, renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), as it is at risk of moving overseas to bolster its economic standing and unlock further growth

After its sentiment survey showed that 90% of the UK’s offshore energy supply chain companies see more attractive opportunities to grow their businesses overseas because of uncertainty and 'a less positive business environment at home,' Offshore Energies UK’s ‘2025 Supply Chain’ report emphasizes that building on Britain’s 'unique industrial strengths' in energy production is crucial to unleashing the government’s ambition to grow the nation’s economy and build the future of the North Sea. Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s Supply Chain and People Director, underlined: "The UK is competing internationally for energy investment so it’s concerning that many offshore energy supply chain firms see more attractive opportunities

to grow their business overseas. We’ve set out key steps industry and government can take to position the UK as first choice for the offshore energy supply chain companies.   "To grow the whole UK’s economy, we need energy policy that supports continued investment in homegrown oil and gas alongside an acceleration of renewable energy. This must be addressed, and we are working with our members to bring positive solutions to the table. It’s good to export our expertise but that should never come at a cost to work we need to get done in the UK." UK’s supply chain at risk While the lion’s share of the supply chain now eyes overseas markets, OEUK is ad-

amant that the offshore energy industry’s supply chain has the potential to power the UK’s drive to produce 'secure, sustainable, and ever cleaner energy,' thanks to over 50 years of North Sea oil and gas operations. However, a pipeline of projects enabled by 'pragmatic policy' is required in Offshore Energies UK’s view to anchor these companies in the United Kingdom. In light of this, the report lists the barriers the industry faces, such as low revenues from renewables and declining investor confidence, while setting out the actions both industry and government can take to unlock a homegrown energy future. This encapsulates the main steps industry and government can take

Heidenreich continued: "Around 60% of companies surveyed for the report are diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage but business revenues from renewables and CCS still represent a relatively low proportion as they make up between zero and a fifth of their turnover. OEUK is currently engaging with critical government consultations on the future of our North Sea from industrial strategy to oil and gas licensing, environmental impact and a new fiscal regime.

Photo by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)

to prevent offshore energy companies from going elsewhere. The moves to be made encompass industry initiatives aimed at fostering better collaboration across the supply chain alongside steps to ensure the government’s support for the UK energy supply chain capability in offshore wind, hydrogen, and CCS. OEUK urges Britain to prevent supply chain from moving abroad The UK’s offshore energy supply chain, which forms what OEUK deems to be 'an extensive and vital network' across the country from Shetland to Southampton and from Morecambe Bay to the Eastern Seaboard of England, comprises hundreds of businesses supporting the industry throughout its lifecycle, from installing wind turbines and producing oil and gas to decommissioning offshore installations.

"It’s vital we get this right to create a positive business environment in the UK for our supply chain. The offshore energies industry supports the sectors Britain needs to build its future. Steel, cement, ship building, glass, car making and many more rely on the energy and technologies we produce, including carbon capture which can offset and futureproof their energy-intensive operations." The British supply chain is said to represent an integrated ecosystem, which delivers products and services to energy producers, encapsulating FTSE 100 companies along with small to medium enterprises developing new technologies and providing specialist capabilities, including players involved in designing mooring systems, manufacturing specialist valves, installing high-voltage subsea cables, maintaining pipelines transporting energy and carbon, and removing offshore structures from the seabed, with many developing so-called global leadership in floating offshore wind and decommissioning. Domestic supply chain essential for energy security and sustainability Furthermore, the report spotlights current challenges, such as harnessing oil

and gas revenues from the UK’s still significant reserves to allow the supply chain companies to survive and thrive while outlining how efforts to create an attractive commercial environment are being supported through initiatives, including alliance contracting, shared inventory systems, and a drive to promote good procurement practice. Such moves are interpreted to help operators, developers, major contractors, and suppliers of all sizes work better together, according to OEUK, which underscores that the report comes as decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the North Sea’s future but also its ability to unlock investment in low-carbon technologies while continuing to deliver the energy security the UK needs. Heidenreich concluded: "With between 60-80% of the capabilities required to lead the energy transition to net zero emissions, our companies and highly skilled people are committed partners in delivering secure, and affordable homegrown energy. "The UK government is rightly ambitious to develop the clean power capabilities to support its industrial strategy, but this goal must be delivered in a way that builds our supply chain capability. The prize is a homegrown energy future, not one that is imported." Moreover, Offshore Energies UK’s report points out the need for a collective recognition that "a sustainable future is one that enables the supply chain to remain anchored in the UK while adapting and growing as new energy opportunities arise." By Melisa Cavcic

Empower Your Leadership at Offshore Energy Amsterdam

The offshore energy and maritime markets operate on a global scale, constantly adapting to worldwide developments. To stay future-ready, companies in these industries must navigate evolving markets, geopolitical shifts, and address sustainability.

Securing the energy transition to renewables is essential for creating a sustainable future-both for the environment and the global economy. This calls for a shift toward cleaner energy solutions. At the same time, a successful energy transition must acknowledge the continued role of oil and gas in enabling this shift. For Europe, securing access to traditional energy sources remains critical, along with the responsibility to manage them sustainably. To navigate these challenges, the in-

dustry must integrate security, clean technology and human capital, all within the broader framework of innovation and cross-sector collaboration. The content program at Offshore Energy Amsterdam (OEEC) will highlight the transforming offshore energy landscape, with a focus on developments in the energy and maritime sectors. Topics such as hydrogen and CCS will be covered, along with discussions on security, clean technology, and circularity.

Vision for leaders – leadership in a complex world Leadership is the compass guiding this journey. At OEEC 2025, we will empower industry leaders to adopt a forward-focused mindset, blending innovation with sustainability. Together, we can navigate the challenges of energy transition and unlock the opportunities it presents, shaping a cleaner, more secure world. As leaders, we are the navigators of progress, steering the course towards a sustainable and innovative future.

Unmatched Networking Connect with top professionals through the Matchmaking Program, Business Lounge, Networking Drinks, and events in vibrant Amsterdam. High-quality attendees Engage with C-level executives, engineers, and project managers, with exclusive networking opportunities like the Business Lounge and the Networking Dinner. Insightful Content Program Gain insights from top speakers on trends, innovations, and best practices in offshore energy. International Focus Foster global collaboration and innovation through a multisector approach, supported by governments and trade missions. Innovation Hub Get in touch with universities, scaleups and startups to drive growth and innovation in offshore energy. Our vision is to harness the power of collaboration, technology, and human ingenuity to create a thriving, resilient, and environmentally responsible offshore energy and maritime industry. Establish your leadership at OEEC OEEC provides the place for collaboration, discussion and new partnerships. Whether you’re looking to showcase your leadership or get inspired by the newest technologies, OEEC is the place to be for those active in the maritime and offshore energy industries. Get inspired by the Dutch expertise OEEC is a leader in the energy mix, supported by the Dutch Government and industry organizations.

Cross-market approach Focused on energy transition and sus-

Showcase your leadership and be part of the energy transformation.

tainability, OEEC addresses challenges and creates opportunities across the offshore energy sector.

See floorplan on www.OEEC.biz and book your stand today.

Unlocking Digital Potential in Offshore Wind The offshore wind industry stands at a pivotal moment. With the growing global demand for renewable energy, the sector must evolve beyond traditional installation methods to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. While technological advancements have driven down costs through larger turbines and better engineering, digitalization remains an untapped resource

Harnessing data-driven insights, automation, and system integration can revolutionize offshore wind installation, enabling the industry to scale more effectively and navigate market challenges. The Need for Digital Transformation One of the key barriers to greater efficiency in offshore wind installation is the industry's reliance on manual processes and fragmented data management. Many operations still depend on paper-based tracking, limited automation, and siloed data, leading to in-

efficiencies and increased operational risks. To bridge this gap, digital transformation must become a priority.

achieve greater automation, improving data accessibility, transparency, and ultimately, operational efficiency.

Despite the increasing focus on digitalization across industries, the offshore wind sector has been slower to adopt these changes. Historically, efforts have primarily been concentrated on making turbines larger, leading to cost reductions. However, installation processes have remained relatively unchanged, with a continued reliance on human intervention. By integrating digital tools, the sector can

Overcoming Industry Challenges Through Technology This shift toward digitalization is crucial in an industry that faces increasing pressure from both economic and regulatory challenges. The offshore wind sector is growing rapidly, yet macroeconomic factors such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising material costs are affecting project viability. Additionally, the reg-

ulatory landscape remains complex, with stringent environmental and operational requirements that demand greater transparency and accountability. By adopting digital solutions, companies can streamline processes, reduce downtime, and optimize resource allocation—key factors in maintaining profitability and sustainability. A Step Toward Digitalization A prime example of how the industry can move forward is the adoption of GustoMSC’s digital solutions by various leading players in offshore wind farm installation, amongst them Cadeler, Shimizu, Penta Ocean, DEME and Fred Olsen. They have recognized the need for a smarter, more

integrated approach. By leveraging GustoMSC’s suite of digital tools—including remote access, data delivery, data visualization, and Operator Support System applications —they are enhancing their operational efficiency and enabling real-time decision-making. The Role of Data, Automation, and System Integration The collaboration between GustoMSC and these leading players is a testament to the tangible benefits of digital solutions in offshore wind. GustoMSC, a part of NOV, has long provided advanced technology and engineering expertise for offshore operations, and its digital services are now playing a crucial role in transforming wind

installation. With a growing portfolio of eight customers and connected systems on 14 mobile offshore units, GustoMSC is demonstrating how digital innovation can unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in offshore wind projects. Beyond vessel optimization, digitalization has the potential to reshape the entire offshore wind ecosystem. By embracing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, operators can collect and analyze data to improve predictive maintenance, optimize logistics, and enhance crew safety. Automation can also drive greater standardization across projects, reducing variability and increasing overall reliability in installation procedures.

Designed by GustoMSC, Shimizu’s Blue Wind installation jack-up is equipped with GustoMSC’s jacking systems and telescopic crane. The equipment is set for efficient digital operations, enhancing the overall performance of the jack-up.

Regulatory and Economic Pressures Driving Change While Europe remains a leader in offshore wind development, the region still faces hurdles in fully integrating digital technologies. Factors such as regulatory constraints, lower levels of venture capital investment in digital infrastructure, and a skills gap in the workforce present challenges to

adoption. Addressing these barriers requires collaboration across policymakers, industry stakeholders, and technology providers to create a more favorable environment for digital transformation. Building a More Connected and Efficient Future The offshore wind industry’s path to

Effective data management in offshore operations involves more than merely collecting data Denes Zsiga - engineer Digital Solutions GustoMSC

a more sustainable and competitive future lies in embracing these types of digital advancements. Companies that invest in integrated data management and automation will be better positioned to scale efficiently, manage operational risks, and contribute to a cleaner energy landscape. By following the example set by GustoMSC and these leading players, the industry can move beyond legacy systems and fully realize the potential of digital transformation in offshore wind installation. For more info: www.nov.com/gustomsc/digitalsolutions Contact GustoMSC E info.gustomsc@nov.com I www.nov.com/gustomsc

The Industry Contribution is a section in which companies share their business endeavors or market analyses. Please contact us at jp@navingo.com for inquiries.

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Dredging on liquid hydrogen: feasible or not?

The emissions of dredging vessels maintaining the Dutch coastline are responsible for 20% of the annual CO2 emissions of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Waterways (Rijkswaterstaat) and for a much larger percentage if you look at NOx and particle matter. Back in 2019, Rijkswaterstaat made a budget available to stimulate innovations from the market, with so-called Innovation Partnerships (IPS).

In such an IPS, the government co-finances R&D projects of the private sector and has the possibility to act as launching customer for these innovations to prove them in practice, without the normal rules for public contracting. One such innovation submitted was the LEAF-Hopper, from shipbuilder Royal IHC. The LEAF-Hopper in this case is not the critter eating away at

the leaves in your garden, but an acronym which stands for a trailing suction hopper dredger powered by Low Energy Adaptive Fuel (LEAF). After exploring the particular needs of Dutch coastal maintenance, and comparing a variety of energy carriers and prime movers, Royal IHC made a concept design for a dredging vessel with the following main characteristics: shallow draft for more dumping

and less rainbowing, relatively low sailing speed and pumping speed, liquid green hydrogen as energy carrier, fuel cells as energy converter and one week autonomy. This with a hopper size of 4.300 m3 hopper size and about 5 million m3/year production capacity. Energy saving It was obvious from the start that any Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Or-

ment, which is quicker and more energy-efficient than rainbowing. Another design choice was to use a submersed dredge pump. This allows for more dense sand/water mixtures than an inboard pump, and hence less water needs to be pumped around to transport the sand.

Royal IHC and Rijkswaterstaat joined forces to design a hydrogen-powered hopper dredger, the H2-Hopper Photo by Royal IHC

igin (RFNBO) would take more space onboard and would be significantly more costly than diesel. Therefore, IHC’s designers focused on energy efficiency from the start. Up until now, dredger design maximised the production capacity rather than minimising the energy use, but as the energy costs become a larger percentage of the total cost of ownership, low energy consumption is a must. IHC achieved this by creating a wider vessel with a shallower draught, and a design with recessed bottom doors. With a fully loaded draught of only 5.5 m, the vessel can use the bottom doors much more often in foreshore replenish-

Hydrogen When the project was started in 2019, one of the requirements was that the technology had to be available on the market for a start of construction in 2024. As neither dual-fuel methanol or ammonia engines were available at that time, the choice for hydrogen was an obvious one. Later on in the project, this choice was recalibrated against new technologies but stood the test. A life-cycle analysis was carried out comparing various energy converters and energy carriers, and the choice was made to go for a combination of green, liquid hydrogen in combination with fuel cells. Fuel cells It’s often overlooked in comparisons, where the internal combustion engine is considered a given, but fuel cells have some very attractive properties for energy conversion. A fuel cell is basically the opposite of an electrolyser. While an electrolyser uses electricity to transform water into hydrogen and oxygen, a fuel cell transforms hydrogen into electrical energy, heat and water. Bruno Bouckaert, Technical Manager at Rijkswaterstaat: "Before I joined the project in early 2024, I was never a big fan of hydrogen. Like many, I considered hydrogen to be the eternal "tech-

nology of the future". That is because hydrogen is often compared to battery technology or even direct electrical power. I am convinced that hydrogen will never win the battle from batteries for cars (and perhaps even trucks and buses). Neither will it win from electric heat pumps for heating of houses. The windturbine-to-work efficiency is so much higher if you don’t have to convert the electricity to molecules and back to electricity but keep it as electrons. Yet those are the hydrogen applications we are most familiar with. When batteries are not a feasible option, such as on a coastal dredger with 24/7 operations and a high-power demand, the equation becomes different." Fuel of the future It’s now clear that all long-range ships in the EU will mostly run on some form of hydrogen by 2050. The question is rather how that hydrogen will be brought onboard: either in its pure form as compressed or liquid hydrogen or bonded in other molecules such as e-methanol, e-diesel, e-LNG or e-Ammonia. This choice will depend on each ship’s characteristics: range, power requirement, fuel cost, whether the design is weight-driven or volume-driven, availability of the fuel, etc. It’s clear that there will not be a single synthetic "fuel of the future". There is not a single fuel of the present (HFO, LSFO, VLSFO, MGO, LNG, HVO, etc.), and we shouldn’t assume that it will be different when we switch to synthetic fuels. In general, we can say that the easier the molecule is to implement – take for example e-diesel which is a drop-in fuel – the harder and more energy-intensive it is to produce this

The design is characterised by a wide beam and shallow draught, to maximise the usage of bottom doors for unloading. Photo by Royal IHC

molecule. This leads to higher fuel costs for lower returns. So it depends of the balance between capital costs (the ship) and fuel costs which fuel may be more suitable. What about e-methanol? What we know now, is that fuel costs will be a larger part of overall operating costs of dredging vessels in the future. The project team also looked at e-methanol. Dredging contractors seem to prefer e-methanol, as it can be bunkered like diesel (at normal temperatures and pressure), requires a relatively modest upfront investment and a dual-fuel motor always has (bio) diesel as an alternative, when RFNBO’s are not demanded by the client. E-methanol is a synthetic fuel, in which hydrogen is bonded to CO2. This CO2 is emitted by the engines onboard, but that’s not a problem if the CO2 is short-cyclic and therefore does not come from a fossil source. It can either be captured from biomass or directly from the air (DAC). Currently e-methanol is only scarcely available, but it will be widely available in a few years, and it’s certainly a valid option, which will be used on dredging vessels. Predictions of fuel costs in the future are always based on the cost of renewable energy, which is the main cost driver for RFNBO’s. Research institutes estimate that e-methanol will have a production cost per GJ which is 40-80% higher than liquid green hydrogen in the period 2030-2050. E-methanol is made of hydrogen and its cost is closely related to the cost of green hydrogen, onto which the cost

of the captured CO2 and the synthesis to methanol has to be added. The availability and the cost of captured CO2 are the biggest unknowns. Apart from the higher cost per unit of energy, also more energy is needed when using e-methanol. Fuel cells can achieve an efficiency of about 50%, a number which can’t be reached with dual-fuel engines on methanol. So the choice between hydrogen and e-methanol is one between the more expensive ship (hydrogen) or the more expensive fuel (e-methanol), along with a number of other considerations, such as required autonomy and availability of the fuel. And ammonia? E-Ammonia is currently not at a Technological Readiness Level for application on a dredging vessel. Safety concerns about toxic clouds will likely

H2-Hopper with liquid hydrogen tanks on the aft deck Photo by Royal IHC

limit the application of e-ammonia to the largest seagoing ships. For dredging vessels which frequently operate near densely populated areas, it’s not likely to become the fuel of choice in the short term. Technical feasibility Is it technically and economically feasible to dredge on liquid green hydrogen? The Innovation Partnership provided the budget to find out. Royal IHC completed the basic engineering of the vessel, in which all principal design choices are made, leading to an integrated design, approved by class (Bureau Veritas). To dredge about 6 Million cubic metres of sand per year – in a mix of fairway maintenance and coastal dredging – the H2-Hopper will have to bunker about 20 tons of liquid hydrogen, once per week. Liquid

green hydrogen is available on the market right now, and production capacity will increase in the coming years. To obtain maximum efficiency, the fuel cells feed into a battery bank at a constant pace. Sudden shifts in load – a characteristic of hopper dredgers – are taken up by a super capacitor, which lengthens the battery life by smoothing out the power draw. The whole system is governed by an Energy Management System, which - contrary to a more common Power Management System - looks into the future to ensure that enough energy is available at any moment during the dredging cycle. The power for the main consumers is distributed onboard through a 1kV DC network. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two double-walled vacuum-insulated tanks on deck. Cost But certainly, it’s a lot more expensive than dredging on diesel? That, unfortunately, is indeed the case. Not only is the liquid green hydrogen significantly more expensive than diesel per GJ of energy, but the capital costs for the vessel are far superior, due in large part to the liquid hydrogen tanks. Then there’s also the fact that the frugal H2-Hopper has a lower production capacity than a similar diesel-powered vessel, which means operational costs and capital costs are spread over less cubic meters of production. Averaged out over 30 years, dredging on liquid

hydrogen with the H2-Hopper is expected to be about 60% more expensive per cubic metre than dredging on diesel on a representative (newbuild) reference vessel. This includes capital costs, maintenance and fuel costs and is based on a distribution of production over fairway maintenance (50%), foreshore replenishment (40%) and beach nourishment (10%). This extra production cost however, is offset by lower environmental costs. The Environmental Cost Index is a shadow cost which is added to the contracting cost, when comparing bids. Taking into account a multiplier of six, which is now typically used in public tenders for frontrunner projects, the difference in environmental costs will bridge the cap between the costs of dredging on diesel or on green hydrogen. This means that a contractor will not only win that contract with a H2-Hopper, but he’ll do so with a 60% bigger turnover. Other ways to bridge the cost gap are a subsidy on the initial investment, and international regulations such as ETS and Fuel EU Maritime. It’s already known that dredging vessels above 5000 GT will be subject to ETS from 2027. For smaller vessels and particularly Fuel EU Maritime, there is still uncertainty. Cryogenic How about bunkering liquid hydrogen? At minus 253 degrees Celsius (yes, that’s only 20 Kelvin above absolute zero), and with a risk of explo-

Using liquid hydrogen, the tank capacity for an autonomy of a week is acceptable Photo by Royal IHC

sions, precautions are necessary. In terms of bunkering, liquid hydrogen is very similar to bunkering liquid natural gas (LNG). At first it will be with trucks, but as demand increases, bunker barges with liquid hydrogen will become available, reducing the supply cost. What’s next? A major hesitation for dredging contractors to invest in a H2-Hopper is that the vessel may be very well suited and optimised for Dutch coastal works, but big contractors tend to use their vessels worldwide, and there’s currently no market for such a vessel elsewhere. This is a valid argument, but at the same time, one must recognise that there are many hopper dredgers designed, built and operating in dedicated areas, to maintain a specific river, canal or harbour. What if optimisation and specialisation are necessary for the energy transition to succeed? Maybe a dedicated Dutch vessel in the short term will spread its wings as EU regulations and later IMO regulations shift the scales in favor of RFNBO’s. Rijkswaterstaat acknowledged the concerns but is now confronted with the fact that there are still no means to dredge at large scale in a more climate-neutral way or in a locally zero-emission mode. Other ways are being explored to accelerate the transition, and to not let the dredging industry lag behind the energy, industry, construction and mobility sectors. After all, The Netherlands has always been – and should stay – the Silicon Valley of dredging technology. Contact Royal IHC Hans Hesen – jcg.hesen@royalihc.com Rijkswaterstaat (IKZ) Rutger Rebel – ikz@rws.nl

The Industry Contribution is a section in which companies share their business endeavors or market analyses. Please contact us at jp@navingo.com for inquiries.

When Heavyweights Go Traveling Asisto and Bachmann collaborate on Mammoet’s SK6000 crane project.

Mammoet has developed the world's strongest land-based crane, the SK6000. This impressive construction tool sets new standards in heavy-duty logistics and plays a key role in major projects such as offshore wind farm construction, refinery building, and large energy power plant construction. Asisto, Mammoet's system integrator for this project, and Bachmann electronic GmbH, a leading provider of automation solutions, collaborated to help overcome the challenges of automating the crane

The Mammoet SK6000 boasts an incredible load capacity of up to 6,000 tons and is designed to move huge loads safely and precisely. However, its true engineering skill lies not only in its

performance but also in its modular design, which allows it to be transported in around 300 shipping containers. This crane is truly a world record feat of engineering, with a production schedule

to match. Dozens of the world’s most experienced heavy lifting engineers have been working hard for years to make this a reality; with hundreds of colleagues also directly involved in some

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an off-the-shelf system based on Siemens technology but encountered difficulties in technical implementation and component availability. It was during this time that they first contacted Bachmann, which had impressed them with its smart implementation of redundancy and flexibility in a previous project. "We were looking for a PC-based controller system that offered high speed and PLC safety level," says Rob de Hond of Asisto. "Bachmann's solution met our requirements, and their ability to deliver components quickly was a significant advantage, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic." Close Cooperation and Technical Challenges Bachmann's close cooperation and fast response times played a crucial role in the project's success. "We were impressed by Bachmann's short response times, sometimes as short as 15 to 20 minutes," notes Jeroen Leemeijer of Asisto. "This direct and efficient communication made project management much easier."

SK6000 crane with counterweigh Photo by Bachmann electronic GmbH

capacity across the business. There are very few companies on Earth – if any – that could have brought this crane into reality, and we are immensely proud to be able to do so. Choosing the Right Partner When selecting the control technology and partner for the SK6000 project, Asisto and Mammoet faced several challenges. Initially, they considered using

One of the technical challenges the team faced was synchronizing hydraulic cylinders and electrical winches, particularly when controlling multiple winches with heavy loads simultaneously. "We worked closely with Bachmann to develop a customized solution for the SK6000," explains Sander de Vos of Asisto. "Their expertise and flexibility were instrumental in overcoming the technical challenges we faced." Another major challenge was integrating a new safety level, which involved not only ensuring the physical safety of the machines but also implementing cybersecurity measures to protect the system from external threats. Bach-

mann's expertise and flexibility were instrumental in overcoming these challenges. "We had to break new ground in terms of safety requirements," says Rob de Hond of Asisto. "Bachmann helped us develop a strategy that met both the requirements of the project and the safety requirements of the industry." Remote Maintenance and Future Prospects The implementation of a remote access system enables Asisto to service the crane and its controller remotely, responding quickly to problems and reducing dependence on external support. The team plans to train local operation crews to carry out minor maintenance and diagnostics, ensuring faster response times and increased efficiency. Looking to the future, Asisto is extremely positive about their collaboration with Bachmann. "The decision to choose Bachmann as our long-term partner was the right one from both a technical and strategic perspective," says Sander de Vos of Asisto. "The introduction of an open platform, such as OpenBridge for atvise, opens new possibilities for us, enabling us to adapt the Asisto Engineering & Bachmann employees at the ring of the SK6000

SK6000 electrical driven hoisting winches; Photo by Bachmann electronic GmbH

system to our specific needs and make it future-proof." Joeri ten Napel of Bachmann adds, "We are proud to have been a part of this complex project and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Asisto. Our goal is to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry." In addition to the technical advantages, the collaboration between Asisto

and Bachmann has also led to a stronger partnership. "We have developed a strong relationship with Bachmann, which is based on trust and mutual understanding," says Jeroen Leemeijer of Asisto. "This partnership enables us to work together more efficiently and to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers." The SK6000 project has also demonstrated the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the development of

Part of the Bachmann controller; Photo by Bachmann electronic GmbH

complex systems. "The project required a high degree of flexibility and adaptability from all parties involved," says Sander de Vos of Asisto. "Bachmann's ability to adapt to changing requirements and to develop customized solutions was instrumental in the project's success." In conclusion, the choice of Bachmann for the SK6000 project was a decisive step. Despite initial difficulties, particularly with the implementation of security and communication systems, Bachmann proved to be an extremely reliable and committed partner. Bachmann’s flexibility, fast response times, and technological expertise contributed to the successful implementation of this complex project. The collaboration between Asisto and Bachmann has led to a stronger partnership and has demonstrated the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the development of complex systems.

Contact Bachmann electronic GmbH I www.bachmann.info

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What is

happening Germany’s first all-electric ferry delivered Damen Shipyards Group has handed over Germany’s first, all-electric catamaran (E-Kat) ferry to shipping company AG Reederei Norden-Frisia. Built at Damen shipyards in Poland and the Netherlands, the vessel is driven by two propellers, each powered by a 600kW electric motor. Capable of accomodating up to 150 passengers, the vessel will operate between Norddeich and Norderney on the East Frisian Wadden Sea. The 32-meter catamaran, which recently completed its acceptance trials, has been designed to operate on a 30-minute route with 28 minutes allowed at each end to disembark and embark passengers. Starting in the peak season, the newbuild will travel around eight times a day to Norderney and back, CO2-free. Given the shallow waterways in which it will operate, it has been designed with twin hulls giving it a draught of just 1.2 meters. These aluminium hulls together with a superstructure, also made of aluminium, ensure that weight has been kept to a minimum, enabling it to operate at speeds of up to 12 knots.

Shell picks McDermott to provide ‘full suite of offerings’ U.S. offshore engineering and construction player McDermott has secured an enterprise framework agreement (EFA) with the U K- h e a d q u a r te re d energy giant Shell for engineering and procurement services and integrated project management team services (IPMT). Under the three-year agreement with two one-year options, McDermott is set to provide the full suite of its offerings across its low-carbon solutions, offshore Middle East, and subsea and floating facilities business lines. The U.S. player says it will leverage its global engineering centers to support Shell with developing and executing world-class feasibility and front-end engineering solutions. McDermott is in charge of what it says is a large portfolio of deepwater projects for Shell in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Western Australia, and Malaysia.

Port of Helsinki achieves carbon neutrality At the start of 2025, Finland’s Port of Helsinki achieved the target of making its own operations carbon neutral but continues efforts to reduce the total emissions generated in the port area. "We have managed to minimise our own carbon dioxide emissions as a result of our climate work. This is an important milestone for us in our long-term work towards more sustainable shipping," Ville Haapasaari, CEO of the Port of Helsinki, commented. "But our work does not end there. In future, we will be increasingly focusing on finding low-carbon solutions in cooperation with our partners, customers and stakeholders." To reach this goal, the port has implemented a variety of measures to reduce its energy consumption, in addition to procuring required energy from zero-carbon sources. The port also purchases a small amount of voluntary carbon offset credits to compensate for its remaining climate emissions. The Port of Helsinki set the goal of making its own operations carbon neutral back in 2019. The goal concerns the port company’s own emissions, which include emissions generated as a result of the heating and electricity used in the port area and buildings, the fuel consumption of the port’s own vehicles and machinery, and business travel. The port achieved its carbon neutrality goal as planned at the start of this year. During the carbon neutrality program’s reference year of 2015, the port company generated 3,463 tonnes of carbon dioxide (t CO2). By the end of 2024, these emissions had decreased by 63%.

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What is happening

Klaipėda Port kicks off quay electrification project stations that will supply roll-on/rolloff (RoRo) ferries with electricity at the Klaipėda central terminal and one at the Klaipėda container terminal in the southern part of the port. Electrification is reportedly also planned for quays where container vessels and cruise ships are docked.

The Port of Klaipėda in Lithuania has begun installing the required infrastructure to supply electricity to moored vessels, a move expected

to ‘significantly’ cut down on harmful emissions and noise pollution in the area. As disclosed, this endeavor involves the construction of three

The initial four stations are slated to be put into operation in 2026 while the entire project to electrify the port quays is anticipated to be wrapped up in 2028. After the project has been finished, Klaipėda Port said it would purchase electricity from suppliers who generate it from renewable sources, i.e. wind and solar energy.

Van Oord awards Ecowende cable termination and testing contract SPIE Wind Connect, part of SPIE, has been awarded a contract by Van Oord for the termination and testing of inter-array cables on the offshore wind farm that Ecowende will build at Hollandse Kust (west) lot VI in the Netherlands.

Kust (west) lot VI in the Dutch North Sea.

The project scope involves the termination and testing of 52 66 kV inter-array cables on the Hollandse

"We are delighted to secure our first major contract with Van Oord, and we look forward to continuing to

The work is planned to commence in April 2026, with the project mock-up scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.

grow our partnership with them into the future," said Sam Dowey, Managing Director at SPIE Wind Connect. As Ecowende’s official marine contractor, Van Oord is responsible for transporting and installing various components of the wind farm, from the foundations and scour protection to the inter-array cables and turbines.

NEO Energy and Repsol merging North Sea ops to bolster resilience in ‘tough’ UK conditions Aberdeen-based full-cycle energy business New European Offshore (NEO Energy) has reached an agreement with Repsol Resources UK, a subsidiary of Spanish energy giant Repsol, to combine their North Sea businesses. According to NEO, the combined group, 55% owned by NEO and 45% by Repsol UK, will be renamed NEO NEXT Energy Limited and is expected to become one of the largest producers in the region. Once the required regulatory approvals are received, the transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025. The new partners expect their "large and diverse" asset portfolio to generate material cash flows and provide a plat-

form for organic and inorganic growth. Repsol is set to retain $1.8 billion of the decommissioning liabilities related to its legacy assets, which is also anticipated to contribute to the new company’s cash flows.

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TensionPro Tightening up on bolt tensioning

Sulzer Schmid Self-performing rotor blade inspections

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Conference call WindEnergy Hamburg focuses on the energy transition, recruitment and AI

Breathing new life into retired turbine blades

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Workforce safety as a result of leadership and teamwork

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What is happening

Royal Van der Wees Transporten welcomes Combifloat Systems to multipurpose terminal in Dordrecht Koninklijke Van der Wees Transporten BV is pleased to welcome Combifloat Systems BV to its multipurpose terminal in Dordrecht. Combifloat Systems BV, a leading supplier of modular floating construction equipment and modular jack-up platforms for the offshore industry, will use the facilities of Van der Wees for the storage and transhipment of its modules, as well as the (de-)mobilisation in the water. Thanks to the strategic location and extensive facilities of the terminal, Van der Wees can offer efficient and safe logistical support to Combifloat. The collaboration underlines the strength of both parties in the field of maritime logistics and offshore applications. For the occasional delivery of larger modules in seagoing vessels, where the draft of 5.50 m of the own port is not sufficient, both companies can count on the existing collaboration with Zeehavenbedrijf Dordrecht (ZHD). "We are proud that Combifloat has chosen our terminal in Dordrecht as their logistics hub for their innovative modular systems," says Mark van den Berg, sales manager at Koninklijke Van der Wees. "Our expertise in the transport and handling of modular maritime cargo perfectly matches Combifloat’s needs and today we have taken the first step towards a long-term, successful partnership." With this partnership, Koninklijke Van der Wees Transporten BV strengthens its position as a leading logistics partner within the maritime and offshore sector. The company remains committed to providing progressive transport solutions that contribute to efficient and future-proof logistics processes.

New platform that can ‘identify suspicious activities’ launches to safeguard on- and offshore cables Denmark-headquartered power cable manufacturer and installation company NKT has launched an integrated monitoring platform to safeguard offshore and onshore cables and support their continuous operation by identifying and mitigating potential threats, including fishing accidents and deliberate damage. Designed for both offshore and onshore cables with fiber-optics, the platform integrates multiple sensors and combines technologies to provide a comprehensive overview of power cable conditions, aiming to make power cable grids more reliable, NKT said. It combines data from various sensors and technologies, such as vessel location, acoustic sensing around the cable, depth of burial of the cable under the seabed, and conductor temperature. By integrating and analyzing this together, the platform can identify suspicious activities, such as vessels passing slowly, fishing equipment or anchors being pulled near the cable, and other risks that could lead to cable damage.

Noble rig instrumental to Petrogas’ gas extraction ‘milestone’ in Dutch waters Petrogas E&P Netherlands, a subsidiary of Oman-based Petrogas E&P, has tucked a new natural gas extraction achievement under its belt off the coast of the Netherlands, thanks to drilling operations undertaken with one of Noble Corporation’s harsh environment jack-up rigs. Petrogas has confirmed the successful completion of a sidetrack well at the A12 central process platform (CPP), where the firm re-used an existing non-producing well to target infill sand. The company claims this achievement highlights its commitment to innovation and efficiency in natural gas extraction. Petrogas emphasized: "Kudos to our dedicated project team and Noble Corporation for their expertise and hard work in overcoming challenges to ensure the project’s success. This milestone further strengthens Petrogas’ position as a leader in providing domestic gas for the Dutch economy." The new well, said to have been drilled using advanced techniques, is expected to enhance production and contribute significantly to future growth. Petrogas’ Dutch portfolio consists of A/B gas fields and P/Q oil fields. The company operates both, but the list of its partners differs. Noble Resolute Phot by Petrogas

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What is happening

ECSA, SEA Europe push for maritime sector’s seat at the table in EU’s green agenda ECSA European Shipowners and the Shipyards & Maritime Equipment Association of Europe (SEA Europe) have urged the European Commission to include the maritime sector in two of its ‘vital’ strategies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Europe’s transportation industry. In a joint statement, the two entities have called for the commission to integrate the entire maritime sector in its

European Industrial Maritime Strategy, focused on strengthening the continent’s maritime technology industry (including shipyards and equipment manufacturers), as well as in the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), a framework the commission created to back the production and distribution of environmentally friendly transport fuels. Both of the organizations have urged the commission to issue "impactful

EU flag; Source: Council of Europe

actions" that would also target boosting the EU’s competitiveness within this landscape. Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of ECSA European Shipowners, described the two strategies as "a prerequisite for a strong and competitive European maritime industrial cluster."

CorPower Ocean and NTNU join forces on AI-controlled wave energy tech Swedish wave energy developer CorPower Ocean has secured funding from Sweden’s national innovation agency, Vinnova, to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its wave energy

technology in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). According to CorPower Ocean, the WACE (Wave energy AI-based Control Enhancement) project, running until November 2025, aims to optimize performance and control strategies for wave energy converters (WECs). This follows CorPower Ocean’s recent €32 million Series B funding round to advance its technology towards com-

mercialization. The investment came after its full-scale C4 device withstood record-breaking Atlantic storms while maintaining power generation. "The main goal of the WACE Project is to combine AI methods with optimal control to enhance our existing operating strategy and further improve the performance of our point absorber type wave energy converter", said WACE Project Lead and CorPower Ocean Control Engineer, Gabriel Forstnersaid.

Saltwater Engineering Moves to Kopgebouw Dordrecht to Fuel Innovation and Growth Saltwater Engineering, a leading engineering firm specializing in maritime engineering and shipbuilding, will move its operations from Papendrecht to the Kopgebouw at Leerpark, Dordrecht this summer. This strategic move marks a new chapter in the company’s growth and reflects its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and talent development. Over the past years, Saltwater Engineering has expanded its team and project portfolio significantly. The relocation supports its ambitions to scale further, while embedding itself in an environment that fosters partnerships with both the education and tech sectors. "This move is more than just a change of location," says Sander Broekmeulen, CEO. "It’s about being at the heart of innovation, surrounded by future maritime professionals and like-minded organizations."

From Left to right : Teun Lebbink, Kadans Science Partner, Sander Broekmeulen, Saltwater Engineering and Joost Rusman, De Mik Real Estate Partners

The Kopgebouw, developed by Kadans Science Partner, connects businesses with educational institutions such as Da Vinci College and the Duurzaamheidsfabriek. Saltwater aims to work closely with students and educators to strengthen the maritime talent pipeline in the region. The leasing process was supported by De Mik Real Estate Partners. Saltwater Engineering is excited to grow its impact from its new home-where knowledge, innovation, and collaboration truly come together.

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What is happening

DeepOcean inks subsea cable O&M agreements with Vattenfall DeepOcean has been awarded framework agreements by Vattenfall for the provision of subsea cable operations and maintenance (O&M) services, now valid for Vattenfall’s operational European offshore wind portfolio.

VARD building 121-meter Taiwan-bound subsea construction vessel Norway’s VARD has signed a €113.5 million contract with Taiwan-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) to design and build an offshore subsea construction vessel that will be dedicated to performing work in the offshore wind and telecom sectors, with the contract also including options. The 121.3-meter-long vessel of VARD 3 39 design is said to be a highly versatile platform designed and equipped for subsea operation duties, offshore wind operations & maintenance (O&M) activities, as well as cable installation and repair scopes.

The framework agreements are valid for a period of four years and apply to Vattenfall’s offshore wind farms in Denmark, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Under the agreements, DeepOcean will provide project management, engineering, pre-installation surveys, offshore cable transportation, trenching, cable installation and jointing, termination and testing, post-installation surveys, and recovery and disposal of damaged cables. The ocean services provider will utilize its personnel in Norway and the UK to conduct project management and engineering work for call-off orders under the framework agreement.

According to VARD, the design is focused on the environmental footprint with an efficient machinery and propulsion set-up for high station-keeping capabilities, including battery hybrid propulsion. It will be fitted with a 250 MT active heave compensated offshore crane, two deck/boat landing cranes, a 1,200 m2 work deck prepared for a cable repair or cable lay spread, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) hangars prepared for built-in ROVs on both sides, and will be prepared for the installation of a motion compensated gangway, an under-deck carousel, a large trencher, as well as a helideck.

TenneT awards retrofit contract for German offshore converter station Bluestream Offshore, a subsidiary of OEG Energy, has been awarded a contract by transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT for the retrofit installation of a corrosion protection system on the SylWin alpha offshore converter station for the SylWin1 offshore grid connection in Germany.

The award is for the subsea installation of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system to replace the existing faulty ICCP system. The replacement includes the decommissioning of outdated cables and debris that cause system interference,

alongside a pre-survey, which will be conducted using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-mounted multibeam sonar, and visual inspections to assess the condition of the work area to identify obstructions.

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What is happening

Italy could install 1 GW of offshore solar in next five years, report says Italy could install up to 1 GW of offshore solar capacity in the next five years, enough to supply electricity to around half a million households annually, according to estimates of a new position paper by the Italian Association of Offshore Renewable Energy (AERO). Unveiled by SolarinBlue, the report highlights offshore floating photovoltaic’s (OFPV)’s role in decarbonizing maritime industries while addressing challenges in regulation, financing, and scalability. Described as "a first of its kind as a complete, concrete, and comprehensive analysis of the current state of the art in the industry, providing a clear roadmap for its future development," the report presents OFPV as a complementary technology to offshore wind, improving energy stability and reducing grid intermittency. According to AERO, several developer initiatives are

underway for projects in Italy involving hundreds of MW, despite the lack of an appropriate planning policy, while in other countries strong support from

authorities is evident. Regulatory clarity and adapted financial incentives are said to be critical for scaling the technology.

Seaturns opens fundraising round to scale wave energy technology bound4blue: ‘World’s largest’ suction sails installed on LDC juice carrier Spanish automated wind-assisted propulsion system specialist bound4blue has installed what it claims to be "the world’s largest" suction sails on a vessel. The installation saw four 26-meter high eSAILs fitted to the MV Atlantic Orchard. Chartered by French merchant firm Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Swedish shipping company Wisby Tankers, the specialized juice carrier had the sails fitted in a single stop already planned for the 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard, Santander, Spain, ensuring optimal efficiency. The four sails were installed in under a day per unit, as planned. Depending on trading routes, the vessel’s fuel consumption and emission savings are expected to reach around 10%.

French wave energy developer Seaturns has launched a fundraising campaign to support the scale-up of its wave power generation technology, following several years of research, development, and testing. According to Seaturns, the fundraising will first open on April 22 with 24-hour priority access for shareholders of Team for the Planet (TFTP), a climate-focused investment initiative. The campaign will be accessible to the general public starting April 23. Seaturns is targeting investors who want to support the energy transition through innovation in marine renewables. The company emphasizes a potential financial return while aligning the investment with sustainability goals.

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