Marine-i is calling for Expressions of Interest from businesses who want to participate in the development of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is designed to help the marine tech sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation.

Following on from a series of workshops held in July, Marine-i is now actively seeking engagement with businesses interested in working collaboratively with both research organisations and other businesses to develop new solutions in two key areas:

  • Vessel, equipment, port infrastructure and other logistics solutions
  • Installation, operations and maintenance (O&M) solutions

Businesses operating in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly involved in projects arising from this process may be eligible for direct RD&I support (including financial) subject to meeting certain criteria. Businesses submitting Expressions of Interest by September 4 will be invited to a collaborative workshop on September 24 which aims to address the challenge and develop a range of potential solutions. The most appropriate of these will form the basis of Marine-i supported RD&I projects.

Prof Lars Johanning of University of Exeter, lead partner for Marine-i, said: “Businesses in Cornwall are well placed to take advantage of the huge opportunity offered by Floating Offshore Wind, in what promises to become a massive worldwide market. Marine-i wants to see collaborative projects which draw on the strength of local businesses and start to develop technology proposals for new methodologies, technology, and equipment that can help deliver the full potential of Floating Offshore Wind.”

Interested businesses should submit their Expression of Interest by September 4.

Details on the two events and instructions on how to submit an Expression of Interest can be found here.