Global Underwater Hub and Scottish Enterprise Join Forces to Develop Floating Wind Supply Chain Ecosystem

The Global Underwater Hub (GUH) and Scottish Enterprise have recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on establishing a subsea supply chain ecosystem as a global centre of excellence for floating wind. This strategic partnership aims to maximize economic value for Scotland and the wider UK from the projected rapid global growth in floating offshore wind.

The partners announced on February 18 that the floating wind market is estimated to be worth GBP 1 trillion globally and GBP 270 billion domestically. Neil Gordon, chief executive of the Global Underwater Hub, emphasized the massive opportunities for the underwater supply chain in the sector. With extensive experience, skills, and technology in offshore energy, the supply chain is well-positioned to meet the challenges and complexity of floating offshore wind.

Under the MoU, Global Underwater Hub and Scottish Enterprise will collaborate to bring together companies, organizations, facilities, resources, and expertise to support the growth of the floating offshore wind industry in the UK and internationally. The partnership will focus on identifying and addressing gaps in the UK’s underwater supply chain capability, infrastructure, resources, and expertise related to the needs of the floating wind market.

Specific areas of focus include subsea cable systems, mooring and anchoring, as well as underwater operations and maintenance. The partnership also aims to co-design and develop initiatives using public sector funding to support projects in the supply chain and develop joint strategies for business growth services, investment campaigns, and foreign direct investment.

Suzanne Sosna, Scottish Enterprise’s Director for Energy Transition, highlighted the vision for Scotland to be recognized globally as a center of excellence for offshore wind. The collaborative efforts between Global Underwater Hub and Scottish Enterprise will play a crucial role in maximizing opportunities for supply chain companies and positioning Scotland as a leader in the energy sector of the future.