ABP and Marine Power Systems Join Forces to Advance Floating Offshore Wind Technology

June 22, 2024  –Associated British Ports (ABP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Marine Power Systems (MPS) to advance floating offshore wind technology in the Celtic Sea. The collaboration aims to deploy MPS’ innovative PelaFlex floating platform technology from ABP’s Port of Port Talbot, reducing project risks and costs while maximizing local benefits.

The partnership is a significant development for the UK’s offshore wind industry, with ABP planning to invest over £500 million in new and repurposed infrastructure in Port Talbot. This investment has the potential to create 16,000 new, high-quality jobs and attract £5.5 billion in inward investment, making it one of the biggest clean energy opportunities for the UK.

Andy Reay, ABP’s Head of Offshore Wind, expressed excitement about working with MPS to assess this emerging technology, which could help realize the potential of FLOW for jobs and investment in local communities. “We are very excited to be working with MPS to assess this emerging technology and hope that it will help accelerate progress in developing the UK’s floating offshore wind sector,” Reay said.

MPS’ PelaFlex floating platform technology is designed for rapid deployment of industrial-scale floating offshore wind, minimizing space and infrastructure requirements. The platform is highly stable, with small offsets and zero tilt, reducing wear and tear and improving yield from the wind turbine.

ABP has been delivering for offshore wind customers for over 30 years, supporting the full offshore wind development cycle. The company is committed to redefining what keeping Britain trading means in the greener, cleaner economy of the future, with a sustainability strategy to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 2040.