US energy contractor Morrison has secured a contract from Aikido Technologies to participate in the Aikido One floating wind project. This initiative aims to demonstrate how Aikido's platform can accelerate offshore wind project development and reduce costs.
As part of the contract, Morrison will fabricate a 1:4 scale 100kW floating wind platform. The fabrication work will be carried out at Morrison Fabrication in Harvey, Louisiana, scheduled for completion over Q2 and Q3 2024. The project will culminate with a test program to validate the platform's performance.
Sam Kanner, CEO of Aikido, highlighted the significance of the Aikido One Demonstrator for the US offshore wind industry, stating, “The Aikido One Demonstrator will be a transformational project for the US offshore wind industry for two reasons: first, it represents the largest floating wind platform constructed in the US to date; second, it is the world's first upending semi-submersible platform.”
He added, “Proving this concept in realistic conditions will show how the Aikido Platform can solve challenges facing the floating wind industry in the US and around the world, relating to serial production and limited port space. We are thrilled to be working with such an experienced and well-respected firm as Morrison.”
Chet Morrison, CEO of Morrison, expressed excitement about collaborating with Aikido, stating, “Aikido is an innovative company that is bringing something unique to the market. We are excited to work with Sam and the entire Aikido team on their concept.”
The Aikido Platform is a semi-submersible platform designed to transport a fully assembled floating wind turbine horizontally. In its transport configuration, the unit complies with PANAMAX restrictions, allowing it to fit into shallow water ports, including those with air draft restrictions.
Upending the platform for deployment requires ballasting the platform with seawater. Aikido is also developing a floating-specific wind turbine designed to reduce the cost and weight of a floating platform by 25%, with the nacelle designed for horizontal transportation, complementing the Aikido Platform concept.
