The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle to Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology for its new floating wind semi-submersible (FWSS) foundation design, intended to support 15-megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbines, the companies said on Tuesday.
The concept, developed by Singapore-based Seatrium, features a floating column structure with three pontoons and a central support column. It is designed to enhance fabrication efficiency and cost-effectiveness while withstanding harsh offshore environments, the company said.
ABS completed technical reviews of the design based on classification and statutory requirements, paving the way for potential future commercial deployment.
“ABS is supporting the full lifecycle of offshore renewable projects, particularly in Europe and Asia where floating offshore wind power will be an important piece of the overall energy mix,” said Rob Langford, ABS vice president for Global Offshore Renewables. “ABS is proud to work with pioneering companies like Seatrium who share our pursuit of innovation and safety at sea.”
Floating wind technology is gaining traction globally as countries seek to develop offshore wind projects in deeper waters, where fixed-bottom structures are not viable. The approval adds to Seatrium’s expanding offshore renewables portfolio and underscores the growing interest in large-scale floating wind solutions.
