Offshore foundation technology firm Subsea Micropiles has signed a global supply agreement with Marubeni Itochu Steel Inc (MISI) to collaborate on steel provision for offshore wind and other subsea applications, the companies said on Monday.
The agreement follows recent investments in Subsea Micropiles by both the Scottish National Investment Bank and MISI, a Japanese steel trading and logistics group.
The partnership will support the commercialisation of Subsea Micropiles’ anchoring technology, which uses remote seabed drilling and smaller installation vessels to lower construction costs and reduce environmental impact.
“Recognising steel as a dominant project cost, we are very pleased to be working with Marubeni Itochu Steel who can support us with tubular and flat plate steel globally, for the manufacture of anchor templates and piles in regional markets,” said Derek Robertson, chief executive of Subsea Micropiles. “We also enjoy a collaborative relationship on the development of offshore wind projects in Asia and other markets.”
The micropiling technique, commonly used onshore, has been adapted by Subsea for offshore use. The company describes its method as a scalable solution for both fixed and floating wind structures, with adaptable designs suited to a wide range of soil conditions.
“It would be fair to describe offshore construction as the logistics of moving steel to the project site, and from our perspective to the seabed,” Robertson added.
MISI, through its European subsidiary, said the partnership would help ensure reliable access to key materials for offshore wind deployment.
“Through this Global Supply Agreement, we will support the commercialisation of Subsea Micropiles by ensuring a stable and reasonable-priced supply of high-quality steel materials for their anchoring solution,” said Eiichi Fuji, managing director at Marubeni Itochu Steel Europe. “Furthermore, we are committed to strengthening our collaboration with Subsea Micropiles and enhancing our role in the rapidly expanding global floating offshore wind industry.”
Subsea Micropiles said the partnership aligns with its goal to deliver lower-cost, locally manufactured, and environmentally efficient foundation systems for global renewable energy markets.
