Classification society ABS has issued an Approval in Principle (AIP) to South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean for its newly developed floating wind turbine foundation, the companies said on Tuesday.
The foundation, known as WindHive 15-H3, is a semisubmersible platform designed to support 15 megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbines. The structure features three hexagonal columns and has been reviewed against relevant class and offshore industry standards.
Hanwha Ocean described the AIP as a significant step in its broader strategy to expand within the global offshore wind sector through technological innovation and supply chain development.
“Floating offshore wind power is set to play a critical role in the world’s future energy landscape, and we are proud to collaborate with industry leaders like Hanwha Ocean on innovative solutions that are focused on advancing safety at sea,” said Rob Langford, ABS vice president for global offshore renewables.
ABS said it supported the project through design assessment and technical guidance, with a focus on safety, structural integrity, and operational efficiency.
The approval was announced during the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, where representatives from both organisations were present.
