ORE Catapult has initiated a new phase of its Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme aimed at supporting floating wind supply chain companies in South Wales.
The 12- to 18-month scheme will select at least 10 businesses from the Swansea region to help prepare them to secure contracts within the UK and international offshore wind markets. The initiative is jointly funded by The Crown Estate and the Swansea Bay City Deal, a collaboration between Carmarthenshire County Council and Neath Port Talbot Council.
This latest round follows two previous phases, which saw 13 companies participate, with three achieving ‘granted status’ under the programme.
Dr. Davood Sabaei, F4OR project manager at ORE Catapult, said, “The F4OR programme has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of the floating offshore wind sector. F4OR Wales will ensure that companies joining this programme will benefit from expert offshore wind consultancy support, helping them bid for and win contracts in the UK and internationally.”
Rebecca Williams, director of devolved nations at The Crown Estate, emphasized the programme’s role in economic development, stating, “Through a thriving supply chain, we can create jobs and skills within communities and play an important role in the clean energy transition.”
Jane Lewis, regional learning and skills partnership manager at Carmarthenshire County Council, added, “This will enhance opportunities for companies in South West Wales to be involved in the Celtic Sea offshore wind programme and bring jobs and economic growth to the region.”
The programme launch coincides with The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, which targets up to 4.5 gigawatts of floating wind capacity in the Celtic Sea. This development is expected to support approximately 5,300 jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy.
Since its inception five years ago, over 170 UK companies have participated in the F4OR programme, reporting an average turnover increase of 26%.
