The Floating Offshore Wind Power Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) and classification society ClassNK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation in the development of floating offshore wind technology, the organisations said on Thursday.
The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the two groups in advancing research, technology standardisation and the early integration of floating wind power into commercial use.
FLOWRA said it focuses on developing common basic technologies for floating offshore wind power, working with overseas partners to reduce costs and risks across the sector.
ClassNK, also known as Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, is an independent, non-profit classification society that provides inspection and certification services globally.
Masakatsu Terazaki, chairperson of FLOWRA, said the collaboration would accelerate progress in the sector. “ClassNK is a globally respected classification society with a long history and proven achievements. It has consistently contributed to maritime safety, the protection of human life, and the preservation of the marine environment,” Terazaki said. “Signing this formal agreement strengthens our partnership and supports the advancement of technology and its early integration into society.”
ClassNK president and chief executive Hayato Suga said the partnership builds on previous cooperation between the two organisations. “We fully endorse this objective and have consistently worked with FLOWRA, and we are honored to formally conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FLOWRA,” Suga said. “Leveraging the knowledge and experience we have accumulated through these activities, we will work together with FLOWRA to contribute to technological development, standardization, and the accelerated social implementation of floating offshore wind power.”
The agreement comes as Japan seeks to expand its offshore wind capacity, including floating platforms that can operate in deeper waters unsuitable for fixed-bottom turbines.
