Thistle Wind Partners has launched a £1 billion supply chain initiative aimed at integrating more Scottish companies, including those from the oil and gas sector, into the offshore wind industry as part of its 1-gigawatt Bowdun project off the coast of Aberdeenshire.
The Supply Chain Pathways Programme, developed in collaboration with DEME Offshore, seeks to pre-qualify more than 60 firms to compete for contracts not only on the Bowdun wind farm but also across DEME’s wider portfolio of UK and international offshore projects.
By engaging companies earlier than in typical procurement processes, the programme is intended to help potential suppliers align with technical and commercial requirements in areas such as transport, installation, and balance of plant.
“Bowdun aims to be a bridge between Scotland’s abundant offshore wind resource and its world-class oil and gas engineering capability,” said Ian Taylor, Bowdun project director. “Working with DEME Offshore, this programme will help deliver value through Bowdun while supporting the supply chain to seize international opportunities.”
Thistle Wind Partners — a consortium formed by Qair, Aspiravi and DEME Group — plans to invest over £1 billion into the local supply chain through Bowdun, which is expected to power more than one million homes once operational.
Scotland’s deputy first minister, Kate Forbes, welcomed the initiative at a launch event in Aberdeen. “Offshore wind provides a once in a generation opportunity to grow Scotland’s economy and support thousands of high-quality jobs,” she said. “Thistle Wind Partners’ Supply Chain Pathways Programme is an example of the public and private sectors working together to grow our supply chain companies and help them win contracts at home and abroad.”
The programme also aims to provide entry points for firms that have yet to secure their first offshore wind contract.
“Many firms already have the skills to deliver offshore wind projects but haven’t yet secured that crucial first contract,” said Gavin MacKay, supply chain manager. “The Supply Chain Pathways Programme is about giving them that first step and growing into long-term players in ScotWind and beyond.
