The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, in collaboration with the National Shipbuilding Office and The Crown Estate, has chosen shipbuilder APCL Cammell Laird to conduct a comprehensive study on the future of UK-built ships in the offshore wind sector.
As global offshore wind capacity is projected to reach over 850GW by 2050, the demand for Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) is set to grow significantly. These vessels are essential for the maintenance and servicing of offshore wind farms, acting as mobile operation and maintenance hubs. They will play a crucial role in the expansion of offshore wind energy.
ORE Catapult’s analysis suggests that hundreds of SOVs will be operating globally in the coming years, with a market worth nearly £35 billion by 2050. The UK, with its rich shipbuilding history, must explore how it can leverage this heritage to support industries vital to the future ‘net zero’ economy, such as offshore wind. This study aims to develop insights on how the UK can lead in manufacturing these vessels, creating jobs and boosting economic investment across the country.
Lauren Hadnum, Clean Maritime Manager at ORE Catapult, commented, “To harness the full potential of offshore wind, we must significantly increase the number of vessels for turbine maintenance. It’s essential that as many of these vessels as possible are built in the UK. This study will help us identify what needs to be done to make this a reality and foster collaboration between industry and government to strengthen UK shipbuilding for offshore wind.”
Strengthening the UK’s Position in Offshore Wind Vessel Manufacturing
Linton Roberts, APCL Group’s Chief Technology Officer, expressed excitement about leading the study, saying, “We are proud to have been selected to develop the business case for UK-built SOVs. This initiative is a major step forward in reinforcing the UK’s position in the offshore renewable vessel manufacturing sector.”
Roberts added, “As one of the UK’s largest and most established shipbuilders, we are committed to delivering a solid, evidence-based business case to shape sustainable shipbuilding and strengthen the UK’s role in the global offshore wind supply chain.”
Rod Paterson, CEO of the National Shipbuilding Office, stated, “I am thrilled that this important study into the future market for UK-built offshore wind vessels is underway, with APCL Cammell Laird leading the charge. The demand for service operation and crew transfer vessels, both domestically and globally, is set to rise in the coming decades, and the UK shipbuilding sector is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market.”
Driving Economic Growth and Jobs
Will Apps, Offshore Wind Strategy Director at The Crown Estate, noted, “The UK is already a global leader in offshore wind energy, second only to China. We are set to expand our offshore capacity to meet the Government’s 2030 clean power targets. Strengthening the domestic supply chain is key to our continued success, and we anticipate a sharp rise in demand for SOVs in the years ahead. This will create job opportunities and foster economic growth in communities across the UK.”
Apps also highlighted the study’s focus on sustainability, saying, “An important part of this study will be exploring the feasibility of low or zero-emission SOVs, which is crucial for decarbonizing the offshore wind sector itself, as well as its operations and maintenance.”
In conclusion, this initiative represents a significant step in ensuring the UK’s leadership in offshore wind energy, reinforcing its shipbuilding sector and supporting the growth of sustainable energy.
