FLOAT&M was created with the aim of offering a comprehensive solution focused on the operation and maintenance of floating offshore wind. This flourishing and innovative industry stands as one of the key alternatives, both present and future, for the generation of renewable energy, offering a clear alternative for reducing CO2 emissions.
The project's main motivation is to respond to the challenges that arise within operation and maintenance (O&M) services in offshore wind energy developments. The need to improve their efficiency, facilitate condition monitoring and reduce personnel interventions is fundamental to increasing the competitiveness of projects.
For this reason, through the development of new technologies, FLOAT&M aims to leverage the knowledge and experience gained in research and development relating to new equipment such as drones, robots and connectors, digital solutions and new materials and anti-corrosion solutions, in order to offer the offshore wind market a competitive, technology-based solution.
Companies in the sector will be able to improve these areas thanks to obtaining relevant information on the operating condition and health status of elements and systems, the management and processing of that information, and real-time action on the system.
The results obtained with this initiative will make it possible to increase the reliability of floating offshore wind assets, reduce non-operation hours, monitor the condition of the wind asset enabling improved operation and maintenance strategies; reduce the need to access the floating platform, increase the safety of the people involved in the operation of the facilities and, finally, contribute to the sustainability of the continued operation of offshore wind turbines, extending their service life.
FLOAT&M represents a unique opportunity for the Basque Country, highlighting the strengths of the participating companies. It also fosters a collaboration that will position the Basque industry in a differential way in the market. The consortium is made up of: Saitec Offshore Technologies, project coordinator; Aeroblade, Alerion, Egoa Energía, Sener, Mugape, Nautilus, Ditrel, Vicinay Cadenas, Lumiker, Vicinay Sestao, Core Marine, Sidenor, Inalia and Navacel. It also has the collaboration of research centres such as Tecnalia, Tekniker, CEIT, Azterlan, MU, Sidenor I+D and Vicinay Marine Innovación.
This project has been supported by the expense budget of the Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
