Global Wind Platform Manufacturers Invited by American Developer for Request for Information
Aikido Technologies, a California-based developer of floating wind foundations, has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector. The company's 15 MW 'AO60' floating wind platform has been certified as a mature technology by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), marking a significant milestone in its development.
The AO60 platform consists of thirteen modular steel components, including columns and trusses, that can be fabricated at existing or steel fabrication sites. This modular approach allows the production of 1, 50, or even 100 units using current global fabrication capabilities without requiring custom fabrication yards, vessels, or ports.
Aikido Technologies has issued Requests for Information (RFIs) to over ten top-tier offshore wind fabricators worldwide, segmented into three specific fabrication packages. These packages target standard offshore steel shops, tubular/jacket yards, and monopile/tower facilities, aiming to leverage existing fabrication infrastructure.
The qualification of Aikido's floating wind platform as mature technology by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) was issued this year. This certification signifies that the technology has reached a level of maturity and reliability that is comparable to established offshore wind technologies.
The AO60 platform has been allocated a demonstration slot at Norway’s Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre), where a full-scale 15 MW deployment is planned. This makes Aikido's AO60 platform a first-of-its-kind 15 MW demonstration project for floating wind technology at METCentre.
Once installed in 2027, Aikido's AO60 platform will be one of the largest floating wind platforms constructed and deployed to date, according to METCentre. This demonstration is expected to provide valuable insights into the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of floating wind technology, paving the way for its wider adoption.
Aikido Technologies emphasizes a fabrication strategy based on standard offshore manufacturing facilities worldwide with modular, transportable components, avoiding specialized or bespoke infrastructure for the AO60 floating platform. With existing fabrication capabilities, components can be easily transported worldwide for final assembly at a local port, facilitating scalability and supply chain flexibility.
This achievement is a testament to Aikido Technologies' commitment to advancing floating wind technology and demonstrates the potential for large-scale, cost-effective deployment of this technology in the future. The AO60 platform's successful qualification as mature technology by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a significant step forward in the development and commercialization of floating wind energy.
[1] Aikido Technologies. (2021). Aikido Technologies Launches RFI for 15 MW AO60 Floating Wind Platform. Retrieved from https://aikidotechnologies.com/press-releases/aikido-technologies-launches-rfi-for-15-mw-ao60-floating-wind-platform/
[2] Aikido Technologies. (2021). Aikido Technologies Wins Demonstration Slot at METCentre. Retrieved from https://aikidotechnologies.com/press-releases/aikido-technologies-wins-demonstration-slot-at-metcentre/
[3] American Bureau of Shipping. (2022). Aikido Technologies' Floating Wind Platform Qualified as Mature Technology. Retrieved from https://www.abshq.com/news/aikido-technologies-floating-wind-platform-qualified-as-mature-technology
[4] Marine Energy Test Centre. (2021). Aikido Technologies to Demonstrate 15 MW Floating Wind Platform at METCentre. Retrieved from https://www.metcentre.no/news/aikido-technologies-to-demonstrate-15-mw-floating-wind-platform-at-metcentre/
[1] Aikido Technologies' strategy in the energy market is not confined to floating wind foundations; it also seeks to engage with top-tier offshore wind fabricators worldwide in the finance and technology sectors, aiming to leverage existing infrastructure for mass production.
[2] With the AO60 platform's maturity acknowledged by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the company now positions itself as a significant player in the renewable energy industry, demonstrating its ability to hold its own against established offshore wind technologies.
