Associated British Ports (ABP) and synthetic fibre manufacturer FibreMax have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities at the port of Swansea and applications for floating offshore wind projects.
FibreMax – producers of synthetic tendon solutions for the industrial and energy sectors, including the world’s strongest cable – will offer technology that is suitable for offshore wind farms due to its strength, stiffness and resistance to fatigue and wear. The Celtic Sea is set to become a major development site for floating wind energy projects, and the port of Swansea is well situated to support developments there.
Sander van Helvoort, director of renewable energy at FibreMax, added: “FibreMax is the only company in the world which has the capability to deliver synthetic solutions for any floating wind technology, we therefore welcome this agreement and look forward to working together with ABP to investigate development opportunities at the port of Swansea that will deliver best-in-class facilities and good quality jobs for the local community and develop local content for South Wales.”
Up to 90 new full-time jobs could be created thanks to this partnership, with the creation of a new bespoke dockside facility. A just-in-time supply chain solution working with Welsh companies will enable the creation of future offshore renewable components.
