Technology to take offshore wind monopile to 100-metre depths set for Simply Blue study

Global offshore wind developer Simply Blue will study the feasibility of a foundation concept that aims to extend the reach of the monopile out to water depths of up to 100 metres.

Entrion Wind, which hopes to commercialise the fully-restrained platform (FRP) monopile, said it will work on a joint study with Simply Blue to evaluate the use of the technology at 60 to 80-metre depths and draw comparisons with other foundation options.

Entrion – whose founders and management include offshore engineering veterans who have worked for the likes of DNV and Shell – aim for an offshore demonstration of the technology in 2025 following a 1:2 test in Norway last year.

The FRP is designed to take the monopile and its "favourable economics" beyond the depths of 60 metres or so seen as its current limit before other options such as jackets or floating technology are required.

The system works by adding floating wind-style mooring and anchor techniques to give added stability to monopiles at greater depths.

Entrion – which has staff in the US and Norway – has already linked up with foundation giant Sif over the planned demonstration.

DNV issued a statement of feasibility for the concept in early 2023.