Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest ports operator, has announced a new partnership with Marine Power Systems (MPS), a Wales-based floating wind technology developer.
This collaboration aims to expedite the development of floating offshore wind technology in the Celtic Sea.
Memorandum of Understanding and PelaFlex Technology
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between ABP and MPS will focus on developing solutions to support the deployment of MPS’s cutting-edge floating platform technology, PelaFlex, in the Celtic Sea from ABP’s Port of Port Talbot.
This innovative platform is designed to facilitate the rapid deployment of large-scale floating offshore wind projects while maximizing local benefits and reducing both risks and overall project costs.
Andy Reay, ABP’s Head of Offshore Wind, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to be working with MPS to assess this emerging technology and hope that it will help accelerate progress in developing the UK’s floating offshore wind sector.”
He emphasized the importance of partnering with a Wales-based company to maximize the potential for job creation and investment in local communities.
Significant Investment in Port Talbot
ABP is planning to invest over £500 million in developing new and repurposed infrastructure at the Port of Port Talbot.
This investment will enable the port to accommodate manufacturing, installation, and supply chain activities for the floating offshore wind sector, with the potential to create thousands of new, high-quality jobs and attract billions of pounds of inward investment.
For over 30 years, ABP has been a key player in supporting offshore wind projects, offering comprehensive services throughout the development cycle.
The development of floating offshore wind in Wales presents a significant clean energy opportunity for the UK.
Streamlining Large-Scale Wind Farm Construction
Martin Carruth, Commercial Director at MPS, highlighted the significance of the collaboration with ABP, stating, “MPS’ collaboration with ABP will help open up access to major port facilities in the Celtic Sea, a key assessment criterion for the forthcoming 4.5 GW leasing round.”
He emphasized that the partnership will enable the creation of an integrated, lower-risk delivery model that minimizes space and infrastructure requirements, ultimately accelerating and reducing the cost of wind farm construction using PelaFlex.
Building a Qualified and Curated Supply Chain
Carruth further noted that this MoU is just one example of the many relationships MPS is building in southwest Wales and across its markets to offer a qualified and curated supply chain.
This approach aims to reduce risks for energy developers and enhance the deliverability of large-scale projects.
ABP is committed to a greener future and is actively redefining its role in the evolving energy landscape. The company’s sustainability strategy, “Ready for Tomorrow,” outlines its plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040 at the latest. Additionally, ABP is dedicated to supporting large-scale infrastructure projects that facilitate the UK’s energy transition.