Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals Signs Partnership Agreement with TFI Marine, a Leader in New Mooring System Technology for Floating Offshore Wind
Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Fukushima; hereinafter “Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals”) and TFI Marine Limited (Headquarters: Ireland; CEO: John Herlihy; hereinafter “TFI Marine”) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a partnership agreement with the aim of promoting the adoption of a new mooring solution for floating offshore wind.
“SeaSpring”, developed by TFI Marine as a new mooring solution, is a device designed to reduce load and fatigue in mooring systems for floating offshore wind turbines. The incorporation of “SeaSpring” not only extends the service life of the entire system but also enables the use of smaller mooring components due to reduced loads. This, in turn, reduces component costs, the time required for floating offshore wind turbine installation, and the size of the installation vessels, thereby contributing to the development of higher-quality, lower-cost mooring systems.
Floating offshore wind is a next-generation technology following the widely adopted bottom-fixed type, particularly in Europe. However, because it can be installed in deep waters far offshore, large-scale development is planned for Japan, which possesses a vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ). On the other hand, the expansion of floating offshore wind requires high-quality mooring systems—which are not needed for bottom-fixed systems—as well as a stable supply of the components that make up those systems, such as steel chains, synthetic ropes, and anchors. Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals aims to build a supply chain for high-quality mooring system components that will be in demand in Japan in the future and views the signing of the partnership agreement with TFI Marine as a crucial step toward that goal.
The Sumitomo Corporation Group is actively engaged in the development of offshore wind and the development of supply chains for both bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind foundation structures. Through this partnership agreement with TFI Marine, we aim to contribute even more to the widespread adoption of offshore wind and work toward the realization of a low-carbon society.
Overview of TFI Marine
Founded in 2005, TFI Marine Limited, a leading Irish technology company, has developed the SeaSpring – a load and fatigue reduction component delivering next generation mooring solutions. Through its “SeaSpring” technology, the company will enable significant reduction in project costs supporting the delivery of renewable energy and global decarbonisation.
TFI Marine’s proprietary technology, “SeaSpring”
For more information, please contact:
Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals Co., Ltd.
Corporate Coordination & General Affairs Group
https://www.scgm.co.jp/contact/