Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Flotation Energy forge offshore wind alliance for Japan
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
(MOL) and Flotation Energy plc.(Flotation Energy) have agreed to jointly
evaluate offshore wind development opportunities in Japan. The agreement
builds on the 2GW portfolio of offshore floating wind projects in Japan
being developed by Flotation Energy (Japan) Co. Ltd., starting from Niigata
and followed by other areas. MOL will jointly develop local supply chain
and Flotation Energy will manage overall project development.
"The partnership with MOL is a very significant step for Flotation
Energy as it builds its presence in Japan. We bring an innovative approach
with fresh eyes in implementing offshore wind projects and look forward
to working with MOL to deliver floating offshore wind in Japan"
said Tim Sawyer, Director of international operations, Flotation Energy,
said.
"U.K. and Japan have a lot of similar background, both are island
country, limited energy resources, and U.K. is ahead of Japan on offshore
wind farm development. With Flotation Energy, who has vast experience in
developing offshore windfarms in U.K and internationally, MOL believes
that this collaboration would accelerate the floating offshore wind farm
development in Japan market. MOL has a rich knowledge and experience in
building, owning, operating and managing ships and offshore floating structures.
Those will be a great help for development of offshore wind farms in Japan
and Asian region," commented Hirofumi Kuwata, Managing Executive
Officer, Deputy Director General, Energy and Offshore Business Unit, MOL,
said.
The partnership aims to develop and deliver offshore wind projects in Japan
to support the Government’s 45 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind target by 2040,
part of its goal to achieve carbon neutral by 2050.
