Collaboration is the cornerstone of human achievement. It allows companies with diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences to come together, generating ideas and solutions that are often far more innovative and effective than those developed alone. Whether in the workplace, academia, or creative projects, collaboration drives success, fosters creativity, and builds stronger relationships.
In the world of lifting the rapid expansion of the renewables sector, in particular, has helped foster multiple collaborations between companies.
In July 2024, for example, Japanese crane manufacturer Tadano announced a collaboration with Danish wind power manufacturer Vestas to develop and sell wind turbine nacelle cranes globally – a major new direction for Tadano.
Tadano says it is now looking to contribute to the offshore wind power generation sector, which is also being promoted by the Japanese government, through its product line-up. This, it says, is in line with its aims to achieve carbon net zero by 2050.
To start Tadano will collaborate with Vestas to develop and sell nacelle cranes for Vestas’ new V236 offshore wind turbines. Tadano says the nacelle cranes will be extremely durable in order to withstand the extreme conditions of offshore use, such as strong winds and high salinity.
SOLIDD SUCCESS
Rotterdam, Netherlandsheadquartered company Tetrahedron relied closely on collaboration during the development of a new type of crane for the offshore wind sector.
The prototype came to fruition in 2024. The crane is designed for handling wind turbines offshore and offshore maintenance duties. You can read more about it here: https://shorturl.at/SXw7a
Collaboration was central to the development of the crane. Key to the success of its development was Dutch partner Solidd Steel Structures. The Sumar, Netherlands-headquartered company specialises in the engineering, manufacturing and assembly of dynamically loaded steel structures.
“Of course, we were confident that our crane design was theoretically solid,” explained Wilco Stavenuiter, interim director at Tetrahedron. “To build it, however, and make sure that the 3D tolerances of the 3D triangle would work out was quite a challenge. Our partner Solidd Steel Structures had the experience to so and, together, we made it happen!”
Now that the prototype has been completed Stavenuiter is now moving on from Tetrahedron and looking for new challenges.
Additional collaboration and support that made the project possible was thanks to support from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, a subsidy from Topsector Energie, and investment from the Van Es Group. Tetrahedron also worked alongside project partners TNO, JackUpBarge, Shell and GE.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
In September 2024 Utrecht, Netherlands-headquartered heavy lift and transportation specialist Mammoet and South Korean port logistics services provider Samyang Marine Group announced a strategic partnership to provide comprehensive heavy lifting and transport solutions for South Korea’s offshore wind sector.
The collaboration aims to establish Offshore Service Port (OSP) facilities to serve projects across sectors in South Korea with a primary focus on upcoming offshore wind projects. The partnership will integrate fullspectrum terminal management, including handling, staging, marshalling and stevedoring services, with heavy lifting and installation capabilities. The OSPs, located in the ports of Busan and Masan, will cater to projects in South Korea and the broader Asia- Pacific region.
The initiative arises from the recognition that South Korea’s expanding offshore wind market requires not just infrastructure but also specialised logistics, handling, construction, and installation services that are critical to the offshore wind sector’s success. Recognising this the partnership aims to address these needs.
Serving globally high-profile projects in the sector for decades, such as Hywind Tampen, Seagreen, The Greater Changhua, and Wind-float Atlantic, Mammoet says its transferrable skillset will deliver significant value for the region.
The partnership responds to the urgent need for an enhanced offshore wind supply chain and services to meet the ambitious targets outlined in South Korea’s Renewable Energy 3020 implementation plan – which includes 14.3GW of offshore wind by 2030.
Crucial to achieving this target is the readiness of the supply chain responsible for delivering the components and services vital for the construction of offshore wind farms.
“South Korea’s offshore wind sector holds immense potential, and our partnership with Mammoet brings together local and international expertise to provide comprehensive solutions for the industry,” said S.C. Roe, chairman of Samyang Marine Group. “Together, we will deliver world-class services to support the construction and operation of offshore wind farms, driving the sector’s growth.”
Jack van den Brink, managing director of Mammoet Projects AMEA, added, “We’re excited to collaborate with Samyang Marine Group to address the critical challenges in South Korea’s offshore wind market… this partnership is all about leveraging our combined strengths to create value and foster the growth of renewable energy in the region.”
In a similar vein, Mammoet has been active in the Taiwanese offshore wind industry where it has partnered with Giant Heavy Machinery Services Corp. and been active since the inception of offshore wind in the country in 2017.
According to Mammoet the two companies have been pivotal in supporting Taiwan’s offshore wind sector completing more than 30 major projects in collaboration with key industry players. It says the team, which provides transportation, lifting, weighing, jacking, installation, and engineering assistance, has been integral to landmark projects such as Formosa I, Greater Changhua, Yunlin, Chanfang and Xidao, and Zhong Neng.
SECURING FUNDING
Early in 2023 crane rental services, heavy lifting, and engineered transport specialist Sarens announced a partnership with Cornwall, UK-based Tugdock. Tugdock specialises in engineering and deployment of Tugdock Submersible Platforms (TSPs) for offshore transport and logistics projects. The partnership was set up with the aim of supporting the further growth of Tugdock; Sarens invested in the start-up company with the aim of developing solutions to the fast-growing floating offshore wind industry.
Just under two years later the investment appears to be paying off as, in December 2024, Tugdock and Sarens successfully secured further funding from UK body The Crown Estate to develop a heavy lift Operations and Maintenance (O&M) hub at ABP’s port of Port Talbot in Wales. See news story here: https://shorturl.at/beQV8
With key support from major industry players such as ABP and RWE, plus other partnerships, the vision for the facility is to provide world class support for heavy lift equipment used in floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.
Lucas Lowe Houghton, chief revenue officer at Tugdock, said: “Collectively we will ensure that ABP’s Port Talbot is enabled with a heavy lift facility that can attract and retain major clients and maintain the UK’s leading position in the floating offshore wind industry.”
EXPANDING EMPIRE
In October 2024 Sarens also announced it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) framework agreement with Empire Energy Partners’ offshore division to enhance the development of US offshore wind projects.
The collaboration, which combines Empire Energy’s engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities with Sarens’ expertise in large-scale heavy lifting and transport, aims to create a unified solution for offshore wind developers.
This formalises the intent of both organisations to leverage their combined strengths in order to address the rapidly growing demand for integrated engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) solutions in the US offshore wind market.
By working together they aim to meet the increasing demand for domestic offshore wind projects by offering an integrated solution.
Empire Energy Offshore will lead as the primary EPC contractor while Sarens will provide critical heavy lifting, transport, and engineering support, ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Sarens has already demonstrated its expertise in managing heavy transport and installation for large-scale offshore projects in the USA through its involvement in projects like the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm, the largest offshore wind development in the US.
“This partnership will allow us to expand our services in the US offshore wind market,” said Mike Milledge, senior director of Offshore Wind at Empire Energy Partners. “By working with Sarens we can offer our clients a fullservice solution from start to finish, positioning ourselves as leaders in the renewable energy space.”
In the same month Empire Energy also announced a strategic joint venture with The Herrick Corporation – a steel manufacturing and fabrication company.
The partnership focuses on the domestic manufacturing of essential components, including monopiles, transition pieces, towers, and secondary steel for both fixed and floating wind projects.
According to Empire the joint venture represents a significant step forward in strengthening the domestic offshore wind supply chain and underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing the United States’ renewable energy ambitions.
It says that as the US offshore wind sector rapidly expands the need for robust domestic manufacturing and construction capabilities is more critical than ever before.
The collaboration aims to leverage Herrick’s steel production expertise and Empire Energy’s EPC capabilities to enhance the supply chain’s capacity, supporting the sector’s continued growth.
The offshore wind power sector really is a shining example of how collaboration can unlock innovation and drive progress. From new nacelle cranes to groundbreaking heavy lift hubs and strategic partnerships across continents, the industry is demonstrating the power of pooling expertise, resources, and ambition.
The various initiatives highlighted in this article underline the necessity of teamwork in realising renewable energy goals. These collaborations not only strengthen local and global supply chains but also foster technological advancements and sustainability, thus paving the way for a greener future.
As governments and companies align their efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality, the offshore wind sector’s collaborative spirit will remain vital. By working together, these organisations are not only harnessing the wind’s potential but also demonstrating how collective action can shape a sustainable and innovative future.
TADANO TO ACQUIRE IHI TRANSPORT MACHINERY
In November 2024 Tadano announced another step forward in its strategy to diversify its lifting product portfolio and provide more value for customers by acquiring the transportation system business of IHI Transport Machinery Co., a consolidated subsidiary of IHI Corporation, based in Koto-ku, near Tokyo.
With over 50 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing IHI Transport Machinery’s transportation systems business includes jib climbing cranes, port and large offshore cranes, wind power cranes, and bulk handling systems.
The acquisition aligns with Tadano’s Mid-Term Management Plan for promoting strategies to deliver new value for its customers’ business endeavours by diversifying the equipment portfolio to include a broader set of lifting solutions. Tadano says the acquisition represents an important addition to its growth strategy, advancing its position in the global lifting equipment market.
