- The Killybegs Marine Cluster together with MMG Ocean visited the impressive Kincardine FOW visit Wednesday 17th July which was facilitated by Flotation Energy. The Kincardine Offshore Windfarm is 15 km off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, and is the world’s largest floating wind project with grid connection. It establishes Scotland’s leading position in both the development and deployment of offshore windfarms.
The Killybegs Marine Cluster, along with MMG Ocean, had the opportunity to visit the impressive Kincardine FOW on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Located 15 km off the coast of Aberdeen Port, this visit was made possible through an invitation from Flotation Energy, a leading offshore wind developer based in Aberdeen. The Kincardine Offshore Wind Farm is a 50 MW grid-connected project, making it the largest operational floating wind farm with grid connection. It serves as a benchmark for Scotland’s leadership in the development and deployment of offshore wind farms, offering valuable insights into best practices, technology advancements, and industry challenges.
The visit provided a unique opportunity for the Killybegs Marine Cluster and other key Irish supply chain stakeholders, developers, and government representatives to witness firsthand the scale, complexity, and innovation behind floating offshore wind projects. Discussions focused on Irelands pathway towards offshore wind development, emphasizing supply chain integration, infrastructure requirements, policy frameworks, and workforce readiness. By engaging directly with industry leaders and established offshore wind projects, the Killybegs Marine Cluster continues to position itself at the forefront of Irelands transition into offshore renewables, ensuring that Irish supply chain companies are prepared to play a significant role in the sectors future growth.
- On July 31st, 2024, the Killybegs Marine Cluster, alongside several of its members, including Sinbad Marine Services and MMG Ocean, welcomed a delegation from Subsea Micropiles, Mincon / Marubeni Itouchu Steel, a Japanese company, to Killybegs. This visit was further supported by Minister Charlie McConalogue from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, as well as key industry and government representatives, including:
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- Senior Engineer John Campbell DAFM
- Liam Curran, Senior Technologist from Enterprise Ireland
- Maeve Conaghan, Regional Director for the North West and West Region, Enterprise Ireland
- Martin Corkery, Enterprise Ireland
- John Andy Bonner, VP for External Liaisons and Affairs, Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
- Eve-Anne McCarron, External Engagement Manager, ATU
- Karl Bonner, The Killybegs Marine Cluster
This high-profile delegation visit provided a strategic opportunity to showcase Killybegs capabilities in marine engineering, offshore infrastructure, and supply chain expertise. Discussions focused on collaborative opportunities in subsea anchoring technology, offshore renewable energy, and international partnerships. With Marubeni Itouchu Steelpresence, the meeting also explored potential Japanese-Irish collaboration in offshore infrastructure and advanced marine technology, strengthening global ties for Killybegs as a key innovation hub within the Blue Economy.