Encomara’s Squid Technology Earns ABS Certification: A Leap Towards Commercial Floating Wind Energy
Encomara’s innovative floating wind installation technology, known as Squid, has recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving product design assessment (PDA) certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). This certification not only validates the cutting-edge design and functionality of the Squid system but also takes it a step closer to commercial deployment, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of floating wind energy technology.
A Pathway to Market Adoption
The PDA certification follows closely behind an earlier approval in principle (AiP) granted by ABS in November 2025, a testament to the rigorous evaluation and testing Squid has undergone. As Encomara continues to advance this technology along its qualification pathway, it aims to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment, aiming for greater market adoption. This journey underscores the commitment of Encomara and its partners to revolutionize the floating wind energy sector.
Innovative Design and Functionality
At the heart of the Squid technology is its unique design that integrates pre-installed mooring lines and electrical connections into a single subsea unit. This “plug-and-play” approach simplifies the connection of floating wind turbines (FOWTs), offering an innovative solution to a market that has traditionally relied on more complex installation methods.
According to Encomara, this technology enables all subsea infrastructure to be installed prior to the arrival of the turbines. As a result, it significantly reduces installation complexity and lessens the reliance on favorable weather conditions, factors that have historically posed challenges in offshore wind installations.
Transformative Impact on Installation Time and Costs
Modeling studies, backed by Scottish Enterprise and various industry developers, suggest that the Squid system could cut installation times by as much as 50%. This efficiency not only enhances operational timelines but could also potentially deliver savings of up to GBP 1 billion (approximately €1.2 billion) per gigawatt of floating wind capacity.
Ian Donald, Managing Director of Encomara, emphasized the benefits of this system, stating, “The Squid system allows pre-installation of moorings and cables followed by rapid hook-up of the FOWT, thus reducing risk and potentially doubling the number of turbines that can be installed in a typical season.” This dual advantage of efficiency and scalability positions Squid as a game-changer in the offshore renewable energy landscape.
Upcoming Testing Phases
Looking ahead, the next phases of testing are on the horizon. Onshore demonstrations are set to take place at AES’s Huntly facility in July, while inshore wet testing and additional customer demonstrations are scheduled for August at Ardersier. These tests will provide crucial insights into the performance and reliability of the Squid technology under real-world conditions, further contributing to its validation and refinement.
Encomara’s Strategic Growth
Encomara’s development of the Squid technology is complemented by its partnership with Aurora Energy Services (AES), which acquired the Aberdeen-based company in 2025. This collaboration not only enhances Encomara’s resources and expertise but also strengthens its positioning in the competitive offshore wind market.
As the demand for sustainable energy sources grows, innovations like Squid play a vital role in facilitating the transition to cleaner energy solutions. By reducing the complexities and costs associated with floating wind installations, Encomara is setting a new standard in the industry, paving the way for a greener future in energy generation.