Partnership combines the SeaSpring technology with Japanese industrial and supply chain capability, supporting the deployment of floating offshore wind and global decarbonisation.
Tokyo, Japan and Dun Laoghaire, Ireland – Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals Co., Ltd. (“SCGM”) and TFI Marine Limited have formed a strategic partnership to introduce innovation into next generation mooring solutions for floating offshore wind and offshore energy projects. The partnership enables and accelerates the deployment of floating offshore wind in Japan and globally, contributing to decarbonisation and energy security for decades to come.
Mooring systems are among the principal cost and risk drivers in floating offshore wind. As projects move into deeper water and towards commercial scale, developers need mooring solutions that reduce loads, extend component life and lower cost without introducing new project risk. Both companies are working together to bring the SeaSpring, a load and fatigue reduction component, to projects in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and to support the wider adoption of next generation mooring solutions internationally.
TFI Marine, a leading European energy technology company, has developed the SeaSpring, a load and fatigue reduction component delivering next generation mooring solutions, together with the modelling and design expertise to engineer them. SeaSpring is incorporated into the mooring line to reduce peak loads and improve fatigue performance, enabling the use of smaller mooring chain and synthetic fibre rope, anchors and components. This innovation reduces installation time and vessel requirements. The impact is a reduction in project CAPEX and OPEX, directly reducing the levelised cost of energy. The SeaSpring has achieved DNV and ClassNK certification.
Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals, a wholly owned by Sumitomo Corporation, serves as the core entity responsible for the global execution of the Group’s steel-related businesses. Equipment and materials for offshore wind facilities is a growth area for the company’s Plate & Construction Steel Products business, and SCGM works with leading companies across the industry to ensure that Japan has access to the best available technology for offshore energy. In this partnership, SCGM, as a leading Japanese corporation, delivers supply chain expertise and resilience, established relationships across the energy sector, and the industrial network that enables the establishment of Japanese manufacture and component supply globally.
The two companies will jointly engage project developers, EPCI contractors and all floating offshore wind stakeholders to accelerate early adoption of innovative mooring solutions. The companies have also agreed to explore the manufacture of SeaSpring components in Japan, supporting local supply chain development and local content for Japanese floating offshore wind projects.
Yoji Sukitani, General Manager, Plate & Construction Steel Products Department, Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals Co., Ltd., said:
“Offshore energy is a priority for our company, and we work with leading companies across the industry to ensure that Japan has access to the best available technology. The SeaSpring addresses the load and fatigue challenge that sits at the centre of mooring design, and TFI Marine brings the technology to unlock innovative mooring solutions. We look forward to supporting this technology in Japan and internationally, to exploring how SeaSpring can be manufactured here in Japan, and to the contribution this partnership can make to decarbonisation and to energy security.”
John Herlihy, Chief Executive Officer, TFI Marine, said:
“This is an exciting new chapter for TFI Marine. We are proud to stand with Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals and to support their ambitions in floating offshore wind. To have SeaSpring endorsed by an industry leader of SCGM’s standing is a significant milestone for our company. TFI Marine is committed to projects in Japan and the region for the long term, and we look forward to expanding the partnership into further territories.”
TFI Marine Limited
Daniel Gill
Commercial Engineering Lead
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