Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals (SCGM) and Ireland-based TFI Marine have formed a strategic partnership to bring TFI Marine’s SeaSpring mooring technology to floating wind projects in Japan and other markets.
Under the partnership, the companies will introduce the SeaSpring load- and fatigue-reduction mooring component to projects in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while also supporting its wider international adoption.
SeaSpring is incorporated into mooring lines to reduce peak loads and improve fatigue performance. According to TFI Marine, this can enable the use of smaller mooring chains, synthetic fibre ropes, anchors and other components, while reducing installation time and vessel requirements.
The companies said the technology can reduce capital and operating expenditure for floating wind projects. SeaSpring has received certification from DNV and ClassNK.
SCGM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, will contribute its supply chain expertise, relationships across the energy sector and industrial network. The companies will jointly engage with project developers, EPCI contractors and other floating wind stakeholders to support early adoption of the technology.
They will also explore manufacturing SeaSpring components in Japan to support local supply chain development and local content for Japanese floating offshore wind projects.
TFI Marine previously partnered with Bridon-Bekaert on floating-wind mooring solutions. In 2022, Bridon-Bekaert announced an equity investment in TFI Marine to support the industrialisation of SeaSpring, which was described at the time as a polymer-based component designed to reduce mooring loads and fatigue.