Industry News: Encomara wins ABS design approval for simplified floating wind installation technology

June 16, 2026
Industry News: Encomara wins ABS design approval for simplified floating wind installation technology
The SQUID system designed by Encomara and manufactured by Aurora Energy Services (AES) which will fundamentally improve how floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are installed, has received product design assessment (PDA) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
The PDA marks the next stage of international certification following approval in principle (AIP) granted last November for Squid, developed by the Aberdeen-based floating wind deployment systems and subsea engineering specialist.
The company’s pioneering connection solution integrates pre-installed mooring lines and electrical connections into a single subsea unit. Where conventional installation requires multiple vessels and sequential operations spread across unpredictable weather windows, the patented technology allows rapid pre-installation of all subsea infrastructure, enabling FOWTS to be installed more efficiently and safely with ‘plug & play’ simplicity.
Modelling studies, supported by Scottish Enterprise and key developers, estimate that Squid could half the installation time, when compared to traditional methods. This faster assembly, combined with the benefits of increased weather windows and ‘tow to port’ maintenance strategies, means Squid can save developers £1 billion per gigawatt.
ABS completed a detailed review of the Squid system against class and industry requirements for floating offshore wind applications. The PDA follows Squid’s AIP certification received just seven months ago and represents the next step in the qualification pathway towards Technology Readiness Level assessment and commercial adoption. A series of onshore demonstrations are scheduled for July at the Aurora Energy Services (AES) facility in Huntly, followed by inshore wet testing and customer demonstrations at Ardersier, in August.
Encomara was founded in 2023 by four industry stalwarts including the original patent holder Malcolm Bowie, each with more than 30 years’ energy sector experience and was subsequently  acquired by AES, one of the UK’s fastest growing renewable energy services businesses, in 2025.
Encomara’s managing director Ian Donald, who has previous experience in the commercialisation of new patented technologies in the energy sector, said:
“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 , which tackles a key constraint in GW scale floating wind farm completion. We are drawing on our collective North Sea marine and engineering experience and applying it directly to one of the most pressing challenges in energy transition.  To reach this milestone is a testament to the team at Encomara and Aurora Energy Services.
“Moving into live testing is the next significant step. We developed this technology in Scotland, and we are building and qualifying it in Scotland. The ambition is for it to be operating in floating wind projects across the world.”
Rob Langford, ABS Vice President for Global Offshore Renewables, added:
“Some of the most practical solutions for floating wind will come from what has been proven to work in the traditional offshore sectors and adapting it to the unique risk profile of offshore wind. ABS is proud to support Encomara in bringing that approach to this sector, and this assessment reflects the technical depth behind it.”
Squid is supported by Scottish Enterprise and the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership and patents are secured across Europe, Asia and Australia. AES’ Huntly facility has been identified as a potential site for high-volume manufacturing as the technology scales towards commercial deployment.

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

Contact Us
“

AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
“

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
“

The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
“

Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
“

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise