International subsea specialist Sulmara is continuing its exciting start to 2024 with the announcement it has been awarded a contract to work on one of the world’s largest proposed floating offshore developments. 

The contract, which will see Sulmara conduct site characterisation at the Stromar floating offshore windfarm in Scotland, will utilise the Vos Gorgeous, a 60m multi-purpose subsea vessel, to carry out geophysical investigation across the proposed windfarm site in water depths up to 100m.

The news comes on the back of several announcements already this year, all of which provide proof of the company’s commitment to drive improvements which are better for the environment and customers. 

These include the signing of a three-year deal with Atlantic Offshore to charter the multi-purpose support vessel Ocean Marlin, and the launch of its Route Development business line, a new suite of services to reduce the risks clients face in subsea operations.

Michael King, Head of Sales at Sulmara, said: 
“Mobilising the Vos Gorgeous to carry out high-specification site characterisation is a big part of our plans for 2024, and bringing another modern, fuel-efficient vessel online to meet market demand shows how committed we are to supporting our clients’ net-zero ambitions. 

“Having multiple vessels on charter gives us more availability and flexibility to meet our clients’ high expectations, and also allows us to take on more complex projects. It’s been a hugely exciting way to start 2024, and we very much have ambitions to continue disrupting the status quo and provide solutions that will deliver for clients and the environment throughout the rest of the year.”

One of the world’s largest proposed floating offshore developments which will one day generate renewable electricity to homes in Scotland, Stromar is a joint venture between Orsted, BlueFloat Energy and Renantis, and part of the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round.

Due to commence in April, the project will see data acquisition carried out to support Stromar’s engineering design work, as well as its ongoing environmental assessment of the site, which is approximately 50km (31 miles) off Caithness in northern Scotland.

Michael added: “As a business founded in Scotland, and with our headquarters in the heart of Glasgow, we’re really excited to be working on a project that is such a big part of Scotland’s energy future. 

“We’re very much looking forward to working with the team at Stromar to help them gather critical information about their site ground conditions.” 

Stromar’s project director, Nicholas Ritchie said: 
“This marks a critical milestone for Stromar, where Sulmara’s expertise, alongside its sustainable vessels and innovative technology, will be crucial for this significant work.

"Partnering with the Sulmara team aligns with our commitment to decarbonisation and, importantly, working with Scottish partners to bolster the local supply chain. Stromar represents a major project that could enhance Scotland’s leadership in the global floating wind sector, while also contributing to the ambitious net zero targets set by both the Scottish and UK governments.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Sulmara Subsea