Mooring and Connection Devices

Innovation areas relating to mooring systems and substructure connections.

Although the number of operational floating wind projects is still quite low their deployment has already thrown up a number of challenges. These can include lowering the cost of installation and hook up as well as being able to disconnect quickly and safely for major unplanned maintenance such as for Major Component Replacement (MCR).

Replacing such large scale components currently requires a Tow-to-Port solution. A quick connect-disconnect method for the substructures would make such activities easier to manage. This section highlights a number of new Quick Connect Systems (QCS) to overcome these challenges.

Squid connector system - Encomara

Encomara, a subsidiary of Aurora Energy Services, have designed and manufactured the first full scale system that connects both the electrical cable and the mooring lines to a floating substructure. The system will speed up offshore installation for floating wind by reducing the time required to connect complicated power cables and mooring connections due to all such connections being made with just one connector.
The Squid will also make it easier for any return-to-port strategy for Major Component Replacement (MCR) with the industry already looking at where to set up such MCR port hubs.
The device was undergoing inshore wet testing at Ardersier Port in August 2026 (see image). The 40 tonne device was manufactured at Aurora Energy Services fabrication facility in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Image: Aurora Energy Services

Encomara

PALM device - Apollo Engineering

The PALM (Pull and Lock Mechanism) from Apollo is designed as a Quick Connection System (QCS) for the electrical connection for floating wind. Originally developed for Marine Energy with funding from Wave Energy Scotland (WES) Apollo are now scaling the device up for offshore wind. Recent sea trials enabled a dynamic cable reconnection time of 5.5 hours which is a significant time saving compared to current practice which could take days to complete.
A recent FEED study funded by Offshore Wind Growth Partnership has resulted in the PALM QCS obtaining Approval in Principle (Level 2) status from Bureau Veritas and will now progress towards full Type Approval.

Image: Apollo Engineering

Apollo

Q-connect - Quoceant

Edinburgh based company, Quoceant, have built up years of experience from projects for Quick Connect Systems from the wave energy sector. The design and development of their Q-connect systems were funded by Wave Energy Scotland and the company has supplied systems to tidal kite company, Minesto.
Quoceant's Q-connect system is now being scaled up for floating offshore wind for both mooring and electrical connection systems which allow an easy hook up and detach method. As it is remotely activated it allows for quicker, lower cost installation along with rapid disconnect for Tow-to-Port maintenance.

Image: Quoceant

Quoceant

Subsea Mooring Connector - Flintstone Technology

The Subsea Mooring Connector (SMC), from Scottish company Flintstone Technology, can be used for chain, wire or rope connections. The connector can be used to attach the mooring lines to a pile or suction anchor or to attach the mooring lines to the floating substructure below the water line using a suitable ROV.
The simple 'drop in' design allows for quick connections making instllations far easier and quicker, thus, saving costs.

Image: Flintstone Technology

Flintstone Technology

Other Innovation Spotlight Sections

Below are some of our other technology areas which may be of interest