Squid is the world’s first universal mooring and power cable interface specifically developed to transform the deployment and operation of floating offshore wind. It enables pre-installation of the moorings and cables, then subsequent rapid hook-up and disconnection of FOWTs. This substantially reduces risk during offshore construction and simplifies tow-to-port operations, which improves project reliability and enhances project insurability.
The inshore trials saw the Squid system deployed subsea, raised and clamped into a full-scale floating I-tube structure mimicking the hull interface. The assessments covered all subsea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations across a range of scenarios, simulating the deployment through buoy hook-up, latching, and cable pull-in. This latest phase follows modeling studies, supported by Scottish Enterprise and key developers, which estimate Squid could reduce levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by up to 20 percent over the life of the development.
Encomara, which is an Aurora Energy Solutions business, has showcased the technology to invited guests over a series of demonstrations this week at Ardersier Port, giving developers and industry stakeholders the opportunity to see the system in operation and understand its potential to transform the installation and maintenance of floating wind turbines.
Ian Donald, Managing Director of Encomara, said: “Securing TRL8 status marks the final step in the qualification of our technology ready for deployment. It demonstrates that the Squid system has been successfully proven at full scale and is now ready to move into commercial manufacture.
“Our ‘plug and play’ design is intended to remove some of the complexity and cost associated with floating wind operations, helping to address one of the key barriers to wider industry investment. This final technology-readiness stamp of approval from ABS validates that the Squid system can play a significant role in accelerating the commercialization of floating wind and supporting the level of investment needed to deliver ambitious energy transition targets.”
Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Markets, said: “The path from concept to commercial deployment in offshore energy has always run through rigorous testing and independent validation. ABS is proud to have supported Encomara throughout that journey, and look forward to supporting this technology through project execution phases.”
These trials are the culmination of significant investment since Encomara was acquired by Aurora Energy Services, one of the UK’s fastest-growing renewable energy services businesses, in June 2025.
