Apollo has been appointed by ORE Catapult to deliver the design and enabling works for a new large scale floating wind mooring line test rig at the Floating Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) in Aberdeen.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 with Apollo delivering the design and enabling works for the foundations of the test rig. The facility will be one of only a small number globally able to test large scale synthetic mooring lines used to anchor floating wind platforms to the seabed.
Floating offshore wind is moving into deeper waters, bringing new technical challenges. Mooring systems must perform under constant movement and extreme loads, yet access to full scale testing facilities remains limited. This new rig will give developers and manufacturers the ability to test and validate mooring technologies in the UK, helping to reduce risk and accelerate deployment.
Nigel Robinson, Marine Energies Director at Apollo, said:
“We are very pleased to be working with ORE Catapult on this project. The scope aligns well with our detailed design capability, and there is a strong opportunity for the local supply chain to be involved in the build-out. It will be great to see mooring line validation centred here in the north-east of Scotland.”
The project has secured first phase funding from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Zone, reflecting the importance of the facility to the region’s future. Scotland has a significant pipeline of offshore wind projects and floating wind developments are expected to drive substantial demand for advanced mooring systems over the coming years.
By supporting the delivery of this test rig, Apollo is contributing to the infrastructure needed to underpin that growth, strengthen local capability, and help position Aberdeen as a centre for floating wind technology and expertise.
Design and enabling works will progress through 2025, with construction activity planned to start in 2026. Apollo will continue working closely with ORE Catapult and supply chain partners as the project moves forward.
For more information contact info@apollo.engineer