Tugdock and Sarens have successfully secured funding from The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator to develop a heavy lift Operations and Maintenance (O&M) hub at ABP’s Port Talbot, Wales.
The O&M hub, developed in partnership with ABP and RWE, will support the fast-growing floating offshore wind sector in the Celtic Sea.
“The Tugdock and Sarens O&M facility will enhance Port Talbot’s competitiveness in both national and global floating offshore wind markets,” said Lucas Lowe Houghton, chief revenue officer at Tugdock.
“This partnership enables us to provide innovative solutions for assembly, loadout, and launching, ensuring the UK maintains its leadership in this rapidly expanding sector.”
One-stop-shop
Port Talbot’s strategic location near the Celtic Sea reduces transit times and operational costs, offering a competitive advantage in the assembly, logistics, and maintenance of floating wind installations.
The facility will integrate Tugdock’s patented Submersible Platforms (TSPs) with Sarens’ heavy lifting expertise, offering a wide range of services including crane rental, modular assembly and training.
Carl Sarens, director of Global Operations at Sarens, added: “This comprehensive service model simplifies project management for clients, reduces costs and creates significant employment opportunities in the region.”
The Crown Estate’s Celtic Sea Blueprint forecasts 5,300 jobs and a GB£1.4 billion economic boost from floating offshore wind projects.
This initiative supports supply chain growth in areas such as operations and maintenance infrastructure, a critical component of the UK’s clean energy transition.
The O&M hub will help bolster the UK’s offshore wind ambitions while driving regional economic development.
