Aberdeen-based floating wind and subsea engineering provider Encomara has received TRL 7/8 (Technology Readiness Level 7/8) qualification for its Squid connection solution from ABS, following a series of inshore trials at Ardersier Port near Inverness. The recognition indicates the technology, designed for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), is ready for commercial manufacture at scale.
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 ROV operations across a range of scenarios, simulating the deployment through buoy hook up, latching and cable pull in. This latest phase follows modelling studies, supported by Scottish Enterprise and key developers, which estimate Squid could reduce LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy) by up to 20% 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.
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.
