Pioneering floating offshore wind firm X1 Wind has signed an MoU with market leading mooring line manufacturer – and developer of the world’s strongest cables – FibreMax to boost performance, innovation and sustainability in the floating wind energy sector.
X1 Wind’s disruptive floating wind solution benefits from passive weathervaning and self-orientation capabilities, achieved through the integration of a Single Point Mooring (SPM) system with a small tension leg platform (TLP) mooring system.
The Spanish firm is making rapid progress developing its pre-commercial and commercial units, while its earlier X30 device was recognised as the world’s first fully functional floating wind TLP (Tension Leg Platform) to export electricity.
One of the key benefits of X1 Wind’s TLP is the vertical mooring tendons which ensure a small seabed footprint, enhancing compatibility with other marine activities, like fishing, while also allowing for a larger number of platforms to be placed within a given offshore area – increasing energy capacity.
The latest collaboration with FibreMax will now explore opportunities to boost performance and sustainability of its mooring configuration with the introduction of synthetic cables, with improved strength, durability, low-weight and no-creep characteristics. Crafted with circular or recyclable materials, FibreMax cables will further enhance the floating wind platform’s green credentials.
Established in 2009, FibreMax is a trailblazing force in the cable industry, and the exclusive creator of the ‘endlessly wound’ cable, boasting unparalleled strength and durability. The firm’s cutting-edge robots expertly wind synthetic fibres around the integrated end-terminations, delivering a cable that is 85% lighter than steel, rust-resistant, maintenance-free, and built to last more than 30 years.
X1 Wind CEO Alex Raventos said the MoU represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced, sustainable solutions for the floating offshore wind industry.
“Partnering with major supply chain manufacturers like FibreMax is of the utmost importance for X1 Wind, as it enables us to design our floating solution with state-of-the-art components and materials that can be mass produced, in this case specifically for our TLP tendons. This MoU not only strengthens our commitment to advancing floating offshore wind technology but also opens new possibilities for innovation and sustainability together with FibreMax.”
FibreMax Director Renewable Energy Sander van Helvoort said the MoU with X1 Wind is an important milestone and FibreMax is very proud to support X1 Wind on their road to commercialising.
“FibreMax is thrilled about this partnership, as we have built a strong relationship with X1 Wind over the past few years. We are now taking the next step to collaborate even more closely. Both companies are fully committed to advancing innovation, circularity, industrialization, and global supply chain development, with a shared vision that aligns perfectly for FibreMax and X1 Wind.”
