ABS Grants Approval in Principle to Encomara for Innovative Squid™ System for Floating Offshore Wind Projects

(ABERDEEN) ABS issued an approval in principle (AIP) to Encomara for its Squid™ system, a novel approach that adapts proven disconnectable mooring technology to support floating offshore wind developments.

The Squid™ system builds upon the established Disconnectable Turret Buoy (DTB) concept long used in floating production projects. By utilizing existing, well-understood offshore technology and installation methods, the system aims to enhance safety and reduce complexity during floating wind turbine installation and off-station operations.

“Floating offshore wind continues to evolve rapidly, and innovation in proven technologies such as disconnectable systems plays an important role in supporting safe and efficient deployment,” said Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Renewables. “ABS is pleased to support Encomara in this development through our AIP process, which provides early-stage technical review and Class requirements.”

Encomara Managing Director Ian Donald said: “The potential efficiency gains, not to mention improvements in project scheduling for offshore turbine operators, could be game-changing. This is a prime example of drawing on decades of North Sea oil and gas engineering heritage and repurposing it to support energy transition through the faster roll-out of offshore wind turbines. Obtaining ABS AIPcertification confirms our design meets international offshore standards and is an important step forward in realizing the huge potential of SQUID.”

With offshore expertise and innovation spanning more than 70 years, ABS provides best-in-class offshore services, assessing new and evolving solutions to help safely manage assets for offshore operations. Learn more here.

Photo Caption: The ABS AIP presentation was held during the Floating Offshore Wind 2025 Conference in Aberdeen (L to R) Malcolm Bowie, Encomara Technical Director; Keith Will, ABS Manager of Business Development, Global Offshore; Ian Donald, Encomara Managing Director; and Doug Duguid, CEO Aurora Energy Services