The UK is setting sail for a bigger role in the global offshore wind industry, and shipbuilding is at the heart of it.
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, in collaboration with the National Shipbuilding Office and The Crown Estate, has appointed leading shipbuilder APCL Cammell Laird to analyze the future market potential for UK-built Service Operation Vessels (SOVs). With offshore wind capacity projected to hit 850GW globally by 2050, demand for these specialized vessels is expected to surge, creating a market worth nearly £35 billion.
SOVs are vital for the maintenance and operation of offshore wind farms, essentially acting as mobile bases for servicing turbines. As the offshore wind sector scales up, the need for a robust and efficient fleet of these vessels grows, opening up opportunities for UK shipbuilders to claim a share of this expanding market.
UK shipbuilding has a rich history, but for the industry to thrive in the Net Zero economy, it must pivot towards new opportunities like offshore wind. This study aims to assess how the country can harness its existing capabilities to manufacture these vessels, driving job creation and investment in coastal communities.
Lauren Hadnum, Clean Maritime Manager at ORE Catapult, emphasized the importance of expanding vessel production:
“We know that for the UK to tap into the full potential offered by offshore wind, we’re going to need to dramatically increase the number of vessels that are able to maintain the turbines of the future. It’s vital, therefore, that we work to ensure as many of those vessels as possible can be manufactured in British shipyards. This work will help us to better understand what needs to be done to make this a reality and outline ways in which industry and government can work together to develop a successful and joined-up approach to UK shipbuilding for offshore wind.”
APCL Cammell Laird, one of the UK’s largest and most experienced shipbuilders, will lead the study to establish a business case for domestic SOV manufacturing. Linton Roberts, APCL Group Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the significance of this initiative:
“This project represents a significant step forward in strengthening the UK’s position in offshore renewable vessel manufacturing. As one of the UK’s largest and most established shipbuilders, we are committed to delivering a robust, evidence-based business case that will shape the future of sustainable shipbuilding and reinforce the UK’s role in the global offshore wind supply chain.”
The National Shipbuilding Office and The Crown Estate are also backing the initiative, recognizing the domestic and global demand for SOVs and Crew Transfer Vessels. Rod Paterson, CEO of the National Shipbuilding Office, believes the UK shipbuilding sector is well-positioned to compete in this space:
“There is significant predicted domestic and global demand for Service Operation and Crew Transfer vessels over the coming decades, which I believe the UK shipbuilding sector is well placed to compete for and win market share.”
With the UK being the second-largest offshore wind producer in the world, after China, there is immense potential for growth. Will Apps, Offshore Wind Strategy Director at The Crown Estate, noted the critical role of domestic manufacturing:
“Developing the domestic supply chain will be an essential factor in our continued success, and we expect a significant uplift in demand for SOVs in the coming years, with the potential to create jobs and economic growth within communities around the UK.”
A key focus of the study will be assessing the feasibility of low or zero-emission SOVs, aligning with the UK’s broader push for decarbonization in the maritime sector. This approach not only strengthens the UK’s standing in the offshore wind supply chain but also ensures that future vessels contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable industry.
