Floating offshore wind comes of age — and Kiwa Portugal is helping shape its future
The global race towards carbon neutrality is accelerating the deployment of offshore renewable energy. Among the most promising technologies, floating offshore wind stands out as the key to unlocking deep‑water wind resources and enabling large‑scale clean energy production. Portugal is playing a pivotal role in this transition — with Kiwa Portugal recognized as a leading technical partner in this emerging market.
A solution for deep waters
Traditional offshore wind has long been limited by seabed conditions and water depth. Floating wind turbines overcome these constraints by using semi‑submersible or floating platforms anchored to the seabed, allowing turbines to be installed in waters exceeding 40 metres.
This technology, adapted from proven oil & gas solutions, brings multiple advantages: access to stronger and more stable wind resources, greater flexibility in site selection and reduced coastal visual impact. As floating wind matures, it is increasingly seen as a commercially viable and scalable solution.
End‑to‑end technical assurance
Floating offshore wind projects involve complex interfaces between marine operations, structural engineering, electrical systems, environmental compliance and occupational safety. Managing these risks requires independent, multidisciplinary technical expertise.
Kiwa provides an integrated portfolio of offshore wind services, including:
- Independent technical advisory and owner’s engineering
- Onshore and offshore supervision
- Testing, inspection and certification
- QA/QC and NDT during fabrication and construction
- HSE management, licensing and environmental consulting
- Training and operational readiness
- Digital solutions for safety, asset integrity and operational control, including Kiwa’s UNO platform
These services span the entire project lifecycle — from early design and permitting through construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning — ensuring technical reliability, regulatory compliance and long‑term asset value.
WindFloat Atlantic: a Portuguese benchmark
A flagship example of floating wind in action is WindFloat Atlantic, located off the northern coast of Portugal. The project comprises three floating structures with a total installed capacity of 25 MW and represents a milestone in commercial floating wind development.
From the earliest planning stages, Kiwa Portugal partnered with the WindPlus consortium, providing HSE planning, inspection services, offshore safety coordination and digital solutions. During construction and operation, Kiwa supported marine activities, structural inspections, training and the implementation of certified HSE management systems.
The success of WindFloat Atlantic has positioned Portugal as a global reference for floating wind — and highlighted Kiwa Portugal’s role as a technically robust, independent and innovation‑driven partner.
Looking ahead
As floating offshore wind moves into large‑scale deployment across Europe and beyond, project stakeholders face increasing technical, regulatory and financial scrutiny. Independent assurance, digitalisation and rigorous risk management will be critical enablers.
With strong local capabilities, global offshore experience and a proven track record in pioneering projects, Kiwa Portugal continues to support the next generation of floating offshore wind developments.
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