Saipem and Seaway 7 join forces to target US and Europe wind markets



Italy’s Saipem and Oslo-listed Seaway 7 have decided to join forces to pursue fixed offshore wind projects.

Described as a commercial collaboration agreement, the two parties will jointly identify, bid and execute wind schemes.

Saipem and Seaway 7 aim to deploy key enabling assets and capabilities to cover activities such as front-end engineering design, procurement, construction, transportation and installation of foundations and inner-array cables, as well as the installation of substations and wind generator turbines.

The targeted projects are large integrated turnkey developments in Europe, the UK and the US, although the collaboration could expand into other geographic areas.

The two companies stated they aim to “enhance operational flexibility and enable early engagement with both clients and the supply chain” in an effort to optimise design and execution strategies, and to secure critical enabling assets, including vessels and yards.

Gianalberto Secchi, Saipem’s chief operating officer of the offshore wind business line, described the agreement as representing “an important milestone to offer a more competitive value proposition to our clients on certain integrated fixed wind projects”, adding that the overall aim was “to provide a full set of services for wind farms.”

Seaway 7 chief executive Stuart Fitzgerald said the collaboration with Saipem has built on the two contractors working together on the Seagreen wind project offshore Scotland.

“We will be well-positioned to efficiently utilise complementary assets and capabilities to create differentiated technical solutions and further optimise project execution,” he said, while stressing that “the strengthened offering will also expand the potential market for EPCI opportunities through our combined fleet and expertises”.