The Floating Offshore Wind Power Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) of Japan has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, known as ClassNK, to investigate opportunities for collaboration in floating offshore wind technology development.
The accord is set to explore how these organisations can jointly advance floating offshore wind initiatives.
Floating offshore wind technology collaboration
FLOWRA, a technical research body, collaborates with international entities to refine and innovate baseline technologies in floating offshore wind with an aim to minimise costs and risks.
Meanwhile, ClassNK stands as an independent, non-profit classification society, renowned for its comprehensive inspection and certification services geared toward ensuring maritime safety and environmental conservation across its global network.
Strengthening partnerships for renewable energy
Masakatsu Terazaki, Chairperson of FLOWRA’s Board of Directors, commented on ClassNK’s notable reputation, stating, “ClassNK is a globally respected classification society with a long history and proven achievements."
"It has consistently contributed to maritime safety, the protection of human life, and the preservation of the marine environment.”
He further emphasised the enhanced partnership this agreement heralds, allowing for stronger technological advancement and earlier societal integration of these innovations.
Advancing standards and specifications
ClassNK has actively contributed to the field of floating offshore wind power
FLOWRA’s efforts in developing comprehensive technologies, standards, and specifications aim to underpin the future mass deployment and industrialisation of floating offshore wind power.
Hayato SUGA, President & CEO of ClassNK, expressed support for this vision, noting, “The development of technologies, standards, and specifications that FLOWRA aims to establish as a common foundation for floating offshore wind power will play a vital role in the large-scale deployment and industrialization of floating offshore wind power in the future.”
Commitment to safe and sustainable energy
ClassNK has actively contributed to the field of floating offshore wind power, participating in Wind Farm Certification, class registration, and Marine Warranty Surveys on demonstration projects off the coasts of cities like Fukushima, Goto, and Kitakyushu.
These initiatives are conducted in partnership with the Government of Japan to formulate robust standards. SUGA stated, “Leveraging the knowledge and experience we have accumulated through these activities, we will work together with FLOWRA to contribute to technological development, standardization, and the accelerated social implementation of floating offshore wind power.”
The Floating Offshore Wind Power Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) of Japan and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) have signed, a Memorandum of Understanding to explore technology development cooperation in the field of floating offshore wind. FLOWRA and ClassNK will explore the possibilities of collaboration in floating offshore wind development.
FLOWRA is a technical research association that works with overseas organisations to research and develop common basic technologies for floating offshore wind to reduce costs and risks. ClassNK is an independent, non-profit international classification society, ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection through comprehensive inspection and certification services across a global network.
Globally respected classification society
Comments by Masakatsu Terazaki, Chairperson of FLOWRA Board of Directors
“ClassNK is a globally respected classification society with a long history and proven achievements. It has consistently contributed to maritime safety, the protection of human life, and the preservation of the marine environment.”
“In recent years, it has taken on a key role in promoting a carbon-neutral society by providing impartial inspection and certification services in the renewable energy sector, including offshore wind."
“Since FLOWRA was founded, we have built a strong working relationship with ClassNK through technical exchanges and expert advice on the development and standardisation of floating offshore wind technologies. Signing this formal agreement strengthens our partnership and supports the advancement of technology and its early integration into society.”
Development of technologies
Comments by Hayato SUGA, President & CEO of ClassNK
“The development of technologies, standards, and specifications that FLOWRA aims to establish as a common foundation for floating offshore wind power will play a vital role in the large-scale deployment and industrialisation of floating offshore wind power in the future.”
“We fully endorse this objective and have consistently worked with FLOWRA, and, and we are honored to formally conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FLOWRA.”
“ClassNK has been engaged in the field of floating offshore wind power to promote its safe implementation in society, including involvements in Wind Farm Certification, class registration, and Marine Warranty Survey for demonstration projects off the coasts of Fukushima, Goto, and Kitakyushu (cities in Japan) as well as in the formulation of standards in cooperation with the Government of Japan.”
“Leveraging the knowledge and experience we have accumulated through these activities, we will work together with FLOWRA to contribute to technological development, standardization, and the accelerated social implementation of floating offshore wind power.”
