Encomara’s Squid connection system for floating offshore wind has achieved Technology Readiness Level 7/8 after successful inshore trials at Ardersier Port in Scotland. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has recognized the technology as ready for commercial-scale manufacturing.
The Aberdeen-based company stated that trials included all remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations across various scenarios, simulating deployment through buoy hook-up, latching, and cable pull-in.
Squid was deployed subsea, then raised and clamped into a full-scale floating I-tube structure simulating the hull interface.
The system integrates mooring and power-cable connections into a single subsea interface, allowing them to be installed before a floating turbine’s arrival. This enables rapid connection upon arrival and easy disconnection for turbine maintenance.
“Securing TRL8 status marks the final qualification step for our technology, proving Squid is ready for commercial manufacture”, said Ian Donald, Managing Director of Encomara.
The trials follow several development stages. In November 2025, ABS granted Squid Approval in Principle (AiP), and by June 2026, the system received Product Design Assessment certification. Encomara then prepared the first full-scale Squid system for inshore testing at Ardersier.
Modelling studies supported by Scottish Enterprise and industry developers indicate the system could reduce the levelised cost of energy (LCoE) of a floating wind project by up to 20% over its lifetime.
The technology, developed by Encomara and manufactured by Aurora Energy Services (AES), has been part of AES since its acquisition in 2025.
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