US company Aikido to test innovative floating wind concept in Rogaland

American technology company Aikido has announced plans to test its novel floating offshore wind platform at the Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre) off the coast of Rogaland. The demonstration project, scheduled for installation in 2027, will be one of the largest floating wind platforms constructed to date.

Sam Kanner, CEO of Aikido Technologies, demonstrates the company’s floating wind platform concept to Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and the Environment.

Sam Kanner, CEO of Aikido Technologies, presents the floating wind project to Astrid Bergmål, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, alongside local advisor Mads Arild Vedøy.

Aikido Technologies, based in San Francisco, has registered a Norwegian subsidiary as part of its plans to establish a presence in the country. The company will deploy its 15MW demonstration project, AO60, at the METCentre site near Haugesund. The platform, designed with modular steel components and a compact “flat-pack” configuration, aims to reduce costs and construction time, while relying on Norway’s robust maritime infrastructure and supply chain.

Sam Kanner, CEO of Aikido, said: “We are proud to announce our partnership with the METCentre. As evidenced by the recent Utsira Nord actions, Norway is a key floating wind market. This project will show how Aikido can leverage existing infrastructure and vessels to reduce risks and accelerate the deployment of floating wind in Norway and around the world.”

The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the offshore wind sector in Norway. It follows closely after the release of the long-awaited Utsira Nord tender, and coincides with Equinor’s confirmation that its US project Empire Wind is moving forward again. These developments signal renewed momentum in both national and international floating wind markets.

Commenting on Aikido’s announcement, Gard Madsen, director of Invest in Norway, said: “This is a timely and welcome announcement. With global and national activity levels in offshore wind rising, we need to continue pioneering new technologies to find the solutions that prove to be most sustainable and that can help bring down costs in floating offshore wind. Aikido’s concept is a welcome addition to Norway, and we are thrilled to have them test their concept at the METCentre.”

The METCentre, operated by Norwegian Offshore Wind, is internationally recognised for hosting cutting-edge floating wind technology. It played a similar role in 2009 when Equinor deployed the world’s first floating wind turbine at the site.

Cecilia Girard-Vika, director of the METCentre, welcomed the new partnership: “This project offers valuable industry experience and supports the development of a full-scale, innovative and cost-effective solution. We are very excited to welcome Aikido to our site in Norway and connect them with Norway’s strong floating offshore wind supply chain.”

Aikido’s entry into Norway has been supported by Invest in Norway through a joint effort led by Rebecca Scheel, Invest in Norway’s San Francisco-based representative, and regional representative Rita Østbø Stobbs from Invest in Rogaland. The company has also worked closely with local consultant Mads Arild Vedøy during its establishment process.

The AO60 platform will be assembled near the test site using modular steel elements that can be transported using conventional logistics. The patented pin joint technology allows the structure to be folded during assembly and unfolded during a straightforward ballasting operation once in the water, offering a potentially more efficient and scalable approach to floating wind construction.

As floating wind projects around the world shift towards commercialisation, partnerships like this one signal Norway’s continued role at the forefront of innovation in offshore renewables.