BW Offshore has confirmed that its joint venture Fram Wind Solutions will use BW Ideol‘s patented Damping Pool foundations for a planned 37 MW floating offshore wind project in Norway, extending the technology to two 18.5 MW turbines.
The project, planned for the METCentre demonstration site off Karmøy, will apply the floating foundation design to a larger turbine class. BW Offshore described the planned 18.5 MW units as the world’s largest floating wind turbines.
The technology is already deployed at the 30 MW EolMed floating wind farm in France. According to BW Offshore, all three 10 MW turbines use Damping Pool foundations, and the project has been generating electricity since May 2026.
The Norwegian project is intended to demonstrate the foundation technology at a larger turbine scale, with the aim of reducing costs and assessing its commercial viability for future floating wind developments.
The project is supported by a NOK 1.94 billion grant from Enova, confirmed in BW Offshore’s announcement on 2 November.
However, the funding remains conditional. Fram Wind Solutions must reach a final investment decision (FID), secure financing and conclude agreements with key suppliers within 24 months of the grant award.
Fram Wind Solutions is owned by BW Offshore (50%), Grieg Kapital (35%) and Fram Green Technology (15%).
The project forms part of Enova’s NOK 3.94 billion funding package announced on 30 October for two floating offshore wind demonstrations at METCentre. The other project is being developed by Fortius Offshore Wind.
Enova expects the supported projects to demonstrate large floating foundations, mooring systems and construction and operating methods, with installations planned over the next five years. The awards remain subject to the projects proceeding.
