news
28th August 2026
Encomara’s Squid connection system reaches commercialisation following successful inshore trials at Ardersier Port Wind 2026
Aberdeen-based floating wind and subsea engineering specialist Encomara has received TRL 7/8 (Technology Readiness Level 7/8) qualification for its Squid™ connection solution from ABS, following a series of inshore trials at Ardersier Port near Inverness. The recognition indicates the technology, designed for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) is ready for commercial manufacture at scale.
Squid is the world’s first universal mooring and power cable interface specifically developed to transform the deployment and operation of floating offshore wind. It enables pre-installation of the moorings and cables, then subsequent rapid hook-up and disconnection of FOWTs. This substantially reduces risk during offshore construction and simplifies tow to port operations, which improves project reliability and enhances project insurability.
The inshore trials saw the Squid system deployed subsea, raised and clamped into a full-scale floating I-tube structure mimicking the hull interface. The assessments covered all subsea ROV operations across a range of scenarios, simulating the deployment through buoy hook up, latching and cable pull in. This latest phase follows modelling studies, supported by Scottish Enterprise and key developers, which estimate Squid could reduce LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy) by up to 20% over the life of the development.
Encomara, which is an Aurora Energy Services business, has showcased the technology to invited guests over a series of demonstrations this week at Ardersier Port, giving developers and industry stakeholders the opportunity to see the system in operation and understand its potential to transform the installation and maintenance of floating wind turbines.
Ian Donald, Managing Director of Encomara, said: “Securing TRL 7/8 status marks the final step in the qualification of our technology ready for deployment. It demonstrates that the Squid system has been successfully proven at full scale and is now ready to move into commercial manufacture.
“Our ‘plug and play’ design is intended to remove some of the complexity and cost associated with floating wind operations, helping to address one of the key barriers to wider industry investment. This final technology-readiness stamp of approval from ABS validates that the Squid system can play a significant role in accelerating the commercialisation of floating wind and supporting the level of investment needed to deliver ambitious energy transition targets.”
Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Markets said: “The path from concept to commercial deployment in offshore energy has always run through rigorous testing and independent validation. ABS is proud to have supported Encomara throughout that journey, and look forward to supporting this technology through project execution phases.”
These trials are the culmination of significant investment since Encomara was acquired by Aurora Energy Services, one of the UK’s fastest growing renewable energy services businesses, in June 2025.
17th June 2026
Squid secures Product Design Assessment (PDA) from ABS at Global Offshore Wind 2026
We’re delighted to have received Product Design Assessment (PDA) for Squid from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), presented on our stand at Global Offshore Wind 2026. Following a detailed review of the system against class and industry requirements, the PDA builds on our Approval in Principle from November 2025 and marks the next major milestone on Squid’s journey towards commercial deployment — with inshore wet testing scheduled for August at Ardersier.
2nd June 2026
See Squid at Global Offshore Wind 2026
Global Offshore Wind is the flagship event that brings the entire offshore wind value chain together. This year it takes place at Manchester Central on 16–17 June 2026, with a conference programme centred on the theme “securing the future” — how offshore wind can underpin energy security for 2030 and beyond. We’ll be there: come and see Squid for yourself, and hear Malcolm Bowie present how it delivers safety and cost benefits across offshore wind projects.
16th May 2026
Squid fabrication gathers pace in Huntly
Fabrication of Squid is progressing at pace at Aurora Energy Services in Huntly. Our patented mooring and cable-management system is moving from drawings and models into full-scale steel — a major milestone on the road to deployment.
5th May 2026
From drawings to reality: Squid takes shape
There’s nothing quite like seeing Squid in the flesh. After countless drawings, animations and models, the full-scale system is finally coming together — and it’s every bit as impressive in reality. With onshore qualification testing complete and subsea wet tests to follow with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Squid is moving steadily towards deployment. We’re planning customer demonstration days soon — if you’d like to see it for yourself, get in touch at events@encomara.com.
20th April 2026
Hear Malcolm Bowie speak at Global Offshore Wind 2026
Malcolm Bowie will be speaking at Global Offshore Wind 2026. He’ll be sharing insights on how Encomara reviewed the potential safety benefits and cost savings of using the Squid mooring and cable management system on the Ossian Wind Farm Projects. Presentation at the Supply Chain Hub, (SCH26) at 09.45 on Wednesday 17th June and available afterwards on stand D100.
16th January 2026
See Squid at Floating Offshore Wind 2026
We’ll be exhibiting at Floating Offshore Wind 2026 — the largest event dedicated to floating wind — at P&J Live, Aberdeen on 7–8 October. Come and see our patented Squid quick connector for cables and power lines up close, and find out how it makes floating wind projects safer, greener, faster and higher-yielding while delivering first power earlier and cutting maintenance costs across field life. Visit our stand, or get in touch to arrange a chat with the team.
4th June 2025
Merger With Aurora
In June 2025, Encomara became part of Aurora Energy Services, which enables a robust platform for the delivery of innovative floating offshore wind technologies and services. Aurora provides fabrication, subsea engineering, technical manpower, inspection, integrity, and specialist access services to clients across renewables, conventional energy and decommissioning.
