Applications have opened for the first Scotland-wide Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) offshore wind supply chain support programme, with the initiative going live on 12 February.
F4OR Scotland is being delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and is backed by industry funding from Crown Estate Scotland and the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) Ltd. The 18-month programme will select up to 10 companies, supporting them to secure contracts within the offshore wind industry in domestic and international markets.
Andrew Macdonald, Director of Business Development at ORE Catapult, said: “Scottish companies are respected internationally for their consistent engineering excellence and product innovation, and the F4OR programme provides an ideal route for companies with the right combination of key skills, expertise and leadership to succeed in the renewable energy sector.
“We are grateful for the support of our industry partners, ETZ Limited and Crown Estate Scotland. They have helped to develop this opportunity and share our ambitions to support the clean energy transition, grow a robust UK supply chain, accelerate the growth in offshore renewable energy and progress the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Launched in 2019, F4OR has developed into one of the UK’s most successful supply chain mentoring programmes. More than 171 companies have participated so far, reporting an average turnover increase of 26% after securing new contracts. A number of these businesses have since established themselves as market-leading suppliers within the offshore wind sector.
Gillian Morrison, Deputy Head of Offshore Wind Development, Crown Estate Scotland said:
“As the manager of Scotland’s seabed, we have a key role in supporting the offshore wind sector and helping to accelerate the transition to clean power, create skilled jobs and contribute to long-term energy security. By partnering with ORE Catapult to deliver the first Scotland-wide F4OR programme, we are equipping companies with the insight, skills and support they need to compete, innovate and thrive in this rapidly developing industry.”
The award-winning offshore wind supply chain programme is targeting companies seeking to enter the offshore wind sector, expand an existing footprint in the market, or transition into renewables from sectors such as oil and gas.
Participants will undergo a detailed assessment process covering project management capability, financial stability, environmental sustainability practices, health and safety standards, and alignment with the offshore renewable energy market.
Freda Miller, Energy Supply Chain Programme Manager, ETZ Ltd said: “ETZ Ltd is delighted to be a funding partner of the first Scotland-wide F4OR programme, which will enable greater collaboration between companies across the country. This initiative strengthens the northeast supply chain by enhancing capability and competitiveness to secure opportunities in the offshore renewables sector, reinforcing the region’s position as a catalyst for energy innovation.”
Aberdeen-based Balmoral Comtec has already completed the F4OR programme, securing ‘Granted’ status, which confirms its readiness to win contracts in the renewables sector.
Ian Milne, Head of Sales and Business Development – Renewables, at Balmoral Comtec, added: “Fit 4 Offshore Renewables provided Balmoral Comtec with practical guidance for transferring expertise from the traditional energy sector to renewables. As one of the first companies to complete the programme and receive granted status, it delivered strategic thinking with senior management involvement and would benefit any organisation looking to position itself for future opportunities.”
Further details about the F4OR programme, including how to submit an Expression of Interest, are available online, with the deadline set for Friday 6 March.