WCA March 2025

Industry News

Partnership for floating offshore wind research AMRC Cymru is working with Japan Marine United Corp (JMU) as part of a strategic research partnership to develop floating offshore wind (FLOW) power in Wales and the rest of the UK. The collaboration, formalised in a memorandum of understanding (MoU), will promote common goals in project development for floating offshore wind farms in the Celtic Sea and areas of the UK. The joint research will focus on integrating advanced technologies and expertise to provide solutions for Welsh supply chains, and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases to support a more sustainable way of living. The announcement was welcomed by the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans, as a “forward thinking agreement”. She said, “It recognises the significant capabilities that exist in Wales in sustainable energy solutions for a greener future. The MoU also ensures we strengthen ties with our Japanese friends with whom distance has never proved a barrier between us when collaborating in all things research, innovation and business.” AMRC Cymru, which is part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and a member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, wants to help develop and grow the Welsh economy, and the wider UK economy, by building a cost-competitive supply chain for offshore wind power in Wales and creating jobs in the market. Andrew Silcox, research director at AMRC Cymru, said, “We are delighted to embark on this partnership with JMU to develop the floating offshore wind technologies that will accelerate the UK’s transition to fossil fuel-free power. “We believe that FLOW also provides an outstanding opportunity for the Welsh manufacturing sector, and our ambition is that the projects with JMU act as a catalyst to create supply chain opportunities for Welsh industry that will transform the industrial landscape, particularly here in south Wales.”

At the signing of the memorandum of understanding

Photo credit: Welsh Government

oured to have signed the memorandum of understanding with AMRC Cymru. “We believe that the joint research and development outcomes of this partnership will contribute to the advancement of floating offshore wind in Wales, and to the further develop- ment of Welsh industry and economy.” AMRC Cymru www.amrc.co.uk/cymru Japan Marine United Corp www.jmuc.co.jp

JMU, based on its experience in the Fukushima Floating Offshore Wind Farm Demonstration Project, is developing semi-submersible floaters for offshore wind power, and advancing the establishment of a supply chain abroad. It has also conducted research and development into the mass production and cost reduction of offshore power generation. Kazuhiro Okawara, general manager of offshore and new energy sales depart ment at JMU, said, “We are very hon

Innovation at Interwire Lämneå Bruk will return to Interwire 2025 in Atlanta, USA, in May, continuing its long-standing commitment to the North American wire industry.

Booth 1100

As a full supplier of wire drawing lines and fully automatic solutions for ferrous wire, the company is looking forward to reconnecting with industry friends, meeting new partners and exploring the latest market trends. Visitors to Booth 1100 will discover the company’s wire manufacturing solutions. Since 1992, it has been pioneering the no twist coiler (NTC) – technology suitable for all ferrous and non-ferrous wire types. The NTC is designed for various appli- cations and industries, including welding wire, bedding and seating springs, reinforcement wire, intermediate wire, galvanising lines, heat-treatment multi wire lines and nail manufacturing.

Lämneå Bruk AB www.lamnea.com

The Lämneå Bruk team will attend the show

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March 2025