Aikido Technologies, Inc. (Aikido), an innovator in floating offshore wind technology, has announced a groundbreaking achievement in the fabrication of its Aikido One platform. Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC (Morrison), a leading offshore construction firm, completed the final structural assembly of the platform in under 40 working hours. This remarkable accomplishment sets a new benchmark for speed and efficiency in the industrialization of floating wind platforms, potentially transforming the offshore wind industry.
Accelerating Deployment, Reducing Costs
The Aikido One platform serves as a demonstration of Aikido’s innovative design and engineering, aimed at enabling offshore wind project developers to drastically reduce both construction time and associated costs. By cutting assembly time to just 40 hours, Aikido has established itself as a leader in the drive toward faster, more economical offshore wind projects. This achievement highlights the potential for Aikido’s technology to revolutionize floating wind platform deployment, particularly in the Gulf Coast region and beyond.
Sam Kanner, CEO of Aikido, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone. “The construction of the Aikido One platform has set a new standard in the floating wind industry: final structural assembly in under 40 working hours,” he said. “Collaborating with the Morrison team has been an incredible experience. Together, we’ve gained valuable insights into optimizing not just the design of our technology, but also its fabrication process.”
Local Synergies: Gulf Coast Production Advantages
The Aikido Platform has been designed with domestic production in mind, particularly for regions like the Gulf Coast, which boasts a robust ecosystem for offshore structure manufacturing and transportation. The modular design of the Aikido Platform enables components to be transported on conventional barges, making it adaptable for assembly and deployment at ports with limited infrastructure. This feature significantly expands the number of ports and vessels capable of supporting offshore wind projects, even at scales exceeding 15 MW.
By utilizing existing barges and smaller port facilities, Aikido’s technology aims to lower logistical costs and widen accessibility for offshore wind development. This capability is especially vital as the industry scales up to meet global clean energy targets.
Collaboration with Port Pascagoula
Aikido further announced a strategic partnership with Port Pascagoula through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement provides Aikido with access to the Singing River Island Pier for testing the Aikido One platform. Bo Ethridge, Director of Port Pascagoula, emphasized the port’s readiness to support offshore wind innovation. “We welcome the Aikido team to Pascagoula, Mississippi,” Ethridge said. “Our world-class facilities are well-equipped to meet the demands of the growing offshore wind industry. From high-capacity piers and ample laydown areas to skilled personnel and vessels, our community has everything needed for a successful test campaign.”
This collaboration not only supports Aikido’s goals but also positions Port Pascagoula as a vital hub for the burgeoning offshore wind sector, creating economic opportunities in the local community.
Industry-Wide Implications
The success of the Aikido One platform’s rapid assembly demonstrates the company’s ability to streamline floating offshore wind deployment. The compact design allows for quick assembly, efficient transport, and flexible use of existing infrastructure, addressing key bottlenecks in the offshore wind supply chain. By enabling faster project timelines and reducing dependence on specialized facilities, Aikido’s technology has the potential to accelerate the global adoption of floating offshore wind solutions.
Chet Morrison, CEO of Morrison, highlighted the broader impact of the project. “We are proud to partner with Aikido Technologies on the fabrication of the Aikido One platform. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovation and supporting advancements in the offshore wind sector,” Morrison stated.
As offshore wind continues to play a crucial role in global energy transitions, innovations like the Aikido Platform are paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. With the successful completion of the Aikido One platform, Aikido Technologies has not only set a new industry standard but also demonstrated how collaboration across companies, ports, and regions can drive meaningful progress in renewable energy.
The Gulf Coast’s strategic advantages, combined with Aikido’s groundbreaking technology, position the region as a critical player in the offshore wind industry. By leveraging existing resources and infrastructure, Aikido is poised to make floating offshore wind a more accessible and scalable energy solution for a sustainable future.
