October 25, 2024, The Day

By Greg Smith
Day Staff Writer

New London ― Dutch startup company LOBSTER Robotics has developed underwater drones to map the seabed, a technology that could help speed up the permitting process for offshore wind farms in the U.S.

Smulders, another company based in the Netherlands that manufactures offshore wind turbine foundations, is experimenting with the installation of artificial reefs near offshore turbines to stimulate marine life and perhaps mitigate friction with fishermen.

Representatives from the two companies were among a delegation of more than a dozen businesses and organizations from the Netherlands to visit State Pier in New London on Friday.

“We’re here to learn and connect and develop new relationships with companies, with organizations, in research and innovation but also in business,” Bob Meijer, director of TKI Offshore Energy and leader of the Dutch delegation, said.

“Forging partnerships with other countries is also very important for us,” he said.

The overall mission of the delegation, Meijer said, is to meet with experts and potential partners to share ideas and build collaborations. He said hoped the visit would open avenues for cross-Atlantic partnerships.

The group had similarly toured the offshore wind hub in New Bedford, Mass. and made stops in Rhode Island and New York before its planned visit to the American Clean Power Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition in Atlantic City, N.J.

Windmills have dotted the landscape in the Netherlands since the 13th century, but offshore wind industry is still relatively new and constantly innovating, Meijer said. The Netherlands installed its first offshore turbine in 2007.

Attending Friday’s visit were representatives from several eastern Connecticut companies making inroads in the offshore wind industry, including Groton-based ThayerMahan and Survival Systems USA and Sea Services North America, the New London-based company providing offshore wind-related jobs for local fishermen.

“I think there is enormous opportunity here to grow offshore wind,” Meijer said. “It’s a really interesting mix of companies from the Netherlands here that want to reach out and connect with organizations here in Connecticut.”

Eric Fine, business development manager for Smulders, said the company is incorporating “fish hotels,” new nature-inclusive designs with offshore wind foundations. A recent study showed that the new concrete designs imitate natural reefs and provide enhanced environments for marine wildlife, bluefin tuna and cod in particular.

Friday’s meeting was hosted by the Connecticut Wind Collaborative.

“Connecticut remains committed to clean energy and expanding the offshore wind industry through our marshaling port in New London, and our other deepwater ports, like Bridgeport, and strategic waterfront and inland properties to continue to expand the industry,” said Paul Lavoie, chairman of the CWC board of directors and the state’s chief manufacturing officer.

“We are pleased to show the delegation from the Netherlands our capabilities to increase the supply chain, expand the workforce, and to drive research and development in renewable wind energy in Connecticut and New England,” he added.