The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Bouygues Travaux Publics’ OO-STAR concrete semi-submersible floating platform. This structure can support wind turbines exceeding 20 MW, designed for challenging offshore conditions. The approval marks a significant step towards Bouygues Travaux Publics’ entry into the U.S. floating wind market as an EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation) contractor with its OO-STAR concept. The AiP was officially granted to FWS, a Bouygues Travaux Publics subsidiary, which holds the DPI for the OO-STAR design.
The OO-STAR floating platform, including its mooring system and equipment, was designed using a comprehensive database of wind and weather conditions to support wind turbines exceeding 20 MW. This design also accounts for constructability and installation constraints, a key focus of Bouygues Travaux Publics.
The Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) confirms that the semi-submersible platform is both feasible and compliant with ABS rules and standards, ensuring the safety of the design. It further validates Bouygues Travaux Publics’ technology and engineering practices.
“The AiP issued by ABS is significant, marking the first step towards certifying a reliable design suitable for construction and industrialization. Leveraging our experience from the serial production of 71 concrete gravity foundations for the Fécamp offshore wind farm, we are now working intensively on designing efficient production lines to deliver OO-STAR floats on an industrial scale, aligned with profitable project execution timelines,” said Bertrand Burtschell, CEO of Bouygues Travaux Publics.
This approval paves the way for full project certification, which could be achieved through the deployment of a full-scale prototype or pre-commercial project. Bouygues Travaux Publics is now positioned to accelerate commercialization, addressing the growing demand for cost-effective floating wind power with sustainable and efficient solutions.
The OO-STAR platform is highly adaptable, supporting the development of larger turbines and increasing future project efficiency. It promotes a sustainable, local economy by utilizing regional materials and labor, reducing carbon footprints, and offering the potential for 100% reuse of components after decommissioning. With an extended service life and minimal maintenance needs, the OO-STAR foundation is a durable and economically efficient solution that aligns with industrial ambitions and supports the growth of floating wind power in the U.S.
As a key player in decarbonized energy production, Bouygues Construction is dedicated to providing sustainable infrastructure that respects the environment and local communities. The OO-STAR concept exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovative, future-focused solutions. Bouygues Construction has demonstrated its expertise in low-carbon energy projects through initiatives like the Fécamp offshore wind farm, the Flamanville nuclear power plant, and the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in the U.K.
