Venterra Group, the global offshore wind services company, has launched the UK’s first fully designed and built fleet of dual LiDAR buoys for offshore wind, marking a major milestone in clean tech innovation led from Scotland. The £10 million investment places Venterra’s metocean specialist, Partrac, founded in Glasgow, at the forefront of a new era in offshore wind technology.
Venterra’s V-Lidar fleet was developed by Partrac and engineered and built by Osbit at its new 3,350-square-metre facility at the Port of Blyth. The project brings together expertise from across Venterra’s group of companies and represents a significant step forward in the UK’s ambition to lead the global offshore wind supply chain.
Sam Athey, Managing Director of Partrac, added: ““Partrac was founded in Glasgow and our Scottish roots have shaped our approach to innovation. Our experience in delivering metocean campaigns for some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms has informed every aspect of the V-LiDAR’s design. We’ve created a buoy that delivers the highest quality wind data, reduces deployment risks, and supports the bankability of offshore wind projects around the world.”
The V-Lidar buoys are designed to deliver real-time, high-frequency wind resource data with exceptional accuracy and reliability. With up to 20 months of operational endurance, they provide a robust and efficient solution for offshore wind developers, supporting project viability, financial due diligence, and faster consenting.
Ed Daniels, CEO of Venterra Group, said: “This is a proud moment for the UK’s clean energy sector. With Partrac’s innovation and Osbit’s advanced engineering, we’re building world-class offshore wind technology that boosts jobs, skills and export potential. The V-LiDAR fleet is a testament to Britain’s engineering excellence and its role in powering our clean energy future.”
The Blyth facility is part of the North East Investment Zone, which is expected to unlock £3 billion in private sector investment and create 4,000 jobs across advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors. The V-Lidar launch aligns with the UK Government’s “Build it in Britain” agenda and supports the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan under the Modern Industrial Strategy.
