James Ives, CEO, XOCEAN
XOCEAN, founded in 2017 and based in Co Louth, uses Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) to provide high quality ocean data to major energy and industrial corporations and government agencies, who are all seeking ocean data for various applications, from developing offshore wind farms to ensuring marine safety. XOCEAN offers a safe, economic and carbon-neutral solution to ocean data delivery.
“Winning R&D supports enabled us to deliver on exacting customer requirements and was a key enabler to secure business servicing multiple offshore wind projects across Europe. Using R&D funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and investment by Enterprise Ireland as part of its Series A funding of XOCEAN, we have deployed innovation which avoids traditional survey vessels requiring crew to go offshore, and saves significant carbon emissions. Such R&D is crucial in meeting client needs in a sector as climate-conscious as offshore wind.”
Martin McGuinness, CEO, MMG Ocean
Established in 2005, MMG Ocean are experts in marine engineering with a dedicated focus on quality and innovation.
“At MMG Ocean, we are proud to match ingenuity with high technology in developing innovative design, prototyping and fabrication projects for the offshore wind sector – all from our headquarters in Killybegs, Co Donegal. We have benefited greatly from a range of enterprise-focused Government supports over the years, including a Feasibility Study Grant, Agile Innovation Funding, and a Technical Assistance Grant.”
Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland
Wind Energy Ireland is committed to promoting and empowering the public to be part of building our renewable energy future. It plays a leading role in campaigning and advocating for Irish wind farms which already provide more than a third of our electricity every year.
“Wind Energy Ireland is proud to be a leader in Irish offshore wind energy research. We are currently working with SEAI on multiple projects to explore how to deploy floating wind energy in Ireland as quickly and as affordably as possible.
“We are also working on how to best use green hydrogen to decarbonise our energy system, and participating in EU-funded projects focused on narrowing the offshore wind skills gap by training the next generation of engineers, researchers and scientists.
“We encourage all our members active in offshore wind energy to work with us – as well as Enterprise Ireland, the SEAI and other State agencies – to seize their renewable energy opportunity.”
Paul Barry, CFO, Subsea Micropiles
Bringing 70 years of land-based micropiling experience offshore, Subsea Micropiles is pioneering the adaptation of micropiling technology to the offshore construction sector for high-performance seabed foundations and anchors, including for offshore wind. The company’s disruptive solution will reduce risk, reduce cost and enable critical parts of the broader supply chain.
“The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) grant we received provided a valuable focal point and financial incentive for industry and academic collaboration in the areas of subsea robotics, drilling technology (with Mincon plc), geotechnical engineering, manufacturing, and geophysical survey. These new partnerships help position Subsea Micropiles as a disruptive global foundations company, and Ireland as an offshore foundations research centre of excellence.
“I would encourage other disruptive companies active in offshore wind to consider applying for DTIF Call 7, which is live until 30 April 2025. Enterprise Ireland can help with information and guidance to support you in the process.”
Aileen Cussen, Climate Tech and Renewable Energy Team, Enterprise Ireland
Aileen Cussen is a Senior Client Advisor with Enterprise Ireland, working with companies in the offshore wind sector to increase their competitiveness, export growth and innovation potential.
“Companies active in offshore wind may not be aware of the range of supports and services available from Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and other sources to support their businesses. Whether you're a start-up or an established company, Enterprise Ireland supports can help fund your expansion and your investment in becoming a world class company. To learn more, connect with me or an Enterprise Ireland colleague.”