Page 39: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2025)

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Coatings protect offshore structures against

FLOATING WIND PUSH: corrosion, but the need for regular inspection means they must also be regularly cleaned, and there’s no singular strategy for that.

By Jon Salazar, Founder and

CEO of Gazelle Wind Power e are entering a new era—one where energy sovereignty, not just sustain- ability or cost, shapes investment and policy decisions. In this envi- ronment, nations are prioritizing

W local, resilient energy generation over imported or inter- mittent alternatives. Portugal, with its unique blend of geography, industrial capability, and political will, is posi- tioning itself at the heart of this shift. This article outlines how foating offshore wind can help the country meet its decarbonization targets while strengthening energy secu- rity and advancing economic opportunity.

In recent months, Portugal has stepped up its efforts to harness offshore wind, particularly foating offshore wind technology. With its favorable natural conditions, active industrial base, and progressive energy policies, the coun- try is fast becoming a leading destination for investments in wind energy—even amid ongoing political volatility.

Floating offshore wind, which allows turbines to oper-

THE INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY ate in deeper waters where fxed-bottom foundations are not feasible, represents an ambitious leap forward. Unlike fxed-bottom turbines anchored to the seabed, foating turbines rely on buoyant structures tethered by advanced mooring systems and anchors. Portugal’s expansive Atlan-

AT THE EDGE OF EUROPE tic coastline offers some of the best conditions in the world for this technology.

MAY/JUNE 2025 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 39