Interface components

Interface components connect elements of the floating substructure together such as pontoons and braces.

Description of Manufacturing Process
Flanges are manufactured made from forged or rolled steel rings. Turning, and sometimes milling, are then used to ensure concentricity and tight surface tolerances. Finally, drilling and boring are used to create precise bolt holes. Some other interface components such as lugs or pinned nodes are used by some substructure designs. These are typically cast and then milled to final dimensions and tolerances.

Description of Supply Chain
The floating offshore wind industry is relatively nascent, with large-scale supply chains not yet established. It is expected that interface components will be fabricated by the substructure manufacturer, although some may decide to procure them externally.

Scottish Opportunity
Relevance to Scottish Supply Chain: Medium

The manufacturing process and supply chain route will depend on the design and methodology chosen. Scottish suppliers could work closely with foundation designers to understand CNC requirements.