The innovative marine anchor system is designed for industrialisation, allowing large offshore construction projects to be completed at lower cost with reduced environmental impact. The micropiles are suitable for a wider range of load requirements and soil conditions, helping unlock opportunities in the floating offshore wind industry.

The technology is less carbon intensive due to the use of smaller vessels and is a low-noise and low-vibration alternative to driven piles, reducing the acoustic impacts and disturbances to marine ecosystems. 

The funding round is led by the Scottish National Investment Bank which has committed £6.7m. The round is joined by Marubeni - Itochu Steel Inc., which is co-investing £2.5m.

Derek Robertson, CEO at Subsea Micropiles said: “There is so much potential in Scotland’s offshore wind market, and we are excited to play our part in the supply chain with our lower cost system that, critically, is less environmentally impactful.

“Our plan to manufacture anchors in Scotland will help reduce import requirements for key offshore components and our technology will give further flexibility and reliability to developers by using smaller and more readily available vessels along with remote seabed drilling systems.” 

Subsea Micropiles is headquartered in Dublin and has an office in Banchory. To expand its operations in Scotland, it will build a manufacturing facility, which will be announced soon.

Laura Fidao, investment director at the Bank, said: “Easing bottlenecks in the renewable energy supply chain is an essential part of delivering clean energy and driving Scotland’s international reputation in the sector. Subsea Micropiles’ technology aligns to our net zero and innovation missions as an impact-led investment bank.”              

The Bank’s investment is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest up to £500m over five years into the nation’s offshore wind supply chain, announced in October 2023.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “It makes sense for everyone – developers, supply chain businesses and Scotland’s skilled workforce – that as many of the components required for the country’s rapidly expanding offshore wind sector are made right here in Scotland. It is also important that the right components, and the right technology, is at hand.

“The Bank’s investment in Subsea Micropiles, part of the Scottish Government’s strategic investment of up to £500 million over five years in Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain, helps deliver this mission. I warmly welcome Subsea Micropiles’ commitment to building a manufacturing facility in Scotland.”

Makoto Ishitani, President & CEO at Marubeni - Itochu Steel Inc. said: “We recognise the pioneering spirit of Subsea Micropiles and are proud to join the round with investment in a leading innovator of scalable industrial offshore foundations. We are aligned in our vision of supporting the growth of global offshore wind and a more sustainable future.”

The investment means more than £850m has been injected into Scottish projects over the past four months as investors are drawn to the country’s energy transition.

SNIB’s investment is part of the up to £500m committed by the Scottish Government over five years to grow offshore wind supply industries and infrastructure.

Other recent announcements have included:

• £20m investment by SNIB into subsea cable manufacturer XLCC’s planned new facility in Hunterston, Ayrshire
• £50m investment by Forth Ports in new infrastructure at the Port of Leith to support a major offshore wind contract
• £800m from Copenhagen Investment Partners for new battery storage projects in South Lanarkshire and Fife
• £5m from Highlands and Islands Enterprise to support the development of a new harbour facility for the assembly of offshore wind turbines at Scapa Flow

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The increasing pace of investment announcements will create jobs across the country and is further evidence of growing private sector and investor confidence in Scotland’s economic potential.

“Scotland has the talent, skills and resources to become a major player in the global energy transition and the Scottish Government is determined to ensure that this happens. This includes investing up to half a billion pounds to unlock the additional private investment we need to realise this enormous opportunity.

“Work is gathering pace. The backing for Subsea Micropiles demonstrates the strategic approach the Scottish Government is taking alongside SNIB and our enterprise agencies, focusing on bringing new investment and green jobs to Scotland while supporting the delivery of our burgeoning offshore wind capabilities.

“And next month we will host the Global Offshore Wind Supply Chain Forum in Edinburgh, bringing together international investors to discuss opportunities and further highlight what Scotland has to offer.”