ABS and JB Energy Support Brazil's 18 MW Floating Offshore Wind Prototype Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 4, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Japan Blue Energy (JB Energy), a Japanese engineering company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct strategic research collaboration on the Aura Sul Wind floating wind prototype project planned for installation off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The Aura Sul Wind project consists of a single floating foundation with an installed capacity of 18 MW. The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) is currently conducting environmental licensing reviews for domestic offshore wind projects, and its project list shows that Aura Sul Wind entered the review process in 2026. Earlier this year, JB Energy announced that IBAMA had officially issued the "Terms of Reference" for the project's environmental license. According to JB Energy's description, the wind turbine will be installed on its Raijin Float floating foundation; Raijin Float is a prestressed concrete semi-submersible floating foundation designed for local manufacturing in Brazil.

Under the MoU, ABS will support decarbonization efforts at the Port of Rio Grande, with research scope covering port electrification, renewable energy integration, low-carbon logistics, clean fuel opportunities, and related infrastructure. Another study will review decommissioning options for the Raijin Float concrete platform, including tow-out and transportation, dismantling, port logistics, environmental and safety considerations, as well as recycling and reuse opportunities, to develop a preliminary decommissioning strategy for this floating foundation.

JB Energy CEO Rodolfo Gonçalves stated that one of the most sustainable offshore wind structures is one that considers the full lifecycle from day one. He noted that the goal of collaborating with ABS is to integrate port decarbonization, lifecycle thinking, and innovative decommissioning strategies into the Aura Sul Wind project from the earliest stages, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable floating offshore wind—not only in Brazil but also setting an example for future global projects.