Etermar Energia will construct a small-scale prototype of the BayFloat floating offshore wind platform developed by BayWa r.e. in Setúbal, Portugal. The project is supported by funding from the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Programme. Construction has started at Etermar Energia’s facilities in the Port of Setúbal and is expected to be completed in July 2026.
BayWa r.e. has provided a reduced-scale design of its reinforced concrete semi-submersible floating wind foundation concept for the prototype. The full-scale BayFloat concept, designed for 22 MW turbines, has been certified under DNV standards for floating wind turbine structures.
The design is intended to be compatible with existing port infrastructure and local supply chains, supporting future deployment of commercial-scale floating offshore wind projects in Portugal and elsewhere in Europe.
The prototype will be fitted with sensors to enable the development of a digital twin, allowing monitoring of position, environmental interaction and structural performance during fabrication, launch and wet storage. A two-year monitoring phase will begin once the structure is anchored.
The project combines Etermar Energia’s maritime engineering capabilities with BayWa r.e.’s experience in renewable energy development.
