Napkin Innovation Ltd

Do you work in offshore wind, or T&I? How often have you thought or heard "the sooner we get away from grouting, the better"? Napkin is developing an alternative to grout to cut the time, cost and CO2 emissions linked to jacket installation. The non-grouted connector (NGC) is pre-installed on the jacket and offers an almost instant lock - with no waiting 36-48 hours for grout to cure, no grout spread, no early age cycling or temporary clamping, the NGC can save up to EUR 27m per 1GW as installed compared to grout. An up to 33% reduction in CO2e emissions related to installation is achieved along with increased H&S and reduced impact on the marine environment because less people and vessel are required at sea. And, by allowing a shorter stab-in, the NGC will facilitate the installation of increasingly heavy jackets by a greater range of vessels and at time when installation vessels are in short supply. The shorter stab-in also reduces risk to the jacket while in transport. Developed in collaboration with industry, the NGC has been supported by Kent plc, including the cost saving calculations and University of Strathclyde, for past and current testing. Funding has been secured from Innovate UK, BEIS, Net Zero Technology Centre and the EU’s GreenOffshore Technology. Letters of support are available from leading wind developers, wind farm owners and installers. With additional funding, further testing is planned for 2025 and to be followed by a demonstration opportunity from mid 2026. Napkin is seeking strategic partners to be part of this development and demonstration journey and via a joint industry project of 3 – 5 partners. Partners will receive exclusive benefits in return for their participation. International patent applications have been submitted. The development roadmap for the NGC also includes development as a connector for split jackets, XXL monopiles and as a method of standardising sea fastenings.