Bekaert today announces the acquisition of 75% of shares in Flintstone Technology Ltd. Flintstone, based in Dundee Scotland, provides mooring technology solutions, systems design and testing capabilities for the global offshore energy markets. It offers a range of products and services including connectors and tensioners for permanent mooring.
Bekaert’s ambition is to be the leading partner for shaping the way we live and move and to do this in a way that is safe, smart, and sustainable. The energy transition is key to our growth, and in particular the emerging floating offshore wind industry where the move towards deeper waters requires rope solutions to permanently moor turbines to the seabed.
Floating offshore wind turbines are expected to create a substantial demand for Flintstone’s products including tensioning and connection.systems which simplify and reduce hook up time and enable efficient and fast disconnection.
The combination with Flintstone will increase Bekaert’s offering in permanent mooring systems. Bekaert’s MoorLine synthetic ropes have been specifically designed for floating offshore wind applications where customers demand reliable ropes that ensure floaters stay put in the most challenging conditions. By combining Flintstone’s connector and tensioner products with Bekaert’s established MoorLine synthetic ropes, customers can now access a single synthetic mooring line solution from anchor to floater.
Christof Dewijngaert, General Manager Synthetic Ropes of Bekaert commented: ‘We are delighted to welcome the Flintstone team into the Bekaert family. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise in system design and component supply on board. With Flintstone, and our existing partners TFI Marine and Applied Fiber we are ready to support offshore operators with a reliable and effective total synthetic mooring solution.”
Andrew Clayson, Managing Director of Flintstone Technology Ltd commented: ”We very much look forward to joining Bekaert and being part of the integrated mooring solutions offering from the group.”