The 2022 edition of Foundation Ex, held in Bristol, marked a moment for the offshore wind industry. As we prepare for our upcoming 2025 edition, we reflect on how this gathering of technical minds helped shape the conversations that continue to drive our sector forward.
A Timely Theme
The event’s theme was “scale, optimise, deliver.”
In 2022, the industry stood at the threshold of unprecedented growth, and Foundation Ex created a focused platform for addressing the technical challenges that accompanied this expansion. The day-long conference brought together over 30 speakers from across the supply chain, each contributing their expertise to a comprehensive technical programme that balanced depth with accessibility.
Morning Sessions: Setting the Technical Foundation
The morning sessions set a strong technical foundation, opening with Fran Pitkin from OWC addressing the critical issue of supply chain pressures in the face of increasing project scale. This was complemented by Julian Garnsey’s insights from Triton Knoll, where the practical implementation of PISA research project findings demonstrated how R&D can successfully translate into construction benefits. The inclusion of Carol Johnston’s presentation on electron beam welding for monopiles highlighted the event’s commitment to exploring innovative manufacturing techniques that could reshape industry practices.
Interactive Knowledge Exchange
The breakout sessions offered delegates the opportunity to dive deep into specific technical challenges. The discussion on vibrohammers, led by industry experts including Richard Pike and Dick Van Wijngaarden, explored installation methodologies that have since gained increased attention in the industry. Similarly, the session on scour and seabed mobility brought together specialists from DHI and other leading consultancies to address this crucial aspect of foundation design.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
A standout feature of Foundation Ex 2022 was discussions of emerging technologies and methodologies. The afternoon sessions included Candice Tian’s innovative presentation on asymmetric mooring design for floating wind farms, a topic that has only grown in relevance. Miguel Mananes Negro’s insights into the unique challenges of the US market provided valuable perspective for an industry increasingly focused on international expansion.
Supply Chain and Fabrication Focus
Eric Finé’s provocative session on the fabrication supply chain sparked particularly memorable debates, while Aaron Du’s presentation on WTG jacket fabrication challenges offered practical insights that many attendees could apply directly to their projects.
Engineering Excellence
Colin Schroder’s presentation on large diameter bolts (M80/M90/M100) and Pete Andrews’ discussion of preload in bolted connections demonstrated how Foundation Ex successfully balanced practical engineering concerns with forward-looking innovation.
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
Attendees enjoyed genuine knowledge exchange, moving beyond traditional presentation formats. The mix of focused 15-minute technical presentations and interactive breakout sessions created a dynamic environment where detailed technical discussions could flourish. The inclusion of pre-conference networking at Harbour House Bar & Restaurant proved particularly successful, setting a collaborative tone that carried through the entire event.
A Fitting Venue
The event’s location at Bristol’s M Shed in a historic harbourside setting provided a fitting backdrop for discussions about the future of maritime engineering. The venue’s industrial heritage resonated well with the technical focus of the conference, whilst its modern facilities supported the practical needs of presenters and delegates.
Looking Forward
Looking back, Foundation Ex 2022 successfully created a focused platform for technical discussion at a crucial time for the offshore wind industry. It brought together the right mix of technical expertise, practical experience, and forward-thinking innovation, all whilst maintaining the intimate atmosphere necessary for meaningful knowledge exchange.
As we prepare for the 2025 edition, we build on these strong foundations while recognising the evolving needs of our industry. The challenges discussed in 2022 – from supply chain optimisation to innovative installation methods – remain relevant, but new technical frontiers have emerged. The success of the 2022 event in fostering genuine technical discussion and knowledge sharing sets a high bar for future editions.
Foundation Ex demonstrated that there is significant value in creating spaces where engineers and technical specialists can engage in detailed, focused discussions about the challenges and opportunities in offshore wind foundation engineering.
As the industry continues to scale up and innovate, platforms for knowledge exchange become increasingly vital.
Join us on 20th May at We The Curious, Bristol for Foundation Ex 2025
Let’s go deeper
