DEME Offshore has formalised the establishment of a joint venture in Japan, with Penta-Ocean Construction, named Japan Offshore Marine. The joint venture aims to secure a footprint in the fast-developing Japanese offshore wind market.

DEME, that will hold a 49 percent stake in the joint venture, noted that it will being its experience in marine engineering within the renewables sector while Penta-Ocean (51 percent stake) will leverage its marine construction technology.

Following the formalisation of the JV, DEME has decided to relocate the DP2 jack-up installation vessel Sea Challenger to Japan and will be brought under the Japanese flag. Sea Challenger is set to undergo a major upgrade, preparing it for the first round of offshore wind farm projects in Japan expected to start in 2025.

JOM’s investments in new technology will ensure the company is ready for the future and to become an offshore wind industry leader in the Japanese market.

Speaking of the new joint venture Penta-Ocean Construction’s CEO Takuzo Shimizu, said, the challenge for the company begins with overcoming Japan’s challenging natural conditions such as harsh metocean conditions, earthquakes and complex soil conditions.