Mike Milledge, Snr Director Empire Energy Offshore
The U.S. West Coast is on the cusp of a floating wind revolution, and Empire Energy is leading the charge. With a strategic focus on local supply chains, pioneering designs, and robust partnerships, Empire Energy is a driving force in developing and constructing floating wind foundations. Our vision is to support developers in realizing the promise of sustainable energy through optimized, locally built, and scalable floating base solutions that set a new standard for the industry.
The Department of Energy FLOWIN Prize: A Testament to Our Innovation
Empire Energy’s participation in the prestigious DOE FLOWIN Prize underscores our role as a forward-thinking leader in the floating wind sector. In collaboration with Esteyco, world-renowned floating base designers, and TotalEnergies, the project sponsors for the WHEEL design, we have reached the final stage of the competition. Out of 401 initial entries, only five finalists remain—and the WHEEL design, the only one utilizing concrete, stands as a testament to our unique approach and relentless pursuit of excellence.
This achievement is not by chance. It’s the result of strategic planning, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence from our partners, Herrick Steel, Largo Concrete, and Sarens. Their specialized contributions in steel and concrete construction, as well as Sarens' expertise in heavy lifting and transport, have been pivotal in advancing the WHEEL design. Together, we are poised to redefine what's possible in floating wind. As one of the final five contenders, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, with the winners to be announced in Q2 2025.
Empire Energy’s Role as an EPC Contractor for Floating Bases
The ©WHEEL design is just the beginning. Empire Energy Offshore, in partnership with Herrick Steel, Largo Concrete, and Sarens, is setting a bold course as an EPC contractor for floating wind bases. This approach enables us to support developers not only on the U.S. West Coast but also in emerging floating wind markets such as the Far East, Australia, and South America.
Our capabilities are comprehensive and scalable. We provide end-to-end services, leveraging the specialized strengths of our partners:
Herrick Steel: A powerhouse in large-scale steel fabrication, bringing precision and strength to floating wind structures.
Largo Concrete: A recognized leader in large-scale concrete works, delivering the durability and stability required for floating bases.
Sarens: Global experts in heavy lifting and transport, Sarens massive ring cranes will be used for WTG integration onto floating foundations and SPMTs (self-propelled modular transporters) to efficiently move components around ports during the construction phase.
Mike Milledge, President of Offshore Wind, emphasizes:"Our role as an EPC contractor allows us to deliver seamless, integrated solutions across key floating wind markets. With our proven expertise and world-class partners, we’re ready to support developers from design to deployment, wherever the industry needs us."
These world-class capabilities are why Empire Energy and its partners stand apart. Our ability to offer seamless, end-to-end services ensures faster timelines, reduced project costs, and a collaborative approach that maximizes value at every stage of development. When you work with Empire Energy, you gain a partner that doesn’t just deliver—we lead.
California’s Bold Support for Floating Wind
California is setting the stage for floating wind success. Landmark legislation like AB 525 is driving progress with clear targets and support mechanisms. Just as crucial is the partnership between the Ports of Long Beach and Humboldt, as announced this week by the California State Lands Commission “This important agreement parlays the foundations of offshore wind energy development—environmental protection, equity, public engagement, and the economy—into a partnership that leads the way toward a clean energy future,” said State Controller and Commission Chair Malia M. Cohen. Their shared vision is to enable floating wind construction which is vital to scaling the industry.
Empire Energy is fully aligned with this effort. We see California as a model for how states can support local supply chains, port infrastructure, and offshore wind development. By leveraging this momentum, we’re ensuring our floating wind base production is fully aligned with the needs of developers, ports, and the state’s ambitious energy goals.
Building Locally: A Commitment to U.S. Supply Chains
Empire Energy’s work on the WHEEL design has proven that large-scale floating wind bases can be built entirely on the U.S. West and East Coasts using local materials, labor, and supply chains. This approach reduces reliance on imports, drives local economic growth, and creates long-term employment opportunities.
But it’s not just about “local for local”—it’s about efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. By sourcing ma
terials and expertise domestically, we can significantly reduce emissions while building capacity for future projects. Our approach is not just good for business—it’s essential for the environment.
A Call for Collaboration with Developers: Success in floating wind requires collaboration from day one. Empire Energy’s approach is clear: we work side-by-side with developers from the earliest stages of design. Our experienced teams help optimize construction methodologies, streamline production timelines, and identify cost-saving opportunities before they become critical.
Our message to developers is simple: engage with us early. Early-stage collaboration de-risks projects, avoids costly delays, and ensures that designs are grounded in real-world constructability. By working together, we can align designs with efficient production and accelerate the path to deployment. Our partners—Herrick Steel, Largo Concrete, and Sarens—bring unrivalled expertise in steel fabrication, concrete production, heavy lifting, and transport. Together, we offer an unmatched, turnkey solution to developers seeking the fastest, most efficient route to success.
In Conclusion
Floating wind on the U.S. West Coast represents a transformative opportunity for the entire offshore wind sector. With support from California’s forward-thinking legislation, dynamic port partnerships, and the combined strength of Empire Energy and its partners, the industry is set for significant growth.
Empire Energy’s role in this future is clear: we are not just participants—we are leaders. As an EPC contractor with expertise in steel, concrete, and offshore construction, we are ready to deliver floating wind foundations at scale. Our track record with the DOE FLOWIN Prize, our strategic partnerships with Herrick Steel, Largo Concrete, and Sarens, and our ability to deliver on U.S. soil make us the partner of choice for developers looking to succeed in floating wind.
The future of floating wind is taking shape, and Empire Energy is building it. We invite developers, investors, and industry stakeholders to connect with us, explore the possibilities, and help drive this industry forward. This is not just a vision—this is action. And Empire Energy is ready to lead the way.
