Quoceant’s Q-Connect Technology Wins Innovate UK Innovation Exchange Challenge

Quoceant has been announced as the winner of an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge for cable quick connect and disconnect solutions. The challenge was supported by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence, in partnership with Flotation Energy and Simply Blue. Quoceant were selected as the winner of the iX competitive challenge for cable quick connect and disconnect solutions with their Q-Connect technology.

Q-Connect is a family of marine Quick Connection Systems (QCS) designed for rapid, repeatable connection and disconnection of mooring lines and electrical cables. The technology was initially designed at a smaller scale for use with marine renewables and Quoceant has recently been advancing designs for larger scale versions of the system for use with floating offshore wind technology. This includes a high strength mooring quick connection system and a high-voltage electrical quick connection system.

Speaking about the award, Quoceant Director, Beth Dickens said:

“This challenge was a highly competitive process, and our victory is testament to the confidence that industry leaders Flotation Energy and Simply Blue have in our Q-Connect system.”

Flotation Energy Technical Director, Alexander Quayle, said:

“Flotation Energy were delighted to support this Innovate UK Innovation Exchange challenge. Innovation for cable quick connect and disconnect solutions has many practical applications for floating offshore wind, and we were particularly impressed by Quoceant’s Q-Connect technology. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop this technology.”

Andrew Macdonald, Director of Offshore Wind Development and Operations at ORE Catapult, said:

“Floating offshore wind offers huge potential for the UK, but its development needs to be supported by new and innovative technological solutions to challenges. Part of our role is to support cutting edge UK companies progress these solutions, and through involvement in our Launch Academy programme, we were able to help Quoceant progress the commercialisation of the Q-Connect system, and it’s great to see this exciting technology take another leap forward.”

Floating offshore wind is projected to grow rapidly over the coming years to become a significant part of the UK’s green energy generation.  The technology for these sites is however in its early days with only limited demonstration projects deployed. Innovation is essential to meet the installation ambitions. QCS’s, such as Q-Connect, are seen as potential enablers of the industry. By allowing rapid connection and disconnection of mooring lines and electrical cables they can reduce installation time and cost, allow tow-to-harbour for repair or major component replacement, and reduce instances of cable damage by reducing handling and allowing proactive protection in the event of mooring failure.  

If you would like to know more about the Q-Connect family of connectors please get in touch: info@quoceant.com, follow our progress on LinkedIn or meet us at All-Energy 2025.

Notes to editors

Quoceant is a Scottish engineering company specialising in offshore renewables and technology innovation. The firm provide full, independent, engineering design and consultancy services to a variety of clients across floating and fixed offshore wind, wave, tidal and the wider offshore industries. Founded 10 years ago the company is also the developer of the Q-Connect family of marine quick connection systems for floating wind, wave and tidal technologies.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult is the UK’s leading innovation centre for offshore renewable energy, established in 2013 by the UK Government as part of a network of Catapults set up by Innovate UK in high growth industries.

Independent and trusted, with a unique combination of world-leading test and demonstration facilities, engineering and research expertise, ORE Catapult convenes the sector, delivering applied research, accelerating technology development, reducing risk and cost and enhancing UK-wide economic growth.

ORE Catapult operates in Glasgow, Blyth, Levenmouth, Aberdeen, the Humber, the East of England, the South West and Wales.

https://ore.catapult.org.uk/

For more information contact:

Irene MacKinnon, PR Manager, 07563 393412, irene.mackinnon@ore.catapult.org.uk

Flotation Energy, headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, sits at the heart of the energy transition. It’s determined to support the big switch to sustainable, clean and affordable energy through the application of innovative offshore wind technology. An ambitious offshore wind developer, Flotation Energy has a global portfolio that covers both fixed and floating developments, with projects in the UK, Ireland, Taiwan and Japan. Whilst Flotation Energy develops projects independently, it also recognises the strategic value of partnership and collaboration to deliver proven, cost-effective solutions.