Smarter automation for floating wind foundations

The future of offshore energy is floating — and it demands new ways of building. From massive baseplates to intricate block welding, floating foundations require speed, precision and scalability in environments where traditional shipbuilding techniques fall short. At KRANENDONK, we bring automation that adapts to scale, complexity, and the ever-growing demand for offshore wind capacity.

Expert in Non-Repetitive Production

Modular Solutions that Scale with you

Readily from CAD to Production in minutes

The future of offshore energy is floating — and it demands new ways of building. From massive baseplates to intricate block welding, floating foundations require speed, precision and scalability in environments where traditional shipbuilding techniques fall short. At KRANENDONK, we bring automation that adapts to scale, complexity, and the ever-growing demand for offshore wind capacity.

Why floating wind needs smarter manufacturing

As floating wind projects grow in size and complexity, smart automation offers a way to build faster, safer, and more consistently — even with fewer skilled hands on deck.

Larger, more complex structures

Floating foundations can weigh from several thousand up to over 10,000 tons, with weld lengths stretching over several kilometers per unit. This demands robust welding platforms that can handle massive structures, design variability, and strict accuracy requirements — all without interupting production.

Production speed must increase

To meet global climate targets, industry forecasts project over 250 GW of floating wind capacity will be needed by 2050. That means deploying hundreds of floaters per year — only achievable by reducing cycle times, streamlining workflows, and minimizing downtime.

Labor gaps risk consistency

Skilled welders are in short supply worldwide. Automated welding reduces reliance on manual expertise, bringing consistent, high-quality welds even when labor markets tighten — while also improving safety and predictability.

Project diversity demands flexibility

Whether it’s a full-scale serial production line or a prototype floater with one-off designs, KRANENDONK systems adapt. Our modular platforms support varying workpieces, geometries and workflows — without rebuilding your factory around every new design.

Larger, more complex structures

Floating foundations can weigh from several thousand up to over 10,000 tons, with weld lengths stretching over several kilometers per unit. This demands robust welding platforms that can handle massive structures, design variability, and strict accuracy requirements — all without interupting production.

Production speed must increase

To meet global climate targets, industry forecasts project over 250 GW of floating wind capacity will be needed by 2050. That means deploying hundreds of floaters per year — only achievable by reducing cycle times, streamlining workflows, and minimizing downtime.

Labor gaps risk consistency

Skilled welders are in short supply worldwide. Automated welding reduces reliance on manual expertise, bringing consistent, high-quality welds even when labor markets tighten — while also improving safety and predictability.

Project diversity demands flexibility

Whether it’s a full-scale serial production line or a prototype floater with one-off designs, KRANENDONK systems adapt. Our modular platforms support varying workpieces, geometries and workflows — without rebuilding your factory around every new design.

Block Welding Gantry performing welding inside a ship block structure
Block Welding Gantry performing welding inside a ship block structure

Floating Wind begins on land

Floating wind turbines are being installed in deeper waters and further offshore. While the components are still built on land, the structures are getting larger, heavier, and more complex. This demands industrialized, high-precision fabrication.

KRANENDONK supports this shift with robotic welding, CAD-driven production workflows, and automated fabrication systems. We help yards scale up safely and consistently. From large steel sections to complex support structures, our automation delivers accuracy, repeatability, and shorter cycle times.

"Automated welding gives yards the precision and repeatability needed for today’s heavy offshore structures. What once required extensive manual work can now be executed safely, accurately, and with full process control."

Welding robot of the Goliath Block Welding Gantry with integrated camera for internal weld monitoring

Block Welding Gantry

Where we add value in offshore fabrication

From baseplates to final blocks — offshore structures demand scale, precision, and control. Our automation systems support every step, helping you increase output and meet today’s production demands.

Where we add value in offshore fabrication

From baseplates to final blocks — offshore structures demand scale, precision, and control. Our automation systems support every step, helping you increase output and meet today’s production demands.

Recognized by offshore leaders

Leading offshore fabricators rely on our solutions to boost speed, quality, and reliability. Whether you’re working on monopiles, jackets, or floating foundations, we help you meet production targets and unlock new capacity.

Let’s rethink your floating wind workflow

Let’s explore what smarter automation could mean for your line — from reducing cycle times and welding hours to improving consistency and easing labor demands.

Whether you’re scaling up production or preparing for your first floater project, we’re here to help you build with confidence.

Robotic welding of flanged pipe in an automated pipe shop

Robotic Pipe Shop

Let’s rethink your floating wind workflow

Let’s explore what smarter automation could mean for your line — from reducing cycle times and welding hours to improving consistency and easing labor demands.

Whether you’re scaling up production or preparing for your first floater project, we’re here to help you build with confidence.

Robotic welding of flanged pipe in an automated pipe shop

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Welding Automation & Innovation Days 2025

During the Welding Automation & Innovation Days 2025, KRANENDONK once again brought together customers, partners, and industry experts from across the world to experience the latest in welding automation.For two...

See how we make automation work

Every production is unique, that’s why we take the time to understand yours. Contact us and discover our proven approach.