International energy contractor Worley has inked a deal with vessel operator MMA for the offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) market rapidly emerging off Taiwan and the wider Asia Pacific region.

The memorandum of understanding encompasses turnkey O&M services led by Worley with MMA, which has a 25-strong construction and service fleet, providing subsea engineering and vessels for offshore energy markets.

“This combination of capabilities is a strategic milestone, and forms part of our global offshore wind strategy to export our operations and maintenance capabilities into new emerging markets within Asia,” said Worley VP for offshore wind, power and new energy Eoghan Quinn.

“Both organisations have a long heritage of operating in the Asia Pacific region. Combined, we create a unique integrated solution dedicated to enhancing value to our customers and improving asset efficiency.”

MMA, which changed its name from Neptune Marine Services last year, has already seen early successes in the Taiwanese offshore wind market, supplying vessels and subsea services to a number of projects.

David Ross, MMA’s managing director, said. “We are excited to join forces with Worley to develop our service offering and grow our market share in the offshore wind market. I believe the combination of our marine and subsea expertise with Worley’s engineering and topside expertise will enable us to deliver a unique solution to the industry.”

Analyst group Wood Mackenzie calculates some 26GW of new offshore wind capacity will be added this decade in Asia Pacific, outside of Chinese waters.

Offshore wind power could make up 85% of 1.4TW build out of renewable ocean energy plant by 2050, according to recent calculations from developer-led industry body the Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition, setting a new high-water mark for rapidly growing sector’s potential in the global energy mix.