Equinor and Technip Energies signed a floating wind collaboration agreement that cements a growing alliance in the sector between the Norwegian energy giant and French contractor.

The two companies will co-operate to develop steel floating wind substructures, teaming up early in the design phase of a project in a bid to accelerate industrialisation of the fast-growing technology, said a statement announcing the deal.

Equinor and Technip Energies are already working together in floating after the former hired the contractor to work on developing foundations for the 800MW Firefly floating wind project off South Korea, on track to be the world’s largest deepwater array.