SBM Offshore has announced a global collaboration agreement with Microsoft to develop AI-powered floating power solutions, aimed at delivering reliable, carbon-free electricity to support industrial decarbonisation and grid integration.
The partnership will combine SBM Offshore’s expertise in ocean energy infrastructure with Microsoft’s capabilities in AI, cloud computing, and digital sustainability to accelerate the deployment of floating power generation units. The initiative seeks to address growing energy demand while overcoming the limitations of conventional decarbonisation strategies.
Transforming industrial electrification with AI and cloud technology
The collaboration will explore new ways to integrate cloud-based solutions, AI-driven analytics, and digital tools into floating power generation. Key technologies include:
- AI-powered asset lifecycle assessment
- Real-time carbon measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV)
- Predictive maintenance using Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI
- Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced operational costs
By leveraging Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Azure AI Foundry, and Fabric, SBM Offshore aims to optimise system reliability, increase energy flexibility, and accelerate commissioning times for floating power infrastructure.
UK and Norway to lead first deployment of floating gas power with CCS
The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on deploying floating gas power solutions with integrated Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). This will build on SBM Offshore’s existing partnership with Norway’s Ocean-Power AS.
The model is expected to serve as a blueprint for global expansion, supporting energy security and decarbonisation targets across Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas.
Industry leaders on the collaboration
Olivier Icyk, Chief Business Officer at SBM Offshore, stated, “We are excited to partner with Microsoft to develop scalable and investment-ready clean energy solutions. Combining SBM Offshore’s expertise in floating energy infrastructure with Microsoft’s digital intelligence will accelerate the energy transition and create a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.”
Darryl Willis, Corporate Vice President, Energy and Resources Industry at Microsoft, added, “Microsoft is committed to advancing sustainability solutions that enable new models of carbon-free electricity generation. Through our collaboration with SBM Offshore, we aim to optimise and scale AI-powered clean energy solutions for floating power applications.”
Advancing AI-driven clean energy solutions
The partnership marks a significant step in harnessing AI and cloud technology to drive industrial electrification. With the potential for scalability and global deployment, SBM Offshore and Microsoft’s collaboration could redefine how floating energy infrastructure supports a cleaner, more flexible power system worldwide.
