Kinewell acquires ForeCoast Marine in offshore wind software deal
The deal will see ForeCoast Marine integrated into Kinewellβs operations, expanding its suite of software-as-a-service (SaaS) products and supporting the companyβs push to optimise every phase of offshore wind projects.
Tony Appleton, chief commercial officer at Kinewell, said: “The future of offshore wind depends on digitalisation and adding ForeCoast Marine to our software portfolio will enable Kinewellβs solutions to optimise every single stage of a project lifecycle, from installation to the operational and decommissioning stages.
“It will help the industry to move faster, de-risk projects and lower costs, while positioning Kinewell at the forefront of offshore wind digital transformation.
“We are delighted to welcome it into the Kinewell family.”
The offshore wind sector, which the Global Wind Energy Council estimates will reach 2TW of global capacity by 2030, continues to face pressure to deliver projects more quickly, cost-effectively, and reliably.
Kinewellβs current software focuses on the planning and design stages of wind farm development, including inter-array cable layout optimisation, export system design, and turbine placement.
These tools help developers save significant time and money by improving project efficiency.
ForeCoast Marine uses historical metocean data and real-world operational constraints to simulate marine operations and sea campaigns.
This allows project teams to assess how projects would have performed in previous seasons, improving future planning and risk management.
Dr Andrew Jenkins, founder and chief executive of Kinewell, said: “ForeCoast Marineβs software will provide a major boost to the entire supply chain, from developers to consultants, insurers, marine planners, operators and ports, providing a single, easy-to-use solution that can not only de-risk developments, but also maximise performance and improve project financials.
“We also see huge potential in the use of ForeCoast Marine beyond offshore wind, with the software also used to support the planning and execution of any marine activity.
“It has already been well-received by our existing clients and has allowed new relationships to be forged with others in the sector.
“It will provide a real boost to the business as we seek to continue developing digital solutions for some of the industryβs most complex problems.”
The global marine management software market is currently valued at $2.5 billion and is projected to grow by 10 to 11 per cent annually, according to Market Research Future.
Kinewell expects the acquisition to increase its total revenue by around 30 per cent per year and strengthen its role in supporting the transition to a net-zero economy.
The acquisition follows recent news that Kinewell secured Β£750,000 in investment from the new North East Accelerate Fund, managed by Mercia Ventures.
This funding will unlock additional six-figure grant support, bringing the total to more than Β£1 million.
The investment will enable Kinewell to accelerate technology development, commercialisation, and workforce growth, with plans to create 10 new jobs and nearly double in size within six months.
Dr Jenkins said: “The funding, combined with the acquisition of ForeCoast Marine, will see 2026 be yet another stellar year for the team, with the creation of more high-skilled jobs and an ever-greater service offering for our customers.
“And with more offshore wind farms set to come to fruition over the coming months and years, particularly in Asia and Europe where we have already firmly established ourselves, there will be even more exciting announcements to follow.”