This key achievement for the EFGL project, one of Ocean Winds’ three offshore wind farms currently under construction in France, marks a major step for France’s floating offshore wind development and for the Occitanie Region’s energy transition and industrial capabilities.

Ocean Winds (OW) celebrates the successful assembly of the first wind turbine of its Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project, developed in a partnership with Banque des Territoires. This decisive milestone for the construction of the floating offshore wind pilot project highlights the pivotal role of the port of Port-La Nouvelle, as an industry-leading infrastructure developed by the Occitanie Region and managed by SEMOP Port-La Nouvelle.

The 10 MW Vestas turbine — the most powerful ever installed in France — has been mounted on its floating foundation at the dedicated offshore wind terminal developed by the Occitanie Region at Port La Nouvelle. In the weeks ahead, the other two turbines will be progressively completed, before being towed 16 kilometers off the coast of Leucate and Barcarès for installation at sea.

Marc Hirt, Country Manager for Ocean Winds in France, commented: 
“The assembly of EFGL’s first turbine reflects the ambition driving offshore wind development in France. This milestone — achieved in close collaboration with our partners and local teams — is a strong signal of our commitment to accelerating floating wind in the Mediterranean. It also follows another proud moment for Ocean Winds end of last year with the award, alongside Banque des Territoires, of our 250 MW floating offshore wind EFLO project, in this very region.”

Jérémy de Barbarin, EFGL Project Director, added:
“Bringing together such a complex assembly operation within a port environment, on floating foundations, is a technical and logistical success for all those involved. It’s a milestone for the EFGL project and for the Occitanie Region, which is confirming its role as a forerunner in renewable marine energy.”

The EFGL pilot farm is jointly owned by Ocean Winds (majority shareholder) and Banque des Territoires. Beyond its demonstration role, EFGL will deliver valuable technical, operational and environmental insights to inform the next generation of floating offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean, including the EFLO (Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie) 250 MW floating offshore wind project, currently in its early stage of development.

This achievement follows the recent installation of the first turbine at Ocean Winds’ EMYN offshore wind farm earlier this month on France’s Atlantic coast, demonstrating the company’s expertise across both fixed-bottom and floating wind technologies in France and worldwide. France is a strategic market for Ocean Winds, with four offshore wind farms, including EMYN, currently in construction or development, representing a total capacity of 1.3 GW — enough to supply over 2 million French households with clean, renewable electricity each year.

KeyFacts Energy: Ocean Winds France country profile