The Future of Offshore Energy is Here
Imagine navigating the unpredictable waves of the open ocean with the confidence of knowing what’s coming next. Thanks to Next Ocean’s groundbreaking WavePredictor technology, offshore energy vessel crews no longer have to rely on guesswork. This Dutch innovation is transforming the way ships operate in harsh marine environments, making waves—literally and figuratively—in the offshore wind and energy sectors.
WavePredictor, a cutting-edge wave and vessel motion prediction system, is already being hailed as essential equipment by its users. “It’s become so integrated into their operations that they don’t even think about it anymore—it’s just part of their toolkit,” says Karel Roozen, CEO of Next Ocean. “That’s the ultimate validation for us.”
From Europe to the World: WavePredictor’s Global Ambitions
WavePredictor has already made its mark on some of the most advanced vessels in the world. Last year, the technology was installed on Boskalis’ subsea cable burial vessel and North Star’s service operations vessels (SOVs) at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the UK—the largest offshore wind farm under construction. It’s also onboard the Pioneering Spirit, one of the world’s largest construction vessels, owned by Allseas.
Now, Allseas is taking it a step further by integrating WavePredictor into its pipelay vessel, Solitaire, as part of a major upgrade. “Our clients are seeing the benefits firsthand,” says Roozen. “From safer operations to significant time savings, the impact is undeniable.”
With recent investment from Arches Capital, Next Ocean is poised to expand its reach beyond Europe. The company is currently in talks to bring WavePredictor to projects in the US and Australia, with plans to make it a global standard for offshore operations.
How WavePredictor Works: Smarter Decisions, Safer Operations
At its core, WavePredictor is about empowering crews with real-time insights. By predicting wave patterns and vessel motions minutes in advance, the technology allows operators to time critical tasks—like deploying ROVs or landing gangways—with precision.
“Crews tell us they’re no longer operating in the dark,” Roozen explains. “They can plan operations during quieter periods, avoiding dangerous waves and maximizing efficiency.” This not only enhances safety but also boosts productivity. For example, an SOV in the North Sea can gain up to 8% more operational days annually—equivalent to nearly an extra month of work.
What sets WavePredictor apart is its ability to push operational limits safely. While traditional technologies rely on statistical averages, WavePredictor enables crews to operate up to 20% beyond these limits without compromising safety. “It’s a game-changer for the industry,” says Roozen.
The Ripple Effect: Saving Time, Money, and Lives
The benefits of WavePredictor extend far beyond smoother operations. By reducing downtime and minimizing risks, the technology is helping companies save millions. “It’s not just about safety—it’s about efficiency,” Roozen emphasizes. “Every minute saved translates into significant cost savings.”
As Next Ocean continues to innovate and expand, the future of offshore energy looks brighter—and safer—than ever. With WavePredictor leading the charge, crews can navigate the challenges of the open ocean with confidence, knowing they’re equipped with the best technology available.
