James Fisher and Sons plc (James Fisher), a global provider of specialist marine and energy solutions driving offshore energy forward, has successfully completed the world’s first abrasive cut on a 10-meter-diameter offshore wind monopile, completed in July 2025.
The operation deployed a bespoke external abrasive cutting tool - designed, built and tested in the UK, to meet the growing demand for safe, cost-effective offshore wind maintenance and decommissioning solutions. The abrasive water jet system severed the full diameter of the monopile in a single, precision-controlled cut, enabling safe recovery to the deck of the vessel.
This project addressed a unique complex challenge - correcting installation issues in turbine foundations. But, as offshore wind markets mature around the world, operators are increasingly faced with the need to decommission or remediate assets. Over the longer term, as the global fleet of projects expands and reach end of life, this capability provides a safe and efficient solution, which minimises disruption to the surrounding marine environment.
The new tooling supports installation and decommissioning challenges in the renewables and oil and gas sectors
Mark Stephen, Product Line Director, Decommissioning, CFE and Subsea Tooling at James Fisher, said: “This world-first achievement demonstrates what is possible when engineering expertise and innovation are applied to the evolving needs of offshore wind. By developing a new tool and approach, we’ve shown that large-scale decommissioning can be done safely, efficiently and with the environment front of mind.”
Neil Sims, Head of Energy at James Fisher, added: “This project shows the difference that true engineering ingenuity can make when the industry faces unexpected or unprecedented challenges. Offshore wind is growing rapidly worldwide, and with that growth comes the responsibility to manage assets safely and sustainably throughout their lifecycle. By developing and proving this capability now, we’re helping our customers prepare for both today’s complex challenges and tomorrow’s large-scale decommissioning needs.”
This breakthrough capability expands James Fisher’s global energy services portfolio and 50-year track record, enhancing its technical expertise in asset decommissioning, seabed clearance, controlled flow excavation, cutting and recovery operations, and well plug and abandonment.