Frank brings a distinguished track record in the renewable energy sector and is known for his expertise in leading technical organisations, driving growth, operational excellence, and innovation. His broad industry knowledge and leadership experience will be instrumental in supporting CAPE Holland’s continued growth as a leader in offshore wind installation solutions.
Frank Koopman, Managing Director of CAPE Holland, said:
“I am excited to join CAPE Holland, a company recognised for its innovative and pioneering solutions, like the CAPE Vibro Lifting Technology (CAPE VLT) that has delivered a step-change improvement in foundation installation methods for the offshore wind sector by reducing ecological damage from underwater sound and preventing uncontrolled pile-run incidents.”
This transition marks an exciting new chapter for CAPE Holland. With Frank at the helm, CAPE Holland is well-positioned to advance further Venterra’s vision to deliver exceptional value and cutting-edge solutions to the global offshore wind market.
As part of this transition, Laurens de Neef will be stepping down after serving for eleven years as the CEO of CAPE Holland. Laurens’ leadership has guided CAPE Holland through significant milestones, including the development and commercialisation of the CAPE VLT and the successful integration into Venterra Group since 2023, cementing the company’s position as a market leader.
Venterra Group thanks Laurens for his outstanding contributions and welcomes Frank as he leads CAPE Holland, into its next phase of growth and innovation.
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead, Venterra
+353 86 3298700
Katie Rogers, Communications Manager, Venterra
Notes to Editors:
V-Lidar webpage: www.vlidar.co.uk
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com.
CAPE Holland
CAPE Holland is a proud member of the Venterra Group, a dedicated wind services company, helping wind power grow. We are passionate about piling; we continuously improve the performance of pile installation and removal: faster, easier, smoother and more sustainable. We love to make impact and contribute to good vibrations. Our customers’ offshore oil, gas and wind projects are of the greatest significance. These mighty constructions require solid foundation, and we are there to support them with the smartest piling equipment and all our knowledge, skill and craftmanship. For more information, please visit www.capeholland.com.



Venterra Group, the offshore wind services champion, announces the launch of the Venterra V-LiDAR – a global fleet of state-of-the-art dual LiDAR buoys, a testament to the UK’s global leadership in offshore wind measurement technology. This launch of this fleet, following a £10 million investment, represents the first of its kind to be designed and manufactured in the UK, setting a new standard for the industry worldwide.
Developed by Partrac and built by Osbit, Venterra’s specialist engineering and manufacturing company, at its new facility in the Port of Blyth, these advanced LiDAR buoys represent the culmination of a two-year project that brings together expertise from across Venterra’s nine companies. Rethinking what LiDAR buoys can deliver to better align with core values of our clients; unwavering safety standards, combined with highest accuracy and the most robust wind resource data.
Partrac, as an industry leader with vast global project experience, has delivered metocean expertise for some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms such as Dogger Bank and Moray West. This significant investment in the most advanced LiDAR buoy technology further elevates their market position, boosting their client offering and enabling the team to provide unrivalled data accuracy and operational reliability to Tier-1 clients and leading projects worldwide.
Sam Athey, Managing Director of Partrac, said:
“As a company at the forefront of metocean expertise with extensive project experience, we have always understood what the most advanced LiDAR buoy technology requires. That means designing features to minimise health and safety risks, reduce deployment downtime, facilitate easy and safe transport and guarantee real-time project data delivery. By integrating our insights and learnings from our deep experience, we have now launched the world’s most advanced LiDAR buoy, combining innovation, practicality, and market understanding to offer real client value.”
Ed Daniels, CEO of Venterra Group, stated:
“For many years, our survey team has been a trusted market leader in the largest offshore wind developments for the world’s energy clients. The launch of our fleet of advanced LiDAR buoys, designed and manufactured by our team in Blyth, is a direct and innovative response to our clients’ needs. This advancement places our capabilities at the forefront of metocean services and further enhances Venterra’s position as world leading offshore wind services champion.”
Commercial and Industry Significance
The Venterra V-LiDAR fleet sets new standards in offshore wind resource data, bringing the latest in marine electronics, comms and system design, lower HSE risk profile, deployment efficiency, increased operational windows and real-time high frequency analytics. With its advanced design and robust British engineering, it offers a reliable and efficient solution for offshore wind projects. As the first dual LiDAR buoys manufactured in the UK, these units will underpin critical wind resource surveys, improve project viability, and unlock high-value export opportunities with world-leading developers.
With this launch, Venterra not only demonstrates a commitment to UK supply chain growth and innovation under the “Build it in Britain” agenda but also aligns with the UK’s strategy for clean tech manufacturing, part of its Modern Industrial Strategy and its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan.
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead, Venterra
+353 86 3298700
Katie Rogers, Communications Manager, Venterra
Notes to Editors:
V-Lidar webpage: www.vlidar.co.uk
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com
Partrac is Venterra’s specialist metocean and seabed consultancy, delivering high-integrity data to support the efficient development and operation of offshore wind projects. With over 20 years of experience, Partrac has provided its expertise in data acquisition to some of the world’s largest fixed wind farms as well as many floating wind developments, providing field measurement, modelling and consulting services. As lead developer of Venterra’s new V-Lidar fleet, Partrac brings advanced wind measurement capabilities to improve site assessment, reduce uncertainty and support project bankability. Learn more at www.partrac.com.
Robbie Blakeman, Joint MD of Osbit, said:
“This contract confirms Osbit’s world-class engineering and our commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovation and manufacturing excellence. Over the past 15 years, drawing on the rich maritime and engineering heritage of the North East of England, Osbit has developed an extensive modular technology portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the offshore energy sector. The NKT T3600 will set new standards for cable protection and installation, underpinning the reliability and security of renewable energy grids across Europe. We are proud to deliver this project from our new facility at the Port of Blyth, creating specialist jobs and contributing to the region’s industrial resurgence.”
Ed Daniels, CEO of Venterra Group, commented:
“We are delighted by NKT’s recognition of Osbit as a world-leading design, engineering, and manufacturing company. This contract not only demonstrates Osbit’s technical excellence but also the strategic importance of continued government investment in UK manufacturing to deliver energy security and support the global energy transition. The T3600 trencher’s ability to bury cables deeper than ever before directly addresses the need for robust infrastructure in today’s challenging environment, ensuring secure, reliable connections for renewable power. Four of Venterra’s companies are located in the North East and our continued investment in the region reflects our belief in its potential as a powerhouse for clean energy jobs and innovation. Winning contracts like this directly supports our vision to make Venterra a world-leading wind services champion, driving industry progress and delivering best-in-class solutions for the renewable sector.”
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead,
Venterra Group Director of Communications
+353 86 3298700
Notes to Editors:
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com
Under the umbrella of the Venterra Group, Balltec and its fellow member companies are proud to announce that the Ministry of Defence has awarded the Silver Award as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for 2025. This award honours employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, which includes Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and military families.
The Silver Award recognises employers who go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant pledges, embedding supportive HR practices, advocating for ex-Armed Forces personnel across their organisations, and visibly supporting the values of service.
This award reflects the whole of the Venterra Group’s ongoing efforts to exceed its Armed Forces Covenant pledge. The company has embedded Defence-friendly policies that recognise the value of military experience and provide practical, sustained support across the business. This support includes fully paid additional leave for Reservists and CFAVs, as well as targeted recruitment efforts to attract veterans into meaningful roles within the offshore wind industry.
Internally, the Venterra Group has established a dedicated Military Working Group and created a hub designed to enhance engagement, networking, and awareness of initiatives for the Armed Forces community. The company maintains a close relationship with Mission Renewables and actively participates in the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) Military Working Group, helping to drive industry-wide efforts to support veteran employment.
Speaking at the announcement that over 300 organisations have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2025, Major General Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, said:
“These Silver Award winners are trusted allies of Defence. They don’t just talk about support — they show it, every day, through flexible policies, visible advocacy, and long-term commitment to those who serve. This is about more than good intentions; it’s about practical, sustained support that strengthens our national resilience. It is very pleasing that they have been recognised for all that they do our Reservists, Veterans and Cadets.“
“Receiving the Silver Award is a significant milestone in Venterra’s broader mission to support ex-servicemen while building a skilled, inclusive workforce fit for the UK’s net zero future”, added Mike Garcia, Technical Operations Director, Venterra Geoscience, also an ex-serviceman.
Military veterans are exceptionally well-suited to careers in the offshore wind sector, including at Venterra, thanks to their proven transferable skills, strong work ethic, and experience working in high-pressure environments. Companies like Venterra offer a diverse range of roles in the areas they operate, from UXO mitigation and operating marine survey vessels to logistics, project management, and technical operations, that align closely with the technical expertise, adaptability, and mission-driven mindset that veterans bring from their service.
This recognition reinforces Venterra’s long-term commitment to being a forces-friendly employer and playing an active role in national resilience and the transition to a net-zero future.
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead,
Venterra Group Director of Communications
+353 86 3298700
Notes to Editors:
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com
Venterra is pleased to confirm the successful completion of a regional metocean characterisation study for the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP), another crucial step in Ireland’s renewable energy journey. This study, commissioned by Ireland’s Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), is a significant contribution to the preparation for Ireland’s forthcoming Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) Tonn Nua Offshore Wind Auction.
The study utilised advanced numerical modelling techniques and provided a robust 40-year hindcast dataset of metocean conditions across the SC-DMAP and its four Maritime Areas earmarked for offshore wind development. This extensive dataset covered a significant period and was analysed to assess operational and extreme conditions. These outputs, whilst helping to de-risk bid preparations for the upcoming auction, will also support developers in improving future offshore wind farms’ planning, engineering, and operational efficiency.
Key elements of the study included:
This work highlights Venterra’s expertise in delivering high-quality metocean data through innovative modelling and analysis techniques. The modelling results provide critical insights to facilitate informed decision-making for offshore wind development in the SC-DMAP area.
Commenting on the completion of this work, Venterra’s Chief Commercial and Growth Officer Paul Doherty said:
“DECC’s commissioning of the SC-DMAP Metocean Study off Ireland’s south coast must be commended. By providing a 40-year hindcast dataset, validated site-specific models, and spatial maps of metocean conditions, the output of this work will dramatically reduce uncertainty in engineering specifications and financial modelling and enable prospective developers to submit more accurate, efficient and risk-optimised bids for this year’s Tonn Nua auction and future auctions.“
Doherty added:
“The insights provided by the data will help streamline early development stages, accelerate the path to delivery for the Tonn Nua project, and exemplify best-practice data-driven risk mitigation. In the short term, it de-risks design choices by providing accurate metocean conditions for design parameters and accelerates permitting by ensuring better compliance with regulatory requirements, while longer-term benefits include lower lifecycle costs and a replicable framework for future plans and projects.”
The proactive approach taken by DECC in commissioning this study reflects the commitment to supporting Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions. By enhancing data availability, DECC supports offshore renewable energy (ORE) development and strengthens Ireland’s ability to meet its renewable energy targets.
The SC-DMAP is a key component of Ireland’s ORE strategy, representing a transformative step in the country’s clean energy transition. This government-led maritime spatial planning initiative offers certainty to developers. The SC-DMAP identifies four Maritime Areas in the Irish part of the Celtic Sea within which proposed future ORE projects will be located, which in this instance relates to fixed offshore wind technology. One of these four maritime areas, known as Tonn Nua or Maritime Area A, has been identified to be developed by the winner of Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, which will take place later this year. With Tonn Nua’s remit to produce 900 MW of clean energy off the southeast coast, this project marks another milestone in Ireland’s renewable energy journey.
To access the outputs of the SC-DMAP Metocean Study you can visit the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) website at:
For more information on the SC-DMAP, you can visit the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) website at:
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead,
Venterra Group Director of Communications
+353 86 3298700
Notes to Editors:
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com
See the D&A 2025 GOM brochure here: https://events.offsnet.com/DA-GOM-2025#/Brochure?lang=en



The discovery last week of a World War II bomb near Paris’s busy Gare du Nord train station, which caused significant disruptions to rail services including Eurostar, highlights the persistent dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO) not only on land but critically beneath our seas. Venterra’s UXO team, with its industry-leading technical expertise and vast data resources, highlights the essential role of UXO mitigation in the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry.
The Paris incident is a stark reminder of the hidden legacy of past conflicts. However, the scale of UXO risks offshore is equally daunting. An estimated 500,000 items, equating to 100,000 tonnes of UXO, lie on the seabed surrounding Great Britain alone. For the offshore wind sector, these hidden dangers present significant challenges that could disrupt surveying operations, cause costly delays, damage equipment and threaten the life & safety of those operating offshore.
Richard Pike, Director of Venterra Geoscience, said:
“While land-based UXO incidents are concerning, they pale in comparison to the sheer volume of unexploded ordnance in our seas. Our dedicated UXO team, comprising former military specialists with decades of experience, provides critical advisory services to many of the largest offshore wind projects around the globe. From site assessments and geophysical surveys to meticulous cable route planning, we ensure safety and efficiency by reducing UXO risks to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) levels.”
A cornerstone of Venterra’s approach is its proprietary database, The Vault 2.0. Developed over the last 15 years, this invaluable tool represents a multimillion-pound investment in UXO data collation. It contains thousands of primary historical sources, including mine maps from both World Wars, ship logs, handwritten air raid reports, and bespoke UXO desktop studies. These resources have been painstakingly gathered by Venterra’s dedicated team of UXO data archivists and military historians, who continuously seek new information from national and local archives, libraries, armed forces, and museums worldwide.
Keith Higgins Venterra UXO advisor, added:
“Our commitment to data quality and investment in The Vault 2.0 gives us a unique edge. It enables our team to offer clients unparalleled and up-to-date insights, helping them make not only informed but quicker decisions that keep their projects on track and their teams safe.”
As the offshore wind industry pushes forward with ambitious development goals, Venterra Geoscience continues to lead the way in UXO risk management, delivering safe and sustainable outcomes for renewable energy projects worldwide.
For more information about Venterra Geoscience and its UXO risk management services, please visit www.venterra-group.com.
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead, Venterra
+353 86 3298700
Notes to Editors:
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com
With both countries setting ambitious offshore wind targets—Australia aiming for 32 GW by 2030 and New Zealand exploring up to 8 GW—this partnership is strategically timed to capitalise on significant market opportunities. Combining Venterra’s global expertise in entire lifecycle offshore wind solutions with Tonkin + Taylor’s deep regional knowledge and wide-ranging engineering capabilities, the alliance is set to deliver world-class projects and accelerate the region’s clean energy transition.
The collaboration unites two highly respected companies with proven track records in delivering complex renewable energy projects. By leveraging complementary strengths, Venterra and Tonkin + Taylor will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including:
• 1st in class, Owners Engineering services
• Environmental and geotechnical investigation, analysis and support
• Foundation design including fixed or floating solutions
• Marine surveys including acoustics and hydrographic
• Project management and complete lifecycle engineering
• UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) and metocean data analysis
Commenting on the agreement, Paul Doherty, Chief Commercial & Growth Officer of Venterra Group, said:
“Partnering with Tonkin + Taylor is a significant step in strengthening our offshore wind presence in Australia and New Zealand. Tonkin + Taylor’s deep local expertise, combined with Venterra’s full lifecycle service offering and global offshore wind experience, creates a powerful platform to drive project success. Together, we are well-positioned to support governments and developers in delivering large-scale offshore wind projects that will support the regions energy transition.”
David Champness, APAC Director of Venterra Group, said:
“We acknowledge the distinct challenges associated with developing offshore wind projects in both Australia and New Zealand, including the complexities of geology, such as carbonate soils, as well as environmental and community considerations, including Indigenous and First Nation perspectives. Tonkin + Taylor brings invaluable local expertise, enhancing our combined offshore wind and nearshore/onshore project experience to deliver a comprehensive, full-lifecycle solution for our clients.”
Glen Nicholson, Sector Director, Energy at Tonkin + Taylor says:
“We are looking forward to collaborating with Venterra Group to support the successful delivery of offshore wind projects across Australia and New Zealand. By combining our expertise with Venterra’s global capabilities, we are well-positioned to drive innovative, sustainable solutions that accelerate the region’s energy growth and transition. Together, we are committed to delivering projects that not only advance our shared renewable energy goals but also respect the environmental, cultural, and community values that are fundamental to their success.”
As governments and investors intensify their commitments to a cleaner energy future, this partnership strengthens Venterra and Tonkin + Taylor’s ability to confidently secure, develop, and deliver large-scale projects.
Media Enquiries:
Stiofain MacDaibhead, Venterra
+353 86 3298700
Notes to Editors:
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com
Tonkin + Taylor Group is comprised of leading employee-owned environmental and engineering consultancies and testing businesses with offices across New Zealand and Australia. The Group is made up of four companies, delivering solutions to clients across five continents – Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand, Tonkin + Taylor in Australia, Geotechnics, and Chadwick Geotechnics. For further information please visit: www.tonkintaylor.co.nz
With over 35 years of financial expertise, including two decades in the energy sector, Michael De Rhune brings invaluable knowledge and leadership to the group. In his most recent role as Group CFO at Coretrax and in previous CFO roles he successfully led multiple merger and acquisition transactions from initiation to integration. Michael’s experience as an executive board member for several private equity-backed businesses positions him well to drive Venterra’s ambitious growth plans.
As Venterra enters its next development phase, the group aims to continue its expansion in the rapidly growing offshore wind sector. The company will increase momentum by enhancing its current offerings through organic and acquisitive growth while providing integrated services aligned with client needs.
Since its establishment in 2021, Venterra Group has actively pursued its vision to “help wind power grow”. We’ve achieved this by acquiring nine businesses and establishing another, totalling ten companies that provide comprehensive services across the wind farm development lifecycle. This strategic approach has firmly positioned Venterra as a leading player in the offshore wind industry, a sector projected to increase seven-fold from 33 GW in 2020 to around 250 GW by 2030.
Venterra offers a unique, integrated service suite that sets us apart in the market. We cover the entire offshore wind farm lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning. Our holistic approach optimises project efficiencies, reduces costs, and accelerates project delivery for clients. By leveraging cross-phase expertise, we ensure seamless coordination and knowledge transfer, enhancing long-term project viability and performance.
Chief Executive Officer, Ed Daniels, comments:
“We are delighted to welcome Michael to Venterra. His extensive business experience and focus on driving shareholder value will be crucial as we continue our global expansion. I look forward to working closely with Michael and the rest of our leadership team to deliver on Venterra’s ambitious plans, further solidifying our position as a global services champion in the offshore wind industry.” ENDS
Stiofain MacDaibhead, Venterra
+353 86 3298700
[email protected]
Venterra Group Plc was formed in 2021 as a dedicated offshore wind services platform, supporting the industry’s rapid expansion and leading role in the clean energy transition. Comprised of highly technical service providers with expertise and experience across the planning, build and support phases of the offshore wind farm lifecycle, Venterra Group and its 700+ global workforce is providing services to developers and installation contractors that reduce project risk, time and cost. For further information please visit: www.venterra-group.com