A new initiative funded by Innovate UK is working to revolutionise offshore wind farm maintenance with autonomous robotic systems. Sheffield-based robotics company BOW has teamed up with ORE Catapult and ACUA Ocean in the OSIRIS project, which aims to combine drones and subsea robots to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve safety in offshore renewable energy.

Currently, maintenance operations account for around 25% of the lifetime costs of offshore wind farms. Traditional methods rely heavily on human intervention, which is costly, time-consuming, and exposes workers to safety risks. The OSIRIS project seeks to address these challenges by deploying a fully autonomous inspection system that will be scalable and cost-effective.

BOW’s role in the project is focused on enhancing simulation and testing capabilities. The company’s software development kit (SDK) will integrate with ORE Catapult’s Synthetic Test and Unified Demonstration System (STUDS), allowing for more efficient testing of robotic systems in various environmental conditions before they are deployed in real-world offshore settings.

The project will also see ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel (H-USV) deployed as the central hub for managing and coordinating aerial and subsea robots. The combination of these robotic systems aims to reduce reliance on crewed vessels, cutting emissions and improving operational efficiency.

The initiative is part of the UK’s broader efforts to increase offshore wind capacity, with the government aiming to quadruple its offshore wind capacity by 2030. By integrating robotics into offshore wind farm operations, the project is not only set to reduce costs but also accelerate the transition to a Net Zero energy sector.

Expected to be fully operational by 2027, the OSIRIS project could set the stage for broader applications of autonomous robotics across the marine industry.

Nearly one in five mid-sized businesses in Yorkshire plan to expand or boost exports in the next year, according to new research from BDO. The report reveals a clear international focus, even amid uncertain trading conditions and operational challenges.

The survey of 500 mid-sized UK firms found that 18% of Yorkshire businesses are prioritising international growth. Target markets include South America, Australia, and the EU, each cited by 44% of those eyeing exports. Africa also attracted attention from 35% of respondents.

However, growth ambitions are running up against several barriers. Around 24% of firms in the region report shortages in export and supply chain skills, while 12% are seeing weaker demand, likely linked to inflationary pressures and squeezed budgets among both business clients and consumers.

Despite these issues, sentiment remains broadly positive. The vast majority (94%) of Yorkshire mid-sized businesses believe the UK Government’s upcoming Small Business Strategy will help them. A quarter are calling for specific reforms to simplify customs processes and expand support through channels such as UK Export Finance.

The findings reflect a continued appetite among regional firms to scale up internationally, with many looking to government policy and local authority partnerships to help navigate a complex global trade environment.

Associated British Foods (ABF) is warning that its Vivergo bioethanol plant in East Yorkshire may be mothballed or closed, putting around 150 jobs at risk. The move follows sustained losses and production cuts caused by falling bioethanol prices.

The Vivergo facility, located in Saltend near Hull, converts UK-grown wheat into bioethanol fuel and animal feed. It was launched in 2007 but now faces operational uncertainty amid concerns over how UK biofuel regulations are being applied.

ABF is currently in discussions with the UK Government, seeking regulatory support to maintain commercial viability at the site. However, the company has indicated there is no guarantee of a resolution and may proceed with closure if market conditions fail to improve.

The situation coincides with a broader earnings decline at ABF. Pre-tax profits fell by 21% to £692 million in the 24 weeks to March 1, with revenues down 2% to £9.5 billion. Its sugar division was notably weak during the period.