Floating offshore wind is set to create a new wave of demand for high-specification offshore support vessels, with supply constraints potentially emerging before the end of the decade, according to a new report from classification society ABS. The report, Floating Offshore Wind and the Vessels That Support It, produced in collaboration with Intelatus Global Partners, concludes that demand for large anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTSs) and multipurpose support vessels (MPSVs) will increase significantly as floating wind projects move from demonstration phases to commercial-scale deployment. “Floating offshore wind presents a distinct set of challenges, particularly around vessel capability, mooring systems and project execution,” said Rob Langford, ABS Vice President, Global Offshore Markets. While floating offshore wind remains a relatively small segment of the global offshore wind market today, ABS expects steady growth over the next decade. For vessel owners, the report recommends assessing whether existing offshore support vessels can be adapted for floating wind service or whether upgraded or purpose-built vessels will be needed to capture emerging opportunities.