Norwegian state-controlled player Equinor is looking to develop floating solar technology for near-coast applications through a collaboration with Italy’s Saipem.

Equinor, which pioneered floating wind technology with its Hywind project off the UK, partnered with Saipem and the Milan-based player’s Moss Maritime arm, a specialist services unit.

“The technology will be based on the in-house developed concept by Moss Maritime…designed for easy fabrication, transportation and installation at operation site,” Saipem said on Friday.