Kinewell charts growth with acquisition

A North East clean-tech pioneer has bolstered its presence in the global offshore wind market with a strategic acquisition.

Kinewell, based in Wallsend, near Newcastle, has bought ForeCoast® Marine, a specialist marine weather risk software provider for the offshore wind sector.

The deal will see ForeCoast® Marine integrated into Kinewell’s existing software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering, expanding its capabilities across the full lifecycle of offshore wind projects.

Kinewell’s technology already supports the planning and design stages, helping developers optimise cable layouts, turbine placement and overall system performance. 

Bosses say the addition of ForeCoast® Marine introduces advanced simulation tools, enabling users to model marine operations using historical data and real-world constraints.

They add the combined offering will allow developers, contractors and operators to better predict risks, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions.

The acquisition positions Kinewell to capitalise on the fast-growing marine management software market, while supporting the wider transition to net-zero.

Tony Appleton, chief commercial officer at Kinewell, said: “The future of offshore wind depends on digitalisation and adding ForeCoast® Marine to our software portfolio will enable Kinewell’s solutions to optimise every single stage of a project lifecycle, from installation to the operational and decommissioning stages.

“It will help the industry to move faster, de-risk projects and lower costs, while positioning Kinewell at the forefront of offshore wind digital transformation. 

“We are delighted to welcome it into the Kinewell family.”

The acquisition follows a recent £750,000 investment from the North East Accelerate Fund, unlocking further grant funding and supporting plans to create ten new jobs.

Dr Andrew Jenkins, founder and chief executive of Kinewell, which recently celebrated being awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, added: “ForeCoast® Marine’s software will provide a major boost to the entire supply chain, from developers to consultants, insurers, marine planners, operators and ports, providing a single, easy-to-use solution that can not only de-risk developments, but also maximise performance and improve project financials.

“We also see huge potential in the use of ForeCoast® Marine beyond offshore wind, with the software also used to support the planning and execution of any marine activity.

“It has already been well-received by our existing clients and has allowed new relationships to be forged with others in the sector. 

“It will provide a real boost to the business as we seek to continue developing digital solutions for some of the industry’s most complex problems.

“The funding, combined with the acquisition of ForeCoast® Marine, will see 2026 be yet another stellar year for the team, with the creation of more high-skilled jobs and an ever-greater service offering for our customers.

“And with more offshore wind farms set to come to fruition over the coming months and years, particularly in Asia and Europe where we have already firmly established ourselves, there will be even more exciting announcements to follow.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.