Tree Composites

Offshore wind structures are getting larger. Fabrication is becoming harder to scale with them. In the latest episode of Future in Steel, Mees Wolters, Tim Kapteijn and Maxim Segeren discuss a challenge that receives far less attention than turbine size: the growing complexity behind manufacturing offshore steel structures. A single jacket foundation can require tens of thousands of welding hours. As projects move into deeper waters and larger turbine platforms, pressure increases across fabrication yards through labor intensity, throughput limitations and rising production costs. In this episode, the conversation returns to one central question: can offshore structures still be built competitively if fabrication methods remain largely the same? That is where composite joints enter the discussion: not only as a structural innovation, but also as part of a broader manufacturing challenge. The episode explores ongoing collaborations with yards to investigate how composite joints could potentially simplify certain fabrication flows and reduce specific welding bottlenecks as offshore projects continue to scale. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/ew6gX3xi

In the latest episode of Future in Steel, Tree Composites CTO Mees Wolters, Business Developer Tim Kapteijn and CEO Maxim Segeren discuss a question that keeps returning whenever composite joints enter the conversation: “Is this basically duct taping steel together?” It is usually said jokingly, but it reflects something real. The offshore industry has relied on welded steel connections for decades, so the idea of transferring structural loads through bonded composite technology still feels counterintuitive to many people at first. What makes the discussion in this episode interesting is that the conversation is no longer limited to laboratory research alone. The guests reflect on the transition from early testing toward full-scale structures, offshore demonstrations, commercial studies and ongoing certification pathways with DNV. At the same time, they are careful not to overstate where the industry stands today. As discussed in the episode, broader adoption still depends on certification, validation and the first large-scale commercial reference projects. The technology may challenge traditional assumptions around steel structures, but the approach behind it remains deeply engineering-driven: test extensively, validate carefully and build industry confidence step by step. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/ew6gX3xi

The future of structural innovation is not only about stronger and lighter systems. It is increasingly about how these materials fit into a circular and responsible industrial ecosystem. In our latest ‘Future in Steel’ episode, we explore how the next phase of composites is being shaped by waste reduction, glass reuse, lower embodied carbon and long-term sustainability. As the energy transition scales, the materials behind it must evolve as well. We get into all of it in the latest 'Future in Steel' episode. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e2G5npEr

Excited and looking forward to start this Horizon project of almost ten million! Together with our partners this will boost the future of our company as this project will deliver a fully operational production line for composite joints. This production line is also setup to enable fast scaling of volumes together with our supply chain partners. This means we are ready to deliver and to create impact in the way steel structures are manufactured. Want to know more? Please reach out to us or listen to our podcast series 'Future in Steel'.

Replacing welded steel joints with industrialised composite joints is how Europe regains competitiveness in offshore wind manufacturing. We are proud to announce that the Grant Agreement for JOIN2SCALE has officially been signed under the Horizon Europe programme, with Tree Composites as project coordinator, leading a strong European consortium to deliver this transformation. For decades, offshore wind foundations have relied on welding-intensive joint construction, requiring 30,000 to 50,000 hours of manual labour per jacket, driving excessive thick steel use, limiting fatigue performance and ultimately pushing large-scale fabrication outside of Europe. Starting this May, JOIN2SCALE will develop and validate the industrialisation of automated composite joint manufacturing, enabling up to 200% higher production throughput, 30–50% optimised steel use, up to 40% cost reduction and up to 35% lower CO₂ emissions, while significantly improving safety by eliminating a large share of hazardous welding activities. This unlocks true scale-up to full wind park volumes, ensures deep-water foundation fabrication remains competitive in Europe, keeps the steel industry actively engaged and strengthens European energy independence. This step forward is made possible together with our partners: TU Delft | Civil Engineering and Geosciences + SAM XL, PINETTE PEI, Fraunhofer ITWM, INEGI driving science & innovation, ECCS - European Convention for Constructional Steelwork, Loop Technology Ltd, OCAS NV, CHOMARAT Group, ArcelorMittal Energy Projects and associate partner TenneT Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. #HorizonEurope #JOIN2SCALE #OffshoreWind #EnergyTransition #Manufacturing #Composites #Steel

What happens when two material worlds stop competing and start collaborating? In our latest 'Future in Steel' conversation, Maxim Segeren sits down with Chris Skinner of Owens Corning to talk about where composites and steel are heading — and why the most interesting structural solutions of the next decade won't be built from one material alone. Read the full article below.

The challenge is no longer proving that composites work. The real challenge is scaling a relatively small industry into large-scale industrial applications that can transform sectors like offshore wind, infrastructure and heavy civil structures. That requires more than technical performance. It requires standards, supply chains, industrial trust and a new mindset around materials. Most importantly, this is not a discussion about steel versus composite. The future lies in a symbiotic relationship, where steel and composites each perform where they create the highest value. Combining stiffness, durability, corrosion resistance and speed of deployment. Our latest episode of ‘Future in Steel’ explores what it takes to move from innovation to true industrial adoption: https://lnkd.in/e2G5npEr

WindEurope has come to an end. But the work has just begun. Maxim Segeren and Tim Kapteijn have already begun the process of following up while we wait at the airport for our plane. Tree Composites would like to thank NedZero - Wind Energy Association for hosting the Dutch pavillion innovation zone and the amazing hospitality we experienced. Also everyone who came by the stand to chat or sat down with us for a meeting. We had an amazing time.

Tree Composites is a finalist for the Nieuwe Heldenprijs 2026 — Rotterdam's award for companies driving the economy of tomorrow. The nomination recognises businesses where innovation and societal impact reinforce each other. We're in good company: Rotterdam councillor Robert Simons announced at City Hall on April 17 that the other finalists are FLASC B.V. and Plastilose. Getting here took a team effort. A strong pitch by our CEO Maxim Segeren made the difference! This recognition reflects the work we're doing together with our partners: HSM Offshore Energy BV, JERA Nex bp, Vattenfall, Shell, ArcelorMittal, AOC, Enersea BV - Offshore Energy Engineering & Consultancy, Siemens Energy, Delft University of Technology, GROW offshore wind and Netherlands Enterprise Agency. The winner is chosen by public vote at the award ceremony on June 2 in the Laurenskerk, Rotterdam. We would love to see some of you there! #NieuweHeldenprijs #Innovation #EnergyTransition

Great first day at WindEurope in Madrid! We had a strong kickoff, including our pitch on why the time to innovate is now. Composite joints can play a key role in keeping EU fabrication yards competitive against imported foundations, and the conversation has clearly started. Curious to see it in real life? We’ve brought a demo joint to the exhibition, so you can experience the innovation up close. We’re still here on Wednesday and Thursday at stand 9-G20 in the Dutch Pavilion, come by for a chat! NedZero - Branchevereniging voor windenergie #WindEurope2026 #offshorewind #composites #innovation