Anchoring our future - floating offshore wind turbine foundations

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Jamie Crispin, Dr Katherine Kwa and Prof. Dave White

New, efficient design methods are urgently needed to unlock deeper waters for offshore renewable energy infrastructure. In this PhD project, you will learn about established methods to design fixed offshore foundations to resist cyclic storm loading, then lead the way in developing these into new design approaches for anchoring systems.

Lead the Way in Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

Decarbonisation of our energy supply to meet UK and international Net Zero targets by 2050 requires rapid expansion of the offshore renewable energy industry. Efficient and reliable anchoring systems are needed to support future floating offshore renewable energy infrastructure which will operate in deeper waters, where high energy wind resources are located and infrastructure is vulnerable to high-intensity storms.

You will:

• learn how fixed offshore foundations can be designed to resist cyclic loading due to high-intensity storms
• undertake physical experiments, taking advantage of the Geomechanics Laboratory and Geotechnical Centrifuge Facilities to investigate how anchor foundations behave under cyclic loading
• combine knowledge of existing methods with experimental results to create innovative new theoretical and numerical models that be used in anchor design

You will work as part of vibrant research teams, Intelligent & Resilient Ocean Engineering in Southampton and the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub nationally. Your work will also be linked to the RAEng Research Fellowship held by Dr Kwa. The project will enable you to develop advanced theoretical, numerical and physical modelling skills, as well as collaborate with industry.

The outcomes of this project are expected to be taken up by the offshore renewable energy sector and therefore have direct impact on the industry by improving anchor and full-floating system design methods. You will develop transferrable skills, write journal papers, attend conferences and extend your network, enabling you to choose your preferred path in academia or industry.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with a strong foundation in geotechnical or civil engineering.

Desirable skills:

• experience with soil mechanics, numerical modelling, and experimental testing
• a passion for renewable energy and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future
• excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with supervisors, researchers, and industry partners

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)