MintMech Marks Six Years: Cornwall’s Offshore Experts Gear Up for Green Energy Boom

Penryn-based marine engineering firm highlights potential as Cornwall eyes a future as a renewable energy hub.

Penryn-based marine engineering company, MintMech, celebrates its sixth anniversary this year. With Cornwall poised to become a renewable energy leader, MintMech’s team is eager to contribute to the UK’s ambitious green energy goals.

An Experienced Team with a Local Focus

MintMech directors Laurie Thornton and Jack Berryman founded the company with the goal of bringing their extensive offshore engineering experience back to Cornwall. Having worked on a wide range of projects from bridge building to offshore wind turbine installations, the team of 12 engineers applies both innovation and practical know-how to complex offshore tasks.

“Our clients appreciate our culture and approachable nature as well as the quality of our engineering work,” Jack says. “Engineering isn’t all numbers; people are at the heart of it, and we’re always on the lookout for engineers who hold the same values.”

Tackling Complex Offshore Projects

Known for its cutting-edge solutions, MintMech has been involved in various multi-million-pound developments, solving challenges in offshore exploration and marine construction. From safely transporting crew in rough seas to intricate tasks thousands of meters below, the team leverages tried and tested technology in innovative ways.

Theo Cleave, MintMech’s geologist and commercial manager, recalls an offshore project in Japan that included enduring a seven-point magnitude earthquake. “It’s exciting work,” Theo says, noting the importance of precise seafloor data in large-scale projects.

Supporting the UK’s Offshore Wind Goals

With the Government aiming to quadruple offshore wind power in the next five years, Laurie sees MintMech playing a critical role in achieving these targets. “If the country is going to reach its green energy targets, it needs reliable technology. Delays are expensive—even an hour of downtime can cost thousands—so there’s no room for error. Our designs minimise risks, ensuring projects run smoothly,” Laurie states.

As Cornwall advances its renewable energy agenda, local MP Jayne Kirkham underscored the region’s potential as a renewables centre. Citing Cornwall’s wind, solar, and geothermal assets, Jayne called for greater Government support for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea during the Clean Energy Superpower Mission debate in July. Secretary of State Ed Miliband has hinted at advancing floating wind technology and UK-based manufacturing, aligning with Labour’s goal of a carbon-neutral electricity system by 2030, including 50 GW from offshore wind.

MintMech, headquartered at Jubilee Wharf in Penryn, specialises in the design, manufacture, and operation of geotechnical and marine construction equipment. Find out more about their work at MintMech’s website.