Innovating Offshore Wind Technology : The Story of Vibrotwist

The world of offshore wind energy is rapidly evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is Stas Verichev, a 49-year-old engineer and entrepreneur with a bold vision. He leads Vibrotwist, a company dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies that reduce the environmental impact of offshore wind energy projects.

The most important thing is that FOI changed my mindset. I’m not the same person I was when I started. I’ve become more confident in what I’m doing.

Verichev’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from TU Delft, where he specialized in the dynamics of high-speed trains. However, his focus shifted to offshore wind energy when he attended a Gentle Driving of Piles demonstration day at Maasvlakte, where he witnessed a prototype pile driver designed to install wind turbines with minimal noise. “I was amazed by what I saw,” he recalls. “I immediately recognized the technology’s game-changing potential.”

While many were impressed by the innovation, few had the time or resources to commercialize it. This is where Verichev saw his opportunity. With a background in both engineering and sales, he decided to take the lead, partnering with the Faculty of Impact (FOI) to bring the technology to market.

Overcoming technical and financial challenges

As with any entrepreneurial journey, bringing new technology to market has been far from easy. Verichev and his team have faced numerous challenges, particularly in testing and scaling up their innovations. “A few months ago, we were conducting scaled tests,” he explains, “but the soil conditions we encountered at the location were different from what we expected.” These technical hurdles slowed progress, but Verichev remained unfazed. “We keep learning,” he says confidently. “We are on the right path. Now, we are already testing a large-size machine, built by our strategic partner Ampelmann, which performs above our expectations. We are also in the process of developing a full-scale machine that truly could revolutionize offshore wind turbine installation.”

The mindset shift: from engineer to entrepreneur

For Verichev, this journey has not only been about technological innovation but also about personal growth. Reflecting on his time in the FOI program, he acknowledges, “The most important thing is that FOI changed my mindset. I’m not the same person I was when I started. I’ve become more confident in what I’m doing.”

This transformation extends beyond business skills—it’s about adopting a new mentality. “I feel like a predator now,” Verichev says. “I’m no longer like a rabbit; I’m rather like a wolf. I know what I want, and I know what I’m doing.” While FOI has provided guidance and financial support, Verichev emphasizes that it is ultimately up to each entrepreneur to take responsibility for applying the lessons learned.

Funding the future of offshore wind

Securing funding has been one of the toughest obstacles in Verichev’s quest to bring his technology to market. “We were constantly fighting for subsidies and investment deals,” he admits. “Everything took longer than expected.” At one point, his project was on the verge of collapsing due to a lack of time and resources. “If I hadn’t secured funding, we wouldn’t have been able to continue,” he says.

If I hadn’t secured funding, we wouldn’t have been able to continue.

Thankfully, Verichev’s perseverance paid off. His company received a substantial subsidy from Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO, and with help from organizations like the Netherlands Wind Energy Association (now NedZero), and TKI Wind op Zee, he gained access to crucial industry events, such as the world’s largest offshore wind exhibitions: WindEurope in Bilbao and WindEnergy in Hamburg. These events opened doors to valuable connections with potential stakeholders, suppliers and buyers, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

A lasting impact on renewable energy

For Verichev, success isn’t just measured by financial gains—it’s about making a lasting, positive impact. His vision is to contribute to a sustainable future, where his children and grandchildren can be proud of the company’s legacy. “It’s not about money,” he says. “It’s about what you’re doing for the world.” His team’s technology not only reduces the environmental impact of wind turbine installation by eliminating noise and vibrations, but it also has the potential to cut costs, making wind energy more accessible and scalable.

It’s not about money. It’s about what you’re doing for the world.

Transform the offshore wind industry

Looking ahead, Verichev is optimistic about his company’s prospects. He aims to achieve a commercial breakthrough by 2027. Once the technology is proven at scale, he believes it will transform the offshore wind industry. Despite the conservative nature of the market, Verichev is confident. “The chance that we can prove this technology works is 100%—maybe not right now, but quite soon.” He is already in discussions with major wind park operators as well as marine contractors who could potentially invest once the technology is demonstrated to be both cheaper and more efficient.

“I love the technical challenge,” he concludes. “It’s beneficial for society, and that’s what motivates me.” With a clear vision and the right team in place, Stas Verichev is set to make a lasting impact on the future of renewable energy.