Victoria’s offshore wind industry is taking an important step forward, creating potential opportunities for local manufacturers and metal fabricators.
In August 2026, the Victorian Government opened Australia’s first offshore wind auction, inviting developers to bid for contracts to deliver the state’s first 2 gigawatts of offshore wind generation off the Gippsland coast.
According to Offshore Wind Energy Victoria, the proposal period will run until August 2027, with contracts expected to be awarded in 2028.
While much of the attention centres on turbines and large offshore structures, these projects also require smaller metal components, supporting infrastructure and specialist manufacturing services.
For Victorian fabricators, the opportunities could extend well beyond manufacturing the turbines themselves.
Offshore wind needs more than turbines
An offshore wind farm is a complex infrastructure project involving turbines, foundations, electrical systems, offshore substations and connections to the electricity grid.
Each of these systems incorporates a variety of metal components.
Alongside the large structural elements, offshore installations need access platforms, ladders, handrails, safety barriers and other supporting steelwork.
These are often described as secondary steel components because they support access, equipment and other functions rather than forming the main structure of a turbine or foundation.
Manufacturing these components can involve several processes, from cutting individual parts to bending, welding, protective coating and final assembly.
The specific requirements depend on where the component will be installed and the conditions it must withstand.
Local fabrication opportunities are already emerging
The proposed Blue Mackerel offshore wind project provides a practical example of how these opportunities are developing.
Its Industry Capability Network listing includes a steel supply and manufacturing package seeking expressions of interest from businesses involved in secondary and tertiary steelwork.
The scope includes ladders, platforms, safety barriers and other fabricated components, alongside maintenance and replacement work during the project’s operational life.
This demonstrates the range of manufacturing services that may be required as offshore wind projects progress.
It does not mean every metal fabricator will be suited to offshore work. Suppliers must meet the specifications, quality requirements and relevant standards established for each component and contract.
However, the listing provides a concrete example of where established fabrication capabilities could contribute to a developing industry.
Where laser cutting and CNC bending fit
Many fabricated assemblies begin with individual metal components that need to be cut and formed before they can be joined together.
A mounting bracket, for example, might require a specific profile, fixing holes and several bends. An equipment support could involve a combination of cut plates and folded sheet metal.
PPC Laser’s fibre laser cutting equipment can produce custom metal profiles from sheet, including components with complex shapes and accurately positioned cut-outs.
The company’s CNC press brake provides a further manufacturing step, bending sheet metal into angles, channels and other profiles according to the component’s design.
PPC Laser also has hydraulic guillotining and specialist folding equipment for applications where straight cutting or more intricate sheet metal forming is required.
Selecting the appropriate process depends on the material, component dimensions, geometry and intended application.
For offshore installations, additional considerations may include corrosion protection, traceability and the documentation required by the project specification.
Local manufacturing is part of Victoria’s offshore wind plans
The Victorian Government’s procurement requirements place particular emphasis on developing local supply chains.
Developers participating in the first offshore wind auction must demonstrate how they will maximise the use of locally milled and fabricated steel, as well as goods and services from regional Victorian suppliers.
These requirements create an opportunity for manufacturers to investigate where their existing equipment and expertise might fit into future project supply chains.
Importantly, local manufacturing is not limited to the largest components.
Smaller fabricated parts, equipment supports and assemblies can involve specialist businesses working alongside larger manufacturers and principal contractors.
For companies with established metalworking capabilities, understanding these requirements early may help identify suitable opportunities as the industry develops.
Supporting Victoria’s next generation of infrastructure
Offshore wind is still an emerging industry in Australia, and the first Victorian projects have further procurement, assessment and approval stages ahead.
Nevertheless, the current auction and supplier engagement activities show how the industry is beginning to establish its manufacturing requirements.
Based in Carrum Downs, PPC Laser provides metal fabrication services for manufacturing, construction and renewable energy applications.
With fibre laser cutting, CNC press brake bending and specialist sheet metal processing equipment, the company can manufacture custom components to supplied specifications.
For businesses developing renewable energy infrastructure or supporting equipment, PPC Laser can discuss project drawings, material requirements and suitable fabrication methods to help bring metal components from design into production.