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29 May 2025

Wave Energy Developers Get Fabrication Boost With New TEAMER Facility

29 May 2025  by offshore energy   
Thompson Metal Fab (TMF), based in Vancouver, Washington, has joined the U.S. Testing Expertise and Access to Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) network as a technical support provider, specializing in manufacturing design for marine energy developers. The company focuses on constructability, scheduling, and cost estimation to advance wave and tidal energy technologies.


Thompson Metal Fab facility

TEAMER highlighted TMF’s role, stating in a social media post: “We are excited to provide these new capabilities to support recipients moving forward thanks to Thompson Metal Fab.” TMF offers expertise in design-for-manufacture feedback, budget planning, build plan development, and timeline forecasting, supporting projects from initial concept to completion.

TMF operates a 250,000-square-foot indoor facility with bays measuring approximately 18.2 meters wide, 128 meters long, and 12 meters high under the hook. A 12-acre adjacent yard supports material storage and large-scale assembly. The facility features a roll-on/roll-off barge slip capable of handling ocean-class barges, enabling direct transport to the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia River.

The company employs industry-standard tools, including SolidWorks and Tekla for design modeling, custom Excel tools and Vista Viewpoint for cost projections, and Microsoft Project and Primavera P6 for scheduling. TMF’s experience includes manufacturing hydroelectric infrastructure, such as bulkheads, stoplogs, and radial gates. In December 2023, TMF delivered a wave energy prototype for an undisclosed offshore renewable energy client, which underwent operational testing before recovery.

TMF collaborates with developers and engineers through design-assist programs, addressing manufacturing challenges and supporting funding application deliverables. This expertise strengthens the development of marine energy technologies.

TEAMER is currently accepting applications for its 16th Request for Technical Support (RFTS 16) until June 6, 2025, with RFTS 17 applications due by October 3, 2025. Applicants must coordinate with an approved TEAMER facility prior to submission. Recently, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo’s Cal Poly Pier joined the TEAMER network, expanding testing capabilities for marine energy technologies.

In May 2025, TEAMER approved 17 marine energy projects through its 15th RFTS, allocating over $2.3 million in support. In August 2024, TMF endorsed the Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act, a proposed U.S. House of Representatives legislation to invest $1 billion in advancing marine energy toward commercialization. TMF’s involvement in TEAMER underscores its commitment to supporting sustainable energy solutions.

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