ORE Catapult has issued an updated cost-reduction framework for floating offshore wind, targeting lower levelised cost of energy by standardising substructure design, mooring systems and dynamic cable configurations. The framework focuses on optimising fabrication and assembly in ports, modularising concrete and steel floaters, and rationalising installation strategies for deep-water sites beyond typical fixed-bottom depths. Developers and designers gain a structured route to compare platform concepts, refine geotechnical and anchoring solutions, and de-risk large-scale deployment in harsher metocean conditions.

Mainmark has completed a three‑week ground improvement programme in Godstone, Surrey, following an 18‑month repair effort after a 20m long, 5m wide, 5m deep sinkhole on the High Street exposed historic sand mine workings about 8m below ground. Working within a multidisciplinary team for Surrey County Council, Mainmark installed roughly 600 resin injection points across High Street and Salisbury Road, targeting depths of 1–4m to strengthen weak and disturbed ground. The works aimed to cut off potential void migration pathways above the remediated mine network before full road reconstruction.

Record UK heat this summer and Met Office warnings of a strong El Niño driving wetter, stormier conditions this autumn and winter are forcing transport authorities to reassess drainage, slope stability and track formation design. Network Rail, local highways teams and port operators are being pushed towards higher-capacity culverts, upgraded ballast and formation drainage, and more robust earthwork reinforcement to cope with prolonged saturation and intense convective storms. For geotechnical and civil engineers, design storms, return periods and climate allowances in asset management plans now need urgent recalibration.