Boskalis, a global leader in dredging, offshore energy, and marine services, has completed another milestone in the ongoing development of Ørsted’s Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farm, situated in the German sector of the North Sea. With the deployment of its cable-laying vessel BOKA Ocean and multipurpose offshore vessel Ndeavor, the company has successfully installed and buried dozens of inter-array cables, reinforcing its expertise in the offshore wind sector.
This project stands out not only for its scale but also for the transformation story behind the vessels involved. The BOKA Ocean was originally a pipe-laying vessel before Boskalis acquired it just a year ago. Following its acquisition, the ship underwent an extensive retrofit, emerging as a state-of-the-art cable-laying vessel tailored to meet the rigorous demands of projects like Borkum Riffgrund 3. The effort involved the Fleet Management and Central Fleet Support teams at Boskalis, who meticulously redesigned and outfitted the vessel to ensure optimal performance.
The Ndeavor also underwent a significant transformation. Previously serving as a support vessel for the SMIT Salvage team during the high-profile salvage of the FSO Safer off Yemen’s coast, the vessel was repurposed for the current project. It’s a testament to Boskalis’ operational agility and the versatility of its fleet, as both vessels were adapted with precision and readiness to deliver on this complex assignment.
Borkum Riffgrund 3, developed by Danish renewable energy giant Ørsted, is a key component of Europe’s push toward clean energy. The inter-array cables installed by Boskalis form the critical infrastructure that connects the wind farm’s turbines, ensuring efficient energy transmission to the grid. These cables must endure harsh marine conditions, requiring precise installation and robust burial techniques—a challenge that Boskalis handled with its signature expertise and dedication.
The project also underscores the broader shift in the maritime industry toward sustainability and renewable energy. Cable-laying operations like this are pivotal for the future of offshore wind farms, which play a growing role in Europe’s energy transition. Boskalis’ commitment to innovation and excellence, as demonstrated by the transformations of BOKA Ocean and Ndeavor, reflects its position at the forefront of this shift.
With this achievement, Boskalis has reinforced its role as a trusted partner in the offshore wind sector. The company’s ability to adapt, innovate, and execute complex projects highlights its contribution to the ongoing global energy transition, ensuring both technological progress and environmental responsibility.
