DEME Group, in collaboration with Dominion Energy, has reached significant milestones at the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) farm project off the coast of Virginia, USA. This week, DEME celebrated the successful installation of 70 monopile foundations—a critical step in one of the largest offshore wind projects in the United States. Utilizing its state-of-the-art offshore installation vessel, ‘Orion,’ the group has made remarkable progress, thanks to the expertise of its employees and the dedication of skilled local union members.
The installation of these monopile foundations, which are massive steel structures that anchor the wind turbines to the seabed, marks a major achievement for the project. DEME’s efforts have been crucial in laying the groundwork for what will become a massive clean energy hub. The ‘Orion,’ known for its advanced technology and lifting capacity, has been pivotal in this phase of the project, ensuring that each foundation is securely placed.
But the milestones don’t end there. The DEME cable installation vessel ‘Living Stone’ has also successfully laid the first export cable for the wind farm. This cable is essential for transmitting the renewable energy generated by the wind turbines back to shore, where it will be integrated into the power grid. The precision and expertise required to lay such a cable cannot be understated—this work involves meticulous planning and execution to ensure both safety and efficiency.
A special acknowledgment was given to the teams at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, a key staging area that has been instrumental in DEME’s operations. Their support, alongside other key partners such as the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia International Terminals, Inc., The Port of Virginia, and Prysmian, has played a significant role in the success of the project so far. Collaboration with these entities is essential as the project continues to move forward, laying the foundation for a sustainable energy future.
Looking ahead, DEME is committed to maintaining its strong partnership with these key stakeholders as it helps to construct one of America’s largest clean energy projects. Once completed, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind farm will consist of 176 wind turbines, generating enough renewable energy to power up to 660,000 homes. This project not only represents a significant step towards the U.S.’s renewable energy goals but also demonstrates the power of international cooperation in tackling climate change and energy challenges.
As the CVOW project continues to advance, all eyes are on the horizon. The ongoing efforts by DEME and its partners will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy in the United States. With every foundation laid and every cable installed, we move one step closer to a more sustainable world.