DEME’s flagship vessel, the ‘Orion,’ has accomplished a significant feat in the renewable energy sector by completing the installation of turbine foundations for the near 15 MW Moray West offshore wind farm project in Scotland. Despite facing adverse winter conditions, DEME efficiently installed 29 monopiles over a span of two months, marking a crucial milestone in the industry’s progress.
The Moray West offshore wind farm, situated in Scotland’s Moray Firth, is developed by Ocean Winds and is poised to generate a substantial 882 MW of power, capable of supplying electricity to over 1.3 million homes. This accomplishment by DEME signifies the successful installation of the first complete foundations for the near 15 MW turbines, employing innovative tools like the Quad Vibro Hammer and pioneering bolting equipment for M90 bolts.
Progress Amidst Harsh Conditions
The ‘Orion’ played a pivotal role in transporting the 29 monopiles, each weighing up to 2000 tonnes, from the port of Invergordon to the installation site. Utilizing its dynamic positioning (DP) mode without the need for anchors, the vessel deployed its specially designed motion-compensated pile gripper alongside a 5,000-tonne crane and advanced ballasting techniques to ensure operational efficiency in the challenging Scottish winter weather.
Innovative Technologies at Work
In overcoming the risks posed by varying soil layers, DEME employed the Vibro Hammer to prevent pile-runs, followed by hydraulic Impact Hammer operations to drive the piles to their target depth. The installation process, executed by DEME’s ‘Orion’ and ‘Apollo’ vessels, showcased a remarkable level of efficiency, thereby accelerating the project schedule despite the constraints of a limited installation period.
International Collaboration and Expertise
DEME’s success in the Moray West project underscores the contributions of its international team of specialist engineers and crew members, including American personnel who played a crucial role in the project’s execution. The diverse expertise and collaborative effort demonstrated by the team not only ensured project success but also provided valuable experience for upcoming offshore wind ventures in US waters.
Moving Forward to the US
With the completion of its tasks in Scotland, the ‘Orion’ embarks on its next journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. Scheduled to arrive in the Port of Norfolk, Virginia, the vessel will prepare for its involvement in the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project for Dominion Energy. The deployment of advanced technologies, including the Vibro Hammer and Impact Hammer, coupled with state-of-the-art noise mitigation measures, underscores DEME’s commitment to sustainable offshore energy solutions.
DEME’s ‘Orion’ has not only achieved a significant milestone in Scotland’s renewable energy landscape but also sets sail for new horizons in the United States, exemplifying the company’s expertise and dedication to advancing offshore wind projects globally.
