Belgian maritime contractor Jan De Nul has landed a significant contract to install inter-array cables for the Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms in the German North Sea. The company will lay 196 kilometers of subsea cables to connect 112 wind turbines, further solidifying its position in the offshore wind sector. This project aligns with Germany’s broader push toward renewable energy, a key element in the country’s transition to a greener power grid.
The Nordlicht 1 and 2 wind farms, located approximately 85 kilometers north of the island of Borkum, will have a combined capacity of 1,610 megawatts (MW). Pending a final investment decision expected in 2025, construction is set to begin in 2026, with full operational status projected for 2028. Once completed, these wind farms will generate an estimated 6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—enough to power 1.7 million German households. This development contributes directly to Germany’s ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045.
Vattenfall, which owns 51% of the Nordlicht project and is overseeing its development, awarded the cable installation contract to Jan De Nul. To execute this large-scale operation, Jan De Nul will deploy its high-tech cable-laying vessel, Connector. This marks the sixth cable project the Belgian contractor has secured in Germany in recent years, further reinforcing its footprint in the offshore wind sector.
“Our installation vessels will be a dominant presence in German waters over the coming years,” said Wouter Vermeersch, Director of Subsea Cables at Jan De Nul. “Together with the foundation installations at Borkum Riffgrund 3 and Gode Wind 3 in 2024, we are strengthening our role as a key player in offshore wind development in Germany.”
What makes the Nordlicht wind farms particularly notable is that they are being developed without government subsidies—a rare feat in the offshore wind industry. In addition to Vattenfall, German chemical giant BASF holds a 49% stake in the project. Vattenfall plans to channel the electricity produced to provide fossil-free power to German consumers, marking another step toward a sustainable energy future.
Cyril Moss, Executive Project Director for Nordlicht at Vattenfall, underscored the importance of the partnership with Jan De Nul: “The installation of inter-array cables is a critical phase in any offshore wind project. Jan De Nul’s expertise and cutting-edge technology give us confidence that we are building these wind farms on a solid foundation.”
By securing this contract, Jan De Nul not only bolsters its reputation in the offshore wind market but also plays an integral role in Europe’s energy transition. With renewable energy targets becoming more aggressive across the continent, projects like Nordlicht will be crucial in driving the shift away from fossil fuels.
Source: Sea Talk
