Mammoet has secured a significant contract to marshal over 100 XXL monopile foundations for two of Europe’s largest offshore wind projects: RWE’s Nordseecluster A in Germany and Thor in Denmark. Partnering with Buss Ports, the operation will unfold at the Buss Terminal Eemshaven in the Netherlands, leveraging Mammoet’s expertise in heavy-lift operations and engineering solutions.
The Nordseecluster project, set to deliver up to 1.6 GW of renewable energy, stands as one of Germany’s most ambitious offshore wind ventures. Meanwhile, Denmark’s Thor project will contribute over 1 GW of power, enough to electrify more than a million homes, marking it as the country’s largest offshore wind initiative. Together, these projects signify a monumental stride toward Europe’s clean energy targets.
Mammoet’s role will involve the phased load-in, temporary storage, and eventual load-out of 116 XXL monopiles destined for installation at sea. These colossal structures, each weighing up to 1,700 tonnes and stretching 96 meters in length, are integral to anchoring the wind turbines. The process will utilize Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) equipped with specialized saddles for safe and efficient handling. The monopiles will be moved via a RoRo linkspan ramp to designated storage areas, awaiting shipment to their offshore destinations.
“This is a complex marshalling operation, with large components for both farms needing to be moved and managed on a single site,” explained Wouter Santen, Project Manager at Mammoet. “Combining our specialist heavy transport equipment with our engineering experience of monopile handling, we are delighted to support the development of these significant offshore wind projects concurrently.”
Marc Wegman, Managing Director of Buss Terminal Eemshaven, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “Mammoet has a proven track record for managing the movement of monopiles safely and efficiently. Having them by our side during the planning stage has been invaluable. We look forward to working with them as we move into the assembly phase.”
This undertaking is expected to span a year, optimizing schedules and simplifying the complex logistics of managing two mega-projects from a single operational hub. By combining advanced transport technology with a meticulous engineering approach, Mammoet and Buss Ports aim to meet the growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure while maintaining safety and efficiency.
