The eagerly awaited installation phase at Dogger Bank B offshore wind farm is poised to kick off, marking a significant milestone in the progression of the UK’s ambitious renewable energy goals. This phase constitutes the second of the three 1.2 GW sections within the colossal 3.6 GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm project.
Installation Vessels on the Horizon
Preparations are in full swing as installation vessels, including the Saipem 7000 and Seaway Strashnov, gear up to make their way to the project site. Alongside them, the HEA Leviathan and Edda Boreas are primed for pivotal roles in the upcoming construction activities, focused respectively on the offshore substation (OSS) commissioning and underwater noise monitoring tasks.
Saipem 7000’s Voyage
According to available AIS data, the Saipem 7000 is en route from Norway to the Dogger Bank B site. This vessel is slated to facilitate the installation of the OSS topside onto the jacket foundation established last year. The topside, currently aboard the cargo barge Castoro XI, is being towed by the anchor-handling tug Pacific Discovery, underscoring the intricate logistics at play in this maritime endeavor.
Monopile Installation and Delays
The Seaway Strashnov is anticipated to join the fray around the time the OSS topside is positioned, initiating monopile installation. However, the campaign faced delays, attributed to unforeseen challenges. A mechanical fault in the monopile lifting tool, compounded by vessel demobilization for maintenance and subsequent contract commitments, resulted in setbacks, as outlined in a filing with the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
Project Timeline and Consortium Efforts
With monopile installation projected to span until the third quarter of this year, the Dogger Bank Wind Farm consortium remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure. The consortium, comprising Sif Netherlands and Smulders Projects Belgium, continues to deliver on its contractual obligations for the initial phases of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, underscoring collaborative efforts to propel sustainable energy initiatives forward.
Progress and Future Prospects
As Dogger Bank A advances through the wind turbine installation phase, with the first power already generated last year, optimism abounds for the broader project’s success. Jan De Nul’s vessel, Voltaire, has been instrumental in this phase, having installed a series of Haliade-X 13 MW turbines. Despite temporary maintenance hiatuses, the vessel is poised to resume operations, highlighting the cyclical nature of maritime endeavors.
Source: offshorewind
