Van Oord, a global maritime contractor, has successfully completed the construction of the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) jetty at Wilhelmshaven, Germany, for Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET). This major infrastructure project marks a significant step forward in Germany’s efforts to strengthen its energy supply and transition toward cleaner energy sources. The project was managed by FSRU Wilhelmshaven GmbH, a joint venture between ENGIE and TES, highlighting the collaborative efforts driving the country’s energy infrastructure forward.
Utilizing its expertise in dredging, offshore energy, and maritime infrastructure, Van Oord designed and executed a tailor-made integrated solution for the FSRU jetty, demonstrating its reputation for innovation in marine construction. One of the standout features of this project was the use of monopiles, typically reserved for offshore wind turbines, as the foundation for the new 600-meter-long jetty. This approach allowed for an accelerated construction timeline, which was crucial given the urgency to bolster Germany’s energy infrastructure under the LNG Acceleration Act.
The jetty’s foundation required the installation of 10 monopiles, all fitted with robust scour protection to prevent erosion. Once the foundations were firmly established, Van Oord’s team equipped them with platforms, catwalks, and other essential elements to ensure the structure’s integrity and functionality. The completion of this infrastructure involved the deployment of Van Oord’s trailing suction hopper dredger, Vox Apolonia, which dredged the berth pocket and turning basin to the required depth, enabling the jetty to accommodate FSRU operations effectively.
The Vox Apolonia is noteworthy for running on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), representing a greener alternative to conventional Marine Gas Oil (MGO). This switch to LNG helps reduce sulphur, particulate, and nitrogen dioxide emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals in maritime operations. The use of cleaner fuel for construction equipment underlines Van Oord’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its projects, setting a benchmark for future maritime infrastructure developments.
Stan Aarts, Project Director at Van Oord, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, “We are incredibly proud of this achievement. The project is a perfect example of Van Oord’s Marine ingenuity. Our project team’s expertise and dedication, combined with our cutting-edge equipment, allowed us to develop a custom integrated marine infrastructure solution that addressed our client’s challenge and successfully construct this jetty.”
This development comes as Germany seeks to bolster its energy supply in response to growing demand, particularly in the context of the LNG Acceleration Act passed in May 2022. The act was introduced to fast-track critical energy infrastructure projects, ensuring that the nation has a more secure and reliable energy supply, especially during periods of heightened demand or supply chain disruptions.
With the completion of the FSRU jetty at Wilhelmshaven, Germany now possesses a pivotal infrastructure asset that will facilitate the import of LNG, contributing to the nation’s energy security and transition goals. Van Oord’s ability to deliver such a complex project on time and with a focus on sustainability showcases its position as a leader in the maritime construction and logistics sector, reinforcing its reputation for tackling challenging projects with innovative, environmentally conscious solutions.
The successful completion of the FSRU jetty not only demonstrates the efficiency of modern marine construction techniques but also signifies an important milestone in Germany’s journey toward energy independence and sustainability. This project stands as a testament to the critical role that strategic partnerships and advanced maritime engineering play in meeting the evolving demands of the global energy landscape.
