DEME Offshore is making strong progress at RWE’s Kaskasi offshore wind farm, with 22 monopiles already installed. A substantial part of the scope is in DEME’s hands, including the majority of the 39 monopiles and all the transition pieces, turbines and inter-array cables.
Works started with the successful installation of the substation foundation, followed by the installation of the substation itself utilising the DP2 heavy lift vessel ‘Gulliver’, operated by DEME’s joint venture company Scaldis.
RWE had contacted DEME Offshore as additional support for the foundation installation works. DEME Offshore is always pleased to be able to support clients with its creative, integrated solutions at any time during their project’s execution.
Swift mobilisation of multiple vessels
DEME Offshore immediately took action when RWE reached out and mobilised its DP2 offshore installation vessel ‘Neptune’ in combination with the ‘Blue Tern’ from Fred Olsen for the monopile installation. DEME Offshore is managing these tandem transport and installation operations and is providing all the seafastening, handling and hammering equipment.
One of DEME’s renowned turbine installation vessels, ‘Sea Challenger’, has been lined up for installing the transition pieces and subsequent WTG installation, the latter under a direct charter with Siemens Gamesa. DEME developed a smart technical solution which allows a fast change of installation modus in between the transition piece and WTG installation.
DEME’s XXL cable installation vessel ‘Living Stone’ will lay and bury all 42 inter-array cables and perform associated works.
Comprehensive solution
Bas Nekeman, Business Unit Director Renewables, comments: “We are proud to provide this wide range of transport and installation solutions to RWE for their Kaskasi offshore wind farm. DEME Offshore’s endless creativity and flexibility meant that we could support RWE quickly, and with multiple vessels and specialised equipment. In a very short time, a great team comprising RWE, DEME, IQIP and Fred Olsen professionals joined forces to prepare and launch the installation capabilities required.”