DEME Offshore has successfully installed two of three offshore substation platforms (OSP) for the Moray East wind farm in the Moray Firth in Scotland. In the meantime jacket installation is also progressing with 20 jackets installed. The installation marks a major milestone in the progress of the construction of the 950 MW offshore wind farm.
DEME Offshore deployed a novel concept for this complex project, whereby the OSP jacket and wind turbine foundation design, construction and installation were fully aligned. Both offshore substation platforms were transported from the ENGIE yard in Hoboken, Belgium to the Port of Nigg in Scotland.
Under the management of DEME Offshore, which is the EPCI contractor, the first topside was installed by offshore installation vessel ‘Scylla’ early August , while the second topside has now also been successfully installed. DEME Offshore’s seamless installation of the topsides enables the construction of Moray East to swiftly proceed to the next phase and the follow-on activities such as the export cable works.
Jan Klaassen, Business Unit Director DEME Offshore, emphasises: “We are proud to have proven that combining the design, construction and installation of the offshore substation foundations and wind turbine foundations is clearly a workable solution for the industry, especially in an EPCI contract format. Both foundation types were designed in a similar way and fabricated with the same companies so that we could optimise synergies such as design teams, fabrication set-up, transport and installation tools. It all worked out as planned and designed, and crucially, resulted in significant direct cost and schedule benefits for the customer.
The fact that DEME Offshore is successfully installing both the substation platforms and jackets, despite the many exceptional complications brought by the Coronavirus pandemic and ongoing knock-on effects, highlights that we always do our utmost to fulfil the requirements of our Customers, whatever circumstances we face. We will continue to work closely with all the partners involved to deliver this project within these difficult circumstances.
Given the extensive scope and logistical challenges represented by this contract, DEME Offshore had made sure it was fully prepared well in advance of the start-up phase. We have dedicated a specialist team and significant management resources to this mammoth project to ensure operations are conducted to the highest safety and quality standards and that every detail is thoroughly considered before the next stage of the wind farm’s development.”
