Hornsea Two monopile installation scheduled to start next month

Offshore works for what will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm are set to ramp up in the coming weeks. Ørsted’s Hornsea Two will surpass its predecessor Hornsea One by generating 1.4 GW of clean energy once complete in 2022.

Monopile works are due to commence at the wind farm location 89 km off the Yorkshire coast in the UK with DEME’s offshore installation vessel ‘Innovation’.

Besides the ‘Innovation’, ‘Pacific Orca’ will also begin works on location next year to support construction. Both are heavy-lift jack up vessels which have legs that can securely fix the ship to the seabed, raise the vessel from the water whilst onboard the crane lifts and manoeuvres the heavy foundation components.

In total, 165 monopiles and transition pieces will be installed at sea in preparation for the site’s 8.4 MW turbines. With a height from sea level to blade tip of 204 m, the turbines will also feature new 82 m long blades which are currently being fabricated at the Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy blade factory in Hull.

Patrick Harnett, Hornsea Two Programme Director for Ørsted, said: “Even during these challenging times, we’re still able to take these important next steps towards the construction of this game changing wind farm. We’re extremely pleased to once again work alongside suppliers who share our vision for a greener world and look forward to the upcoming milestones that will continue to pave the way in terms of innovation for offshore wind.”

A selection of 30 transition pieces are being manufactured at EEW OSB’s factory in Teesside, with the first load out having recently been completed, whilst Danish based Bladt are supplying the additional 135 components.

Bart De Poorter, General Manager DEME Offshore, comments: “After months of detailed planning and by working in close collaboration with Ørsted and our suppliers, we are delighted to kick-off the offshore installation works at Hornsea Two. We have approached this complex project as true partners, which has been crucial considering the unprecedented circumstances we are dealing with. Not only are we confronted with the challenges brought to us by the Coronavirus but we had to overcome the setback when the new offshore installation vessel ‘Orion’ had a crane accident before she was delivered to DEME. We very much look forward to continuing our close partnership with this Client so we can achieve the safe delivery of this exceptional wind farm.”

DEME is a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging, solutions for the offshore energy industry, infra marine and environmental works. The company can build on more than 140 years of know-how and experience and has fostered a pioneering approach throughout its history, enabling it to be a front runner in innovation and new technologies.

DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: a rising sea level, a growing population, reduction of CO2 emissions, polluted rivers and soils and the scarcity of natural resources.

While the company’s roots are in Belgium, DEME has built a strong presence in all of the world’s seas and continents, operating in more than 90 countries worldwide. DEME can rely on 5,200 highly skilled professionals across the globe. With a versatile and modern fleet of over 100 vessels, backed by a broad range of auxiliary equipment, the company can provide solutions for even the most complex projects.

DEME achieved a turnover of 2.62 billion euros in 2019.