Orsted has finalised logistics contracts for construction of the 2900MW Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm, including a new service operation vessel, helicopters and support craft.
The Esvagt James Blythe, currently under construction, will provide at least 44 jobs on board and is one of nine vehicles confirmed for the project.
The fleet also includes two CHC Helicopter aircraft – an H175 with 16 seats and an AW139 with 12 – for crew transfers.
Scarborough-based Mainprize Offshore will provide two guard vessels, while Gulf Marine Services will supply the Enterprise jack-up barge, which can accommodate more than 120 workers on converter stations and operate in water depths up to 80 metres.
Other support includes a hybrid crew transfer vessel from MHO, an E-Class vessel from Northern Offshore Services and an uncrewed service vessel for survey and monitoring.
Orsted senior project director Jason Ledden said: “Our vessels for construction and commissioning activities provide the backbone for building Hornsea 3.
“Effective logistics are key in moving our personnel, components and equipment so construction can take place safely and efficiently.
“This next stage in the project will bring more jobs and economic growth to the UK as well as clean power for more than 3 million households.”
Mainprize Offshore commercial manager Justin Coates said the company is “proud to support Ørsted in delivering Hornsea 3, the world’s largest single offshore wind farm”.
CHC commercial director Dave Grant said: “Hornsea 3 is a landmark for UK energy, and we’re proud to play our part in delivering offshore wind at this scale.”
MHO head of commercials Brian Schlosser said Orsted’s choice of hybrid CTVs supports “our mission of reducing fuel consumption and lowering the carbon footprint of our vessels”.
Northern Offshore Services group chief executive David Kristensson added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Orsted, and we are glad to support the development of Hornsea 3.”