China’s CNOOD-Wenchong Heavy Industries (CWHI) has completed the first cutting and rolling of monopiles destined for the 1100MW Inch Cape offshore wind project off Scotland.
CWHI hosted representatives from project co-developers ESB and Red Rock Renewables at its flagship Qinzhou Yard, at a ceremony commemorating the first cutting and rolling (pictured) of the steel structures.
On Inch Cape, CWHI’s scope of work involves the fabrication, commissioning and shipping of 32 XXL monopiles to the Port of Leith in Scotland, the UK.
The project’s monopiles will host Vestas’ 15MW turbines.
These structures, each with a maximum outer diameter of 11.5 metres, a length of up to 110 metres, and a weight of up to 2700 tonnes, are among the largest monopiles ever designed and fabricated for installation in UK waters.
Fabrication is set to ramp up in the coming weeks at CWHI’s factory, with the rolling of cans already underway.
All monopiles are scheduled for delivery in 2025.
Speaking after the ceremony, CWHI’s deputy general manager, Lay Tao, said: “This project represents a major milestone for CWHI as we deliver our first international monopiles-the largest ever installed in UK waters-from our newly expanded, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in China.
“It highlights our commitment to advancing renewable energy and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.”
CWHI stated that it is proud to contribute to a project that will significantly impact the UK’s renewable energy landscape and set a benchmark for future offshore developments worldwide.