DEME Offshore is making “strong progress” at RWE’s Kaskasi 342MW offshore wind project, with 22 monopiles already installed.
DEME’s scope on the project includes the installation of the majority of the 39 monopiles and all the transition pieces, turbines and array cables.
Works started with the successful installation of the substation foundation, followed by the installation of the substation itself using 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.
In response DEME Offshore 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 turbine installation vessels, Sea Challenger, has been lined up for installing the transition pieces and subsequent turbine 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 turbine installation.
DEME’s XXL cable installation vessel Living Stone will lay and bury all 42 inter-array cables and perform associated works.
Bas Nekeman, business unit director of renewables at DEME Offshore, said: “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.”