DEME Offshore has installed 40 of the 80 XL monopile foundations at the 480MW Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm off France.
The company is using for the first time its 350-tonne offshore foundation drill and the Modiga technology, which makes it possible to encapsulate drilling and installation operations and protect them from adverse Atlantic marine conditions.
DEME said the successful deployment of cutting-edge technology has set a new industry standard for efficient offshore wind turbine installation projects in harsh marine conditions and in solid rock.
DEME Offshore managing director Bart De Poorter said: “Today’s achievement demonstrates the commitment of our entire team and strengthens our reputation as the world’s leading wind farm contractor.
“Not only are we the first to install a wind farm in the rock with state-of-the-art technology, but the Saint-Nazaire project is also being carried out in difficult Atlantic conditions.
“With our client Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm and our project partner Eiffage Metal, we will continue our excellent collaboration for the installation of the remaining foundations.”