Cape Holland has secured a contract from DEME to deliver an installation system for Dominion Energy’s 2600MW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
The contract entails the provision of a CAPE VLT-640 Quad spread and a separate CAPE VLT-640 unit.
The Cape Vibro Lifting Technology will be instrumental in safely and efficiently installing 176 monopiles in the Atlantic Ocean for the project’s turbines.
These foundations, with a diameter of 8.5 metres and weighing as much as 1500 tonnes, will be driven through the first layers of the sea floor using the Cape Vibro Lifting Tool, mitigating the risk of pile run.
The final penetration of the monopiles will be accomplished using an impact hammer.
Notably, the Cape VLT-640 Quad system will be accompanied by a separate Cape VLT-640 unit to facilitate the pile run free installation of jackets for three substations.
In addition to its technical ability, the Cape Vibro Lifting Technology offers a quieter and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pile driving methods, Cape Holland said.
DEME’s installation vessel Orion (pictured) is scheduled to set sail for the United States with the equipment already mobilized on deck.
Cape Holland sales manager Kai Fiand said: “We are honored to have earned DEME’s trust in providing this crucial equipment to enhance the safety and efficiency of their pile installation operations.
“This contract underscores our commitment to being part of one of the first US offshore wind ventures that utilizes the CAPE Vibro Lifting Technology.”
Located approximately 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, the offshore wind farm will provide clean energy for up to 660,000 households while avoiding as much as 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.