DEME Offshore has been awarded a contract to install the array cables at the 2400MW Dogger Bank A and B offshore wind projects off the UK coast.
The scope includes the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the subsea cables for the two projects, which form part of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank complex, the largest offshore wind farm under development worldwide.
DEME Offshore will supply, install and protect 650km of 66 kV array cables and all related accessories for Dogger Bank A and B.
The EPCI contract is valued at between €150-300m, DEME Offshore said, and is subject to co-developers SSE Renewables and Equinor reaching financial close on Dogger Bank A and B, expected in late 2020.
Dogger Bank offshore wind farm is located more than 130km off the north-east coast of England and is currently being developed in three 1.2GW phases by SSE Renewables and Equinor.
Production of the array cables for Dogger Bank A and Dogger Bank B will start in 2021.
They will be installed using DP3 cable installation vessel “Living Stone”, with a cable capacity of more than 10,000 tonnes.
SSE Renewables Dogger Bank project director Steve Wilson added: “We are delighted to welcome DEME Offshore to the Dogger Bank project to undertake the manufacturing and installation of the 66 kV inter-array cables for Dogger Bank phases A and B in what is the largest ever inter-array cable order of its type.
“DEME, using its state of the art ‘Living Stone’ vessel, has a proven track record in delivering large inter-array cable scopes, and this experience and capability will be essential to successfully install the 650km of cable required for Dogger Bank A and B.”
“Living Stone” features a DEME-designed dual-lane system, consisting of two cable highways – one for laying the cable and one where the next cable can be simultaneously prepared and have the cable protection system installed.
This innovation “significantly” reduces the time needed for preparing the cables, minimises manual handling, increases the vessel’s workability and “improves” production rates.
DEME Offshore said it will work closely with SSE Renewables and Equinor to engage with the UK supply chain in the delivery of the project.
DEME Offshore general manager Bart De Poorter said: “We are very proud to have been awarded this exceptional project, which represents the largest ever inter-array cable contract in the world to date.
“The renowned cable-laying capabilities and stellar reputation of ‘Living Stone’ were key factors in securing this important contract.”
When fully commissioned the entire 3.6GW wind farm will generate enough energy to power over 4.5 million homes every year, equal to 5% of the UK’s electricity needs.