DEME Offshore has completed the installation of the final XXL monopile at Parkwind’s 257MW Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea.
This was the first project executed by DEME’s new floating installation vessel, Orion, which installed the foundations using its DP3 system.
Every element of this offshore wind project “pushes the limits” of industry standards.
The 28 XXL monopiles are the largest monopile foundations ever installed, weighing more than 2000 tonnes each, with a diameter of 9.5 metres and a length of up to 110 metres.
The project will feature 27 Vestas V 174 9.5MW turbines, scheduled to be installed later this year, ahead of operations commencing in 2023.
Arcadis Ost 1 off the coast of Rügen. in the Baltic Sea, is located north-east of the famous Kap Arkona Cliffs, within the 12 NM Zone of Germany with water depths of up to 45 metres and challenging soil conditions.
Orion ran on LNG during the installation campaign and is equipped with a 5000-tonne crane and a tailor-made, motion compensated pile gripper system able to handle XXL monopile foundations.
The integrated motion compensated pile gripper tool enables the crew to upend and drive the monopiles, which are transported horizontally on deck.
Coupled with the vessel’s DP3 capability, the motion compensated gripper keeps the monopiles vertical and stable despite waves and vessel motions.
In addition, an entire set of new specialist tools have been used during this maiden project for Orion.
They include an adjustable monopile sea fastening system, a newly-built automated monopile lifting spreader beam to enable the horizontal lifting of the XXL monopiles, automated quick-lifting tools to avoid manual handling on deck, as well as several new noise mitigation systems.
Hugo Bouvy, Managing Director of DEME Offshore, said: “We are extremely thrilled to see Orion and her motion compensated pile gripper doing what the vessel has been created for, installing huge monopiles in extreme circumstances.
“This pushes the boundaries of the offshore wind industry over the horizon and shows that DEME’s smart solutions and equipment are ready for the next generation of foundations and wind turbines.
“Many years of offshore experience and engineering by incredibly motivated people have resulted in the delivery of ‘Orion’ and her installation tools.
“Our persistent Arcadis Ost 1 project and newbuild teams, and our experienced and extremely professional crew led to the commissioning of Orion in record times.
“Together they pushed technological boundaries with enormous enthusiasm and drive. I am so proud to be part of this team!”
Arcadis Ost 1 has been developed by Parkwind with the participation of PMV and OstseeWindEnergie GmbH, a project company of the three partners Oberhessische Versorgungsbetriebe AG, Stadtwerke Bad Vilbel and WV Energie AG.