Vattenfall has contracted DEME Offshore to provide rock installation works at the company’s 1529MW Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm in the Dutch North Sea.
The task is scheduled to take place between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2025.
Prior to rock berm installation commencing, Vattenfall contracted Fugro to carry out IAC inspections and scour pad surveys.
This was executed using one of Fugro’s Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessels with Blue Volta, an electric remotely operated vehicle.
Controlled from Fugro’s remote operations centre based in Aberdeen, this technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 95% compared with conventional support vessels and eliminates the need for personnel to work in high-risk offshore environments.
This approach supports Vattenfall’s goals and objectives by offering improved safety and sustainability.
The IAC and scour pad survey works are ongoing, and completion is expected in October 2023.
Project manager Sam Gardner said: “Based on lessons learned in the offshore wind industry, Vattenfall is taking proactive measures to reduce risk and increase the lifetime integrity by stabilising the Inter Array Cables (IAC) at HKZ 1-4 with rock berms.”