EDF Renewables and ESB have started offshore construction at the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.
Lead foundations contractor Saipem deployed its S7000 vessel (pictured) to the array area 15.5km off Fife to begin a delayed pre-piling campaign in recent days.
Tubulars are being fed to the giant crane ship by platform supply vessel Sea Gull, which is operating from the marshalling port of Leith.
The work, which was due to begin in the second quarter, was put back due to Covid-19 complications, it is understood.
Saipem expects to remain on the job until March 2021, according to documents published by the project team.
Pre-piling will prepare the ground to install jacket foundations for the project’s 54 turbines and two offshore substations next year.
NNG will feature Siemens Gamesa 8MW turbines and is due online in 2023.