The first wind turbine jacket foundation has been successfully installed at the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.
Following the arrival of the first 10 steel jackets on site, Saipem, through its subcontractor Heerema, lifted the first steel wind turbine jacket into place, lowering it on to pre-installed piles on the seabed.
The Normand Navigator offshore support vessel then moved into position to undertake subsea grouting and inspections to conclude the installation.
NnG project director Matthias Haag said: “The installation of the first of a total of 54 turbine jacket foundations is a significant milestone for the NnG project and builds on the progress of the first of two offshore electricity substations installed in June this year.
“The collaborative effort in installing the jacket was a great success and we remain on course for the others to be installed over the coming months.”
The first turbines at the project, jointly owned by EDF Renewables and ESB, are planned to be operational in mid-2023, with completion of the entire wind farm scheduled for 2024.