Global Offshore has completed the first phase of work at the site of Vattenfall’s 605MW Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm off Denmark.
The company started boulder clearance in April using the PLP240 plough mobilised on the Havila Jupiter vessel.
PLP240 is a multi-function pre-lay plough commissioned and designed in collaboration with Osbit.
Overall 72 routes have been completed, totalling approximately 158km, supported by the Global Symphony and Normand Clipper, Global Offshore said.
It said the PLP240 has achieved target trench depths in the majority, going over and above the project requirements, up to 1.7 metres in a large portion of the site.
Global Offshore managing director Mike Daniel said: “We invested heavily in the very best upfront engineering for our PLP240 and had every confidence that the trials would evidence what we already knew to be true about the new asset.
“But it’s not until the tool hit the seabed, began route clearance, and was tested in each mode that its capabilities were really proven.
“The seabed conditions that we’ve seen here in the Baltic Sea are likely to be some of the most extreme that we’d ever work in, so it has put the PLP240 to the ultimate stress test and we’re proud to say that it’s passed with flying colours.”
Vattenfall cable installation package manager Lazaros Theodoridis said “With the current climate, there have been several moving elements across the wider wind farm site over the last few months.
“Not only have Global Offshore and the PLP240 performed route clearance as we’d hoped in a difficult environment, they have also shown flexibility and professionalism in their operations, working alongside other ongoing site operations and contractors, and continuing to work safely throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Global Offshore is now focused on the next phase of the project, cable lay.
This will be completed by the Normand Clipper, which has been recently mobilised and upgraded for power cable work.
Cable burial will then follow utilising a combination of jetting with the Q1400 trencher, and in the areas of harder, more consolidated soil, the PLP240 in backfill mode to provide necessary cover and protection.
The Havila Jupiter and PLP240 will shortly begin work at the Kincardine floating offshore wind farm off Scotland, where the team will complete route preparation and boulder clearance at the floating offshore wind site.