The first monopiles for the Moray West offshore wind farm have been loaded on to the Bokalift2 vessel to be delivered to the site and installed.
Boskalis’ heavy lift vessel arrived at Invergordon port, in Scotland, on 1 October to commence loading the first batch of three monopiles for installation at the Moray West offshore wind farm.
The first major component installation includes the monopiles for the two offshore substations, the first of which is loaded and ready to be barged from the Tyne to the Cromarty Firth.
The 26 monopiles have already been marshalled at Invergordon prior to the installation vessel arriving. Installation will now continue as further loads of the structures are delivered to Invergordon.
Moray West is part of the portfolio being developed by Ocean Winds, a 50/50 joint venture owned by EDPR and Engie, dedicated to offshore wind.
Located in the Moray Firth in the north-east of Scotland, the nearly 900MW offshore wind farm is currently under construction and set to begin generating power from 2024.
Moray West project director Pete Geddes said: “I am proud that the collective efforts of the Moray West team, working closely and safely with our suppliers are now installing major offshore components.
“This is a great milestone on our construction journey and highlights the key role of the ports in Cromarty Firth in enabling our project.
“The foundations team is busy coordinating inbound batches of monopiles and transition pieces as well as the start of installation, ensuring project programme remains on track for the installation of the offshore substations and completing the transmission infrastructure.”