Norwegian marine contractor OHT has signed a contract for the transport and installation of foundations for the 1200MW Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm off the east coast of England.
The announcement follows on from OHT being chosen as the preferred supplier in November 2019 for the transport and installation of foundations for the first two phases of the project – Dogger Bank A and B.
The contract for the second phase, Dogger Bank B, is expected to follow in due course.
The Dogger Bank offshore wind farm complex, which is being developed by a joint venture of SSE Renewables and Equinor, will be delivered in three 1.2GW phases.
Installation of the monopiles at Dogger Bank A will mark the debut for OHT’s specialist new-build vessel Alfa Lift, which is pictured under construction.
The foundations are expected to be installed between 2022 and 2023 at Dogger Bank A.
Alfa Lift will transport the monopiles and transition pieces to the North Sea offshore site, more than 130km off the north-east coast of England, and install them in water depths up to 35 metres.
It will use the vessel’s 3000-tonne crane, mission equipment and smart deck handling system.
OHT is already in detailed discussions regarding supply contracts with multiple UK companies and will soon be announcing details of some of the remaining key scopes of work they are looking to award.
Companies interested in supplying OHT can register on the supplier portal on the company’s website.
Dogger Bank project director Steve Wilson said: “It’s great news to confirm the OHT Alfa Lift vessel for Dogger Bank A.
“Their vessel is one of the most innovative heavy transportation and installation vessels on the market and we are very pleased to have them working with us as we deliver this ground-breaking project.”
OHT chief executive Torgeir Ramstad said: “The contract is a significant milestone for OHT and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate Alfa Lift’s market-leading capabilities in delivering this landmark project.
“We are privileged to be working with likeminded, forward-thinking colleagues at SSE Renewables and Equinor.”
Equinor vice president for Dogger Bank Halfdan Brustad said: “We look forward to working with Norway’s OHT to make Dogger Bank a success.
“The Alfa Lift is an excellent example of the new, efficient and innovative vessels which we need to revolutionise the offshore wind industry and make it even more competitive.”