The installation of the second offshore transformer platform for the grid connection of the Hollandse Kust Zuid (HKZ) offshore can be carried out as planned, TenneT has confirmed.
The grid operator has wrapped up investigations on the jacket (substructure) that was damaged in January during storm Corrie due to a collision with the adrift vessel Julietta D.
The investigation shows that the damage to the jacket is limited and the damaged parts can be repaired at a later stage after topside installation.
The Beta topside is being shipped to its destination in the North Sea and will be installed at the end of March or beginning of April.
On 31 January, the freighter Julietta D was adrift due to storm Corrie in the area where TenneT is building two transformer platforms, HKZ Alpha and Beta.
These transformer platforms are part of the offshore connection of the HKZ offshore wind farm being built by Vattenfall.
The cargo ship collided with the Beta jacket.
No people were working at the platform at the time.
The persistent stormy weather in February meant that inspections of the damage could not be carried out immediately.
In addition to the inspection of visible damage above water, underwater investigations were also carried out to determine any damage to the substructure.
This underwater investigation took more time due to relatively high waves and poor visibility.
The investigation now shows that the damage is limited to paint damage and a few dents on one of the legs of the platform and damage to one of the four landing platforms for working vessels.
Joris Engelen, TenneT’s platform project lead, said: “When designing and building our jackets, scenarios are taken into account that a ship of limited size may collide with the jacket.
“After the initial fright of the collision, we set up and implemented an extensive investigation plan in cooperation with the parties involved.
“The jacket is expected to be in operation for many years. We are therefore relieved that the inspections and the investigations show that we can install the top side of the transformer platform on the jacket safely and as scheduled.
“After the topside has been installed, the repairs of the damages on the jacket can be carried out.”