Cape Holland has been awarded a contract by DEME to supply an installation system for Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which has a capacity of 2600MW.
The contract includes the provision of a CAPE VLT-640 Quad spread and a separate CAPE VLT-640 unit, both of which are integral to the installation of 176 monopiles in the Atlantic Ocean for the project's turbines.
The Cape Vibro Lifting Technology will play a key role in the safe and efficient installation of these foundations, which have a diameter of 8.5 meters and weigh up to 1500 tonnes. The technology helps mitigate the risk of pile run, a common issue during installation.
The final penetration of the monopiles will be carried out using an impact hammer. Additionally, the Cape VLT-640 Quad system will be accompanied by a separate unit to facilitate the pile run-free installation of jackets for three substations.
Apart from its technical capabilities, Cape Holland highlighted that the Cape Vibro Lifting Technology offers a quieter and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pile driving methods.
DEME's installation vessel, Orion, is set to sail for the United States with the equipment already mobilized on deck.
Kai Fiand, Sales Manager at Cape Holland, expressed gratitude for DEME's trust in their equipment, stating, “This contract underscores our commitment to being part of one of the first US offshore wind ventures that utilizes the CAPE Vibro Lifting Technology.”
Located about 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, the offshore wind farm is expected to provide clean energy for up to 660,000 households while avoiding as much as 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
