The Greater Changhua offshore wind farm, situated in the Taiwan Strait, is poised to become a beacon of clean energy generation, with the potential to slash 830,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. As the largest offshore wind complex in Taiwan, boasting a planned capacity of 2.4 GW, it is expected to cater to the energy needs of approximately 1 million Taiwanese households.
Operated by Orsted, the project not only signifies a significant stride towards renewable energy adoption but also promises substantial economic benefits. Beyond job creation during construction, the project will stimulate employment opportunities across the supply chain. For instance, the manufacture of foundations alone, requiring an estimated 70,000 tons of steel, is projected to generate thousands of jobs at PTSC and other contractors.
Sarens, a global leader in heavy lifting and engineered transport services, has been actively involved in the project under a memorandum of understanding with its client PTSC. Leveraging its expertise honed over 12 years of collaboration, Sarens is tasked with the assembly and integration of 33 steel jackets for offshore turbines, each weighing between 2500 and 2800 tons.
To execute this monumental task, Sarens' team of experts has deployed a diverse fleet of cranes, including the Liebherr LR1750 and Demag CC2800-1, both boasting impressive lifting capacities. Notably, the project's centerpiece is the SGC-90, also known as Little Celeste, renowned for its groundbreaking feature of operating entirely on electricity, minimizing environmental impact. With a lifting capacity of 1650 tons and advanced load-handling capabilities, the SGC-90 has played a pivotal role in the project's success.
Given the project's stringent timeline, Sarens meticulously orchestrated the logistics to ensure timely delivery of equipment. The SGC-90 crane was sourced from France, while the CC6800 was brought in from Thailand, ensuring seamless operations without delays.
Thanks to meticulous planning and advanced equipment readiness, Sarens achieved remarkable efficiency, completing the erection of 33 jackets within a year, including setup and installation. The PTSC yard provided an ideal work environment, enabling smooth crane operations without interruptions. Safety remained paramount throughout the project, with stringent adherence to Sarens' safety protocols during tandem lifting operations.
The Greater Changhua offshore wind farm project underscores the collaborative efforts of industry leaders like Orsted, PTSC, and Sarens in driving the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.