China's CNOOD-Wenchong Heavy Industries (CWHI) has announced the completion of its Phase 2 expansion at the Qinzhou Yard, a major step in its efforts to support global offshore wind projects, including the 1.1GW Inch Cape wind farm in Scotland.
The Qinzhou Yard, one of the largest facilities for manufacturing XXXL monopiles, now boasts an annual production capacity of 100 monopiles, each measuring up to 15 meters in diameter and weighing as much as 4,500 tons. These massive structures are key components in offshore wind power projects, particularly for the upcoming Inch Cape project, where CWHI is fabricating the monopiles.
The Phase 2 expansion includes significant upgrades, such as the addition of a 400-meter-long, 54-meter-wide structural workshop. The facility, now covering 600,000 square meters, also features a 307-meter-long quayside capable of accommodating vessels up to 100,000 tons. In addition, full-length blasting and painting workshops have been incorporated, designed to prepare the monopiles for delivery.
CWHI has integrated sustainability measures into its operations as well, installing 7,500 solar panels across two production halls, generating 4MW of clean energy. This renewable power will cover 20% of the yard's total energy needs, with the remainder being sourced from a long-term agreement for green electricity from local offshore wind farms and photovoltaic systems.
“We are delighted to have reached this important milestone as we announce the completion of Phase 2,” said Dale Young, CWHI's Chief Development Officer. “Fabrication of the world's largest and heaviest monopiles for the Inch Cape project is now underway at Qinzhou Yard, demonstrating our ability to execute complex projects with precision and efficiency.”
CWHI's scope of work on the Inch Cape project includes the fabrication, commissioning, and shipping of 32 monopiles to the Port of Leith in Scotland. These monopiles will support Vestas' 15MW turbines, marking a significant step in the development of Scotland's offshore wind energy infrastructure.
“As a trusted fabrication partner, we remain dedicated to supporting the global transition to sustainable energy through innovation, reliability, and excellence in execution,” Young added.
