Chinese manufacturer CWHI has dispatched the first eight XXL monopiles for the 1.1-gigawatt (GW) Inch Cape offshore wind project, a major development located off the coast of Scotland.
The foundations, built at CWHI’s Qinzhou Yard, were loaded onto the COSCO vessel Xian Taikou and are now en route to Forth Ports Leith in Scotland, the company said on Tuesday.
Inch Cape, a joint venture between Ireland’s ESB and Red Rock Power, is situated 15 kilometres off the Angus coast and is expected to become one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms. Once operational, the wind farm is forecast to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of over half of Scottish households.
CWHI is contracted to supply a total of 32 XXL monopiles and 30 transition pieces for the project. Each monopile measures up to 11.5 metres in diameter, 101.3 metres in length and weighs up to 2,300 tonnes.
“The first shipment of Inch Cape monopiles is a proud achievement for our teams and partners,” said Dale Young, chief development officer at CWHI. “It reflects not only our technical capabilities but also our dedication to building a sustainable future.”
Construction activity at the Inch Cape site forms part of the UK’s broader offshore wind ambitions, contributing to national targets for renewable energy and net-zero emissions. The project is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s clean energy infrastructure.
