Ocean Winds has successfully taken delivery of the UK-fabricated topsides for the 882MW Moray West offshore wind project located off the coast of Scotland. This significant achievement signifies the culmination of Ocean Winds' latest contract with Smulders' yard, situated on the Tyne at Wallsend, as part of their ongoing collaboration.
The two Offshore Transformer Modules (OTMs) were delivered through a consortium comprised of Siemens Energy and Iemants, a subsidiary of Smulders, working in conjunction with Smulders Projects UK. These critical components were meticulously fabricated at the yard, with Siemens Energy overseeing the installation of equipment onto the structures from its base in Manchester.
The loading process onto transport barges has been executed with utmost safety, with one barge already en route to the Moray West offshore wind farm installation site in Scotland. The second OTM stands ready at the quay for its forthcoming journey northward.
The Moray West project forms an integral part of the extensive 6GW portfolio currently in development by Ocean Winds, a 50/50 joint venture jointly owned by EDPR and Engie, with a dedicated focus on offshore wind projects.
Pete Geddes, the Project Director for Moray West, expressed his pride in the collaborative efforts of the project team and their suppliers, underscoring the crucial role played in sustaining the project pipeline at the Smulders yard in Wallsend. Additionally, he emphasized how this endeavor has further strengthened Siemens Energy's expertise in OTM technology.
Geddes remarked, “This milestone is a pivotal moment in our construction journey, ensuring that the transmission assets are fully commissioned in time for the scheduled commencement of wind turbine operations next year. The competence of our consortium partners, Siemens Energy and Iemants, has been instrumental in supporting the expansion of the UK supply chain, offering a winning solution for all parties involved. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming installation and commissioning phase as our offshore operations gain momentum.”
