Northwester 2 completes turbine installation of first 9.5MW platform
Aarhus, Denmark
April 15, 2020
Northwester 2 completes turbine installation of first 9.5MW platform
The 219 MW Northwester 2 project in Belgium has now seen all 23 turbines fully installed.
In a joint operation with MHI Vestas and Jan De Nul Group, Parkwind completed the final installation of turbines at the Northwester 2 offshore wind farm. The 219 MW project is located in the Belgian North Sea, approximately 50km off the shore of Ostend, Belgium, and is the first project to use the world’s highest rated V164-9.5 MW turbines in commercial operation.
The installation works started in December 2019. Following a good start, exceptionally adverse weather in the first months slowed the pace of the installation works down. To accelerate operations, a second installation vessel, the Scylla, was brought in mid-March to operate in parallel with Jan De Nul’s Vole au vent. All parties have closely worked together in a professional manner to overcome challenges and succeeded to maintain operational control until completion of the last WTG installation.
Peter Caluwaerts, Parkwind’s Project Director said: “Upon securing a second installation vessel to make up for the time lost in the first months of the year, the COVID-19 crisis broke out threatening to undo all our efforts. However, the extraordinary dedication we witnessed from the different teams, in the midst of an unprecedented context and with all additional safety measures, has been humbling. We are grateful towards all our stakeholders who have supported us in reaching this stage. We now confidently look towards the completion of our wind farm.”
Flemming Ougaard, MHI Vestas Chief Operations Officer noted: “We are pleased to have completed installation at Northwester 2, particularly during this challenging time related to COVID-19. The V164-9.5 MW turbines we have utilised at this project are built on proven technology, and will reliably support this project for decades.”
Stan Logghe, Senior Project Manager Northwester 2 at Jan De Nul Group said: “A challenging project has now successfully been completed. We are proud of the team achievements, involving the foundation design and procurement as well as the installation works of these foundations, all cables and all WTG’s of the Northwester 2 windfarm.”
MHI Vestas also holds a 15 year service agreement at Northwester 2, to maintain the V164-9.5 MW turbines.
Northwester 2 was installed on an expedited schedule, due to a highly collaborative approach being taken, supply chain readiness, and the industrialisation of offshore wind in Belgium.
About MHI Vestas Offshore Wind
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is a joint venture between Vestas Wind Systems A/S (50%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (50%). The company’s focus is to design, manufacture, install and service wind turbines for the offshore wind industry. The company aims to create sustainable value through offshore wind power by driving capital and operating savings and increasing the power output of wind turbines. An innovative force in offshore wind since its inception in 2014, the company is guided by its founding principles of collaboration, trust, technology and commitment.
About Northwester 2
Northwester 2 is a project company holding a 219MW concession approximately 50km off the Belgian coast. Current shareholders are Parkwind (70%) and the Japanese industrial group Sumitomo Corporation (30%). Parkwind has been leading the development and construction of the project and will be managing operational activities from the Ostend harbour. The project is expected to produce green energy for over 220,000 households.
About Parkwind
With over 10 years of experience in developing, financing, and operating wind farms, Parkwind has established a unique position in the industry. With already 552 MW under operational management, Parkwind is determined to continue increasing the share of green energy through its collaborative approach with local communities, governments and suppliers. While currently installing another 219 MW in the North Sea, Parkwind’s expanding international presence includes the 257 MW Arcadis Ost I project in Germany and the 330 MW Oriel Windfarm project in Ireland. Applying new technologies, innovative design solutions and installations techniques, Parkwind ensures the transition to green energy respects the environment as well as all the stakeholders. Composed of over 90 professionals operating from offices in Belgium and Ireland, Parkwind consolidates all offshore wind energy activities of its Belgian shareholders. For more information, see www.parkwind.eu.
About Sumitomo Corporation
With its global network and based on trust from companies in various industries and from consumers, Sumitomo Corporation engages in multifaceted business activities by making the most of its Integrated Corporate Strength. These business activities include sales of a variety of products and services, import and export, trilateral trade, and domestic and international business investment. For more information, see www.sumitomocorp.com.
About Jan De Nul Group
Design. Build. Connect. Jan De Nul Group shapes water and land. Worldwide. From complex offshore energy services, to large dredging and both land and coastal reclamation projects, to challenging civil construction programmes. Well integrated competences and investments lead to creative, sustainable and innovative solutions. In this way Jan De Nul Group delivers results that produce satisfied customers. Building a better future. – www.jandenul.com.