Work to install the Tekmar Energy’s TekLink cable protection system (CPS) has started on what is poised to be one of the world’s largest offshore wind parks, the Gemini project in the Dutch North Sea.
The contract with the Dutch maritime contractor Van Oord involves implementing Tekmar’s 6th generation TekLink® cable protection system (CPS). The scope of work includes the supply of TekLink cable protection system to protect both the inter-array and export cables along with the company’s polyurethane Bellmouths to ensure a seamless connection to the offshore substation J-tubes.
Installation has already begun as a result of the company building and delivering all of the systems ahead of schedule.
The latest system has been trialled on Tekmar’s TekTower, a foundation-like test and training facility based on site at its manufacturing hub in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Jack Simpson , senior manager of offshore wind at Tekmar, said: “Gemini is a significant project for Tekmar because it represents the fourth project that we have worked on with Van Oord while it is the first to install our 6th generation TekLink. The advanced system evolved from previous generations through a combination of holding product demonstration events for clients and gaining valuable feedback as well as lessons learned from our experience on more than 38 offshore wind projects representing over 4,500 cable protection systems around the world.”
The Gemini offshore wind projects, comprising two wind parks and 150 turbines, is located 85km off the coast of Groningen and is the biggest project of its kind in The Netherlands. Once operational, it is to be one of the world’s largest wind parks in terms of size and production.
Image: The Big Partnership