Floating crane Asian Hercules III has arrived to Peterhead Port to transfer and install suction bucket foundations on Vattenfall’s European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).
The 25,000 tonne Asian Hercules III will lift and transport eleven 77-metre high, 1,800 tonne steel jacket foundations from Peterhead Port to the wind farm site and lower them onto the seabed in Aberdeen Bay, UK.
The floating crane has a lifting capacity of up to 5,000 tonnes and a hook height of at least 120 metres.
According to Vattenfall, the scale and size of Asian Lift’s crane reflects the evolution of the energy industry and projects like the EOWDC are playing a key role in ensuring the future energy mix.
“The size of the Asian Hercules III offers a glimpse of the scale of the engineering behind the EOWDC,” Adam Ezzamel , EOWDC Project Director, said.
“By testing and demonstrating pioneering technology, the EOWDC will support the growth of a low-cost, fossil-free offshore wind industry which is set to be the backbone of the UK power sector.”
Two barges will transport the foundations from Newcastle to Peterhead Port for marshalling, while the harbour will also accommodate a construction support vessel and barge tugs.
John Wallace , Chief Executive at Peterhead Port Authority, said: “Everyone at Peterhead involved in this project has worked extremely hard to ensure the operation runs as safely and efficiently as possible. This is a complex marine operation in which all parties will, of necessity contribute their considerable skills to bring to fruition. We are presently in the final stages of preparations prior to hosting the first barge carrying foundations.”
The 92.4MW EOWDC, also known as Aberdeen offshore wind farm, will comprise eleven MHI Vestas 8.4MW turbines scheduled for installation in March 2018.
The wind farm is expected to generate first power in summer 2018 and operate for 20 years.
Images: Peterhead Port