Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, has started construction of an operations and maintenance (O&M) base in Scotland that will initially service the 882 MW Moray West offshore wind farm.
The new 2,000 square metre base will feature cutting-edge technology, including a fully equipped workshop and warehouse, as well as office and training facilities, Ocean Winds said.
Recruitment for the new O&M base is underway with eleven of the 60 long-term local roles already in post and undergoing the necessary training.
Service technicians will prepare equipment for use on the wind farm and kit-up prior to boarding the crew transfer vessels that will be berthed alongside new pontoons in the harbour.
Staff will also be based in the facility to manage the warehouse, health and safety, and equipment monitoring of the Moray West offshore wind farm.
The new base at Buckie will complement the existing base for the Moray East project in Fraserburgh and will enable Ocean Winds to efficiently manage and maintain the growing number of the company’s offshore wind farms in the Moray Firth, according to the press release.
The completion of the new O&M base that will service the Moray West offshore wind farm is scheduled for 2024.
Moray West Offshore Wind Farm, owned by Ocean Winds and minority shareholder Ignitis Group, reached a financial close a few months ago.
The Moray West project will be built some 22 kilometres off the Moray coast in the northeast of Scotland.
The offshore wind farm will comprise 60 SG 14-222 DD wind turbines which will be supplied by Siemens Gamesa and have a capacity of 14.7 MW each, utilising the company’s PowerBoost feature.