Turbine installation at SeaMade crosses the finish line
Construction works at SeaMade, Belgium’s largest offshore windfarm, have crossed the finish line with the last of 58 turbines successfully installed on 30 November. The SeaMade windfarm will provide green energy for 485,000 households and will lead to a significant reduction of annual CO2 emissions of at least 500,000t.
Offshore construction of the SeaMade windfarm started in September 2019 with the installation of the foundations. DEME was responsible for the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of the foundations, turbines, inter array and export cables, as well as for the installation of two offshore substations. DEME’s DP2 offshore installation vessel Apollo installed 58 Siemens Gamesa 8.4MW turbines on the monopile foundations.
Bart De Poorter, General Manager of DEME Offshore, says, “Completing this large-scale project in such a short timeframe could only be achieved because of the integrated Balance of Plant approach and through extensive cooperation with our client, as well as the relentless efforts and determination of all the teams involved. This was also the first turbine installation project for Apollo. The crew has put in an excellent performance, particularly given the extra corona virus restrictions they faced. At DEME we are all very proud to have played a key role in the development of this important windfarm, which is a vital step in helping to realise the Belgian government’s ambitious climate targets.”
Mathias Verkest, CEO of SeaMade and Otary, adds, “Claiming that 2020 has been an eventful year for Otary is quite an understatement. However with the SeaMade project, Otary has now realised the largest offshore windfarm in the Belgian North Sea on time and on budget despite these challenging times. All parties were well determined to deliver the project before year-end 2020, as instigated by the Belgian government. Mission accomplished. Through many contributions of contractors and team members, even COVID-19 could not stop or delay our project, which remains quite remarkable! Sincere thanks to the whole Otary team and all parties involved for achieving this impressive milestone. This is only possible through an incredible commitment, dedication and a countless number of hours of all the project teams.”