Ocean Installer Joins Aspen Floating Offshore Wind Project Alliance
Marine construction contractor Ocean Installer has recently become a part of the alliance of companies working on the Aspen floating offshore wind project in the North Sea. This partnership is expected to bring significant advantages to the project in terms of cost reduction and efficient installation processes.
By leveraging its existing fleet of vessels and skilled workforce, Ocean Installer aims to streamline the installation of the floating offshore wind structures. The company’s expertise in marine construction will play a crucial role in driving down costs and optimizing the overall installation process.
Collaborating with Haventus, owners of the Port of Ardersier, Ocean Installer will focus on dry storage of the structures, batched installation, and implementing quick connect/disconnect systems. This strategic partnership will set a precedent for future projects in the floating offshore wind sector.
Post-Final Investment Decision (FID), Ocean Installer will provide engineering expertise and installation services for crucial aspects of the Aspen project, including mooring system installation, inter-array cables system, and marshalling of floating units during various phases of the project.
The Cerulean Winds-led alliance, which includes key players such as GoBe, NOV, Worley, Siemens Energy, and Bilfinger, is committed to advancing the development of floating wind technology in the North Sea. By incorporating expertise from the oil and gas sector, the alliance aims to accelerate cost reduction and make floating wind competitive with fixed offshore wind projects.
With plans to develop over 300 turbines across the Aspen, Beech, and Cedar wind farms, the 1GW Aspen site is set to lead the way in providing new offshore wind capacity. This development aligns with the UK’s ambitious target of reaching 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Overall, Ocean Installer’s involvement in the Aspen project signifies a significant step towards advancing the floating offshore wind sector and meeting the growing demand for sustainable energy sources in the UK.