Van Oord Completes Monopile Foundation Installation at RWE’s Sofia Offshore Wind Farm
Van Oord has achieved a major milestone in the construction of RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm by completing the installation of all monopile foundations. The project, one of the largest wind farms in the world, is progressing smoothly thanks to the expertise and capabilities of Van Oord.
The installation works were carried out using the offshore wind installation vessel Aeolus, known for its efficiency in handling complex offshore wind operations. The 1.4 GW Sofia offshore wind farm, situated on Dogger Bank in the central North Sea, is expected to provide renewable energy to power around 1.2 million average households in the UK once operational.
Van Oord is currently focused on the installation and burial of approximately 360 kilometers of array cables, with completion anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. The Sofia offshore wind farm is scheduled to be fully operational by 2026.
Project Director at Van Oord, Roeland Ris, expressed his pride in reaching this significant milestone on the Sofia project. Despite the challenges faced, the foundation installation was completed safely and efficiently, showcasing the dedication and professionalism of the project team and the strong collaboration with all partners involved.
With the successful completion of the monopile foundation installation, Van Oord is well-positioned to continue the construction progress of the Sofia offshore wind farm and contribute to the growth of renewable energy generation in the UK.