Sharing knowhow in offshore wind construction

Quicker and quieter

In January 2014, six companies got together to test the use of vibration piling as a quieter, faster way to sink monopiles into the seabed. The results aren’t finalised yet, but what’s the current status?

RWE Innogy, E.ON, Dong Energy, Vattenfall, EnBW and Bilfinger Marine and Offshore. When a line-up of companies like this gets together to support an innovative project, you would expect them to make quite an impact. In the case of this pilot project, however, the situation is quite the opposite. Continue reading

All set – ready to go

All eyes are on Borkum Riffgrund 1, the 78-turbine DONG Energy wind farm for which both A2SEA and CT Offshore have been busily preparing. Located 37 kilometres to the north of the island of Borkum, the first monopile foundation for Borkum Riffgrund 1 wind farm was installed on 21 January 2014. Now, with foundations and transition pieces in place, it’s time for the teams at A2SEA and CT Offshore to swing into action, executing plans that have been carefully laid over many months. Continue reading

Let’s insist on a safe journey

By Samuel Leopold, Executive Vice President, DONG Energy Wind Power

The offshore wind industry is facing two must-win battles. We need to reduce the cost of electricity from offshore wind turbines; and we need to improve our health and safety performance.

The two challenges have a number of similarities. In relatively few years, we need to accomplish what other industry sectors have spent many years achieving. Over the next ten years, we need to be at a health and safety level that matches the level that other sectors, including the oil and gas sector, have spent more than 100 years reaching. This is a major challenge. Continue reading

Zero harm: Safety supplier days

By Kirsten Bank Christensen, Vice President, Group HSEQ

Safety is our license to operate – and there can be no compromises when it comes to ensuring that our people return safely from their work every single day. But getting safety right takes sharp focus, meticulous planning and a carefully coordinated effort from everyone involved. And that’s where A2SEA’s Safety Supplier Days make a real difference. Continue reading