The jacket substructure for TenneT’s Hollandse Kust (noord) offshore substation, designed by SLPE, has been successfully installed at its offshore destination, approximately 18 km off the Dutch west coast.
SLPE was contracted by Smulders to develop the detailed design of the offshore substation’s jacket and piles, which was delivered in early 2021 with ongoing engineering support provided by SLPE throughout the year. The achievement of this milestone marks the 10th offshore substation support structure detail-designed by SLPE for Smulders.
“From the early stages of design right through to the completed fabrication, sea transportation and installation, it has been a privilege being part of this project,” said Sam Lawes, Head of OSS Substructures at SLPE. “I am proud of everyone who contributed to the successful delivery of the detailed design under a highly challenging project schedule. Once again, SLPE has proven it is capable of delivering world-class engineering solutions on international projects”.
The 45-meter-high jacket, weighing 2,100 tonnes, is installed in a water depth of 24 m. The jacket was designed by SLPE such that, with regular maintenance, it will achieve a minimum service life of 40 years.
One of this jacket’s unique features are the ‘biohut’ cages attached to the structure to house oyster shells, replicating the ecological function of a shallow water nursery to help support a sustainable marine habitat.
“With COP26 on everyone’s minds, the installation of the Hollandse Kust (noord) substructure feels like a milestone not only for the project, but for the wider industry,’ said Joe Hilton, Director of SLPE. ‘Our oceans, like our climate, are simply invaluable, and it has been encouraging to support a project that is taking proactive steps towards sustainability – something we will hopefully see more and more of across the renewable sector”.
The cable and topside installation is scheduled for next year, and the wind farm is planned to become operational in 2023.
The Hollandse Kust (noord) project is part of TenneT’s “Grid at Sea” development (more info here) which also includes the Hollandse Kust (west Alpha) and future Hollandse Kust (west Beta) projects. TenneT is developing the connections between these offshore wind farms to the national electricity grid on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.
