More vessels join Sheringham Shoal fleet

Projects and Operations - September 28, 2011

Two new vessels will join the growing fleet working on the site of the Sheringham Shoal offshore windfarm as the installation and commissioning of the 88 turbines progresses.

The 91m Sea Jack, a self-elevating platform vessel has combined forces with GMS Endeavour, and together they will continue to install the 132m tall Siemens wind turbines, with the expected completion date in mid-2012.

Both vessels will collect components for two wind turbines at a time from Great Yarmouth and transport them to the wind farm site where they will place them on top of the already installed foundations.

First the tower is positioned, followed by the nacelle which houses the electrical systems, and finally the three 52m blades. To date six turbines have been installed.

A second newcomer, the 87m Toisa Warrior will arrive in the Greater Wash with the task of burying the infield cables, which connect the turbines in strings to the offshore substations.

The cable-laying vessel Team Oman has been installing the infield cables since earlier this year and they will now be placed under the seabed via a water jetting technology.

The system used, known as MODUS, comprises a jetting machine controlled remotely from the vessel that will jet pressurised water into the sea floor beside the cables enabling them to sink safely into the seabed.

Sheringham Shoal contractor, power cable installation specialists Visser & Smit Marine Contracting, will carry out the operation.