4th November 2026 in Construction, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
- Cadeler’s newbuild vessel Wind Apex will join the Dogger Bank C turbine installation campaign in Q3 2027.
- Wind Apex will work alongside Seaway Ventus installation vessel to complete remaining works on all three phases of Dogger Bank project.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has today signed a contract with Cadeler to provide a second turbine installation vessel for Dogger Bank C, the third 1.2GW phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm under construction.
Cadeler’s newbuild installation vessel, Wind Apex, is expected to join the Dogger Bank C turbine installation campaign in Q3 2027 and will be available to work alongside the Seaway Ventus installation vessel to support completion works on the remaining phases of the Dogger Bank project.
The 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm is being built in three 1.2GW phases, Dogger Bank A, B and C, off the north-east coast of England. Once complete, the wind farm will be capable of generating enough renewable electricity to power around six million UK homes annually.
Wind Apex is the third vessel in Cadeler’s A-class series and is designed to support both offshore wind foundation and turbine installation. Dogger Bank C will be the vessel’s first deployment following delivery from the shipyard.
Alan Borland, Turbine Director at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“Securing additional specialist vessel capacity for Dogger Bank C is another important step in the delivery of this world-leading offshore wind project.
“Wind Apex will join the campaign as an additional turbine installation vessel, working alongside the project’s existing installation vessel to safely and efficiently install Dogger Bank C’s 87 turbines and support the completion of the remaining phases of the project.
“Together with our partners and contractors, we remain focused on the safe delivery of all three phases of Dogger Bank and the homegrown renewable energy the wind farm will provide for the UK.”
Mikkel Gleerup, CEO of Cadeler, commented:
“Dogger Bank is one of the world’s most ambitious offshore wind developments, and we are proud to support its delivery. We value the long-standing relationships we have built with our customers and see these contracts as a reflection of the trust they place in Cadeler to execute large-scale offshore wind projects safely and efficiently. The campaign will also mark the first deployment of Wind Apex, and we look forward to seeing her begin operations on a project of this scale.”
The 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). Located approximately 130 kilometres off the north-east coast of England, SSE is leading development and construction on behalf of the three joint venture partners. Equinor will operate Dogger Bank Wind Farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
22nd October 2026 in Community News, Press releases, Project news
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has released 1,054 juvenile European lobsters (Homarus gammarus) in the North Sea as part of its ongoing partnership with the Whitby Lobster Hatchery.
Operating under the charity name of North Sea Conservation, Whitby Lobster Hatchery works with the local fishing community to hatch and rear juvenile lobsters, before releasing them in the North Sea to help wild populations to thrive.
The fishing community bring ‘berried ‘ egg-bearing female lobsters to the hatchery and as the eggs hatch, the tiny lobsters are raised in protective tanks to a juvenile stage in approximately eight weeks. At the juvenile stage, the lobsters have developed claws and can live independently as bottom feeders.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has been supporting the work of the Whitby lobster Hatchery and its Marine Discovery visitor centre for a number of years, helping the project to deliver on its key aims of conservation, education and research.
The wind farm, which is currently in construction off the Yorkshire coast, supported the conservation charity with a release of 1,054 lobsters in the Dogger Bank C nearshore development area.
Joe Moody, Head Aquaculturist at Whitby Lobster Hatchery, said:
“After raising these lobsters from the moment they hatched – counting them, feeding them, keeping their tanks clean – it is always so rewarding to see them released back into the wild at the end of their hatchery journey. This release in particular is very exciting due to the unique nature of the site. It offers the possibility of post-release monitoring, so we at the hatchery can know just how well they are doing once they’re back out in the North Sea. We are keen to continue our work with Dogger Bank, and learn more about our little lobsters after their time in the hatchery.”
The juvenile lobster release was combined with time offshore at Dogger Bank Wind Farm collecting seawater for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, which provides a non-invasive way to monitor marine life without the need for traditional capture and tagging methods. Seawater samples were collected at the nearshore and offshore DBC site and filtered to recover traces of DNA naturally shed by organisms into the water. By analysing this genetic material, researchers can identify the species present and build a baseline understanding of marine biodiversity and lobster distribution across the study area. This trial will also help assess the effectiveness of using eDNA sampling from Offshore Wind Farm vessels to support future environmental monitoring.
The biobanking and eDNA work was facilitated by Biota Trace Ltd, a company specialising in scientific instrumentation, engineering, software and molecular biology.
Sarah Reed, Offshore Consents Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s partnership with the Whitby Lobster Hatchery represents a long-term investment in the biological resilience of the North Sea and the team were delighted to support an offshore release with the opportunity for further research. By releasing lobsters at the juvenile stage the survival rates, compared to lobster eggs hatching in the wild, dramatically increase. By rearing them through the most vulnerable stage at the Whitby Lobster Hatchery and taking the opportunity to optimise this group of lobsters’ offshore deployment alongside the wind farm’s construction programme, we can significantly improve their odds of survival and reproduction. I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine a juvenile lobster release with the trial of new eDNA water sampling equipment and hope it sets the foundations for further research into this important species.”
The partnership between Dogger Bank Wind Farm and Whitby Lobster Hatchery represents a shared commitment to a sustainable future for the Yorkshire coast. Through funding for lobster breeding, rearing and release programmes, alongside education and community engagement activities, the partnership aims to help strengthen lobster stocks, increase understanding of the marine ecosystem and create lasting environmental benefits.
Find out more about Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s relationship with Whitby Lobster Hatchery by watching our video case study.
12th May 2026 in Operations, Project news
Appointment announced by turbine supplier GE Vernova
Maraen Port of Nigg in Scotland has been selected as a marshalling harbour for wind turbine components for phases B and C of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. The appointment has been announced by turbine supplier for the projects, GE Vernova.
The facility in the Scottish Highlands will be used to store and prepare GE Vernova’s Haliade-X offshore wind turbine components before they are loaded onto installation vessels for transport and installation offshore at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm B and Dogger Bank Wind Farm C sites in the North Sea.
The 3.6 GW Dogger Bank project is the world’s largest offshore wind farm in construction. It is being built in three 1.2 GW phases: Dogger Bank A, B and C. The project is a joint venture between SSE (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%).
Maraen Port of Nigg’s extensive deep-water quays, significant laydown capacity and heavy ground loading capabilities make it ideally positioned to support large-scale offshore wind deployment and complex project logistics. Since 2018, the port has supported four consecutive offshore wind campaigns and played a key role in the deployment of almost 4GW of UK offshore wind capacity.
Maraen Port of Nigg was acquired by Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. in 2025. The port is operated by Maraen and is a leading UK integrated, deepwater port for the energy industry and a designated Green Freeport.
Yoshihiro Hayakawa, Chief Executive Officer at Maraen, said:
“We are delighted to support GE Vernova and the Dogger Bank Wind Farm B and Dogger Wind Farm C projects at Maraen Port of Nigg. Building on our experience with SSE Renewables’ Seagreen and Beatrice offshore wind farms, this award reflects the infrastructure, capabilities and experienced teams we have developed at Nigg to support large-scale offshore wind projects safely and efficiently.
“The Port of Nigg continues to play an important role in supporting the UK’s offshore renewables supply chain and wider energy transition ambitions, and we look forward to working collaboratively with all projects partners as the campaign progresses.”
Justin Zerneri, VP Wind Global Projects, GE Vernova, said:
“We are pleased to have secured a site at the Port of Nigg as we continue to focus on completing these important projects. The Port of Nigg has the port facilities and skilled resources needed to be able to support projects of this scale and scope. We thank our customers and the Port of Nigg for their collaboration in moving into this new location.”
6th November 2025 in Community News, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
An independent report published today reveals that Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm once fully operational, will boost the UK economy by £6.1 billion during its lifetime and support thousands of UK jobs over the next three decades.
The report, written by economic consultants BVG Associates, finds the £6.1 billion GDP contribution will be driven by significant investment in UK companies, jobs and skills during the lifecycle of Dogger Bank.
At 3.6GW, Dogger Bank will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm when fully operational and will be capable of generating enough power for around 6 million UK homes each year. Already, the project is beginning to generate homegrown renewable energy from initial commissioning at its first phase, which is being transmitted along subsea high voltage transmission cables for use by UK consumers.
The economic impact report was commissioned by Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s equity partners SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn who are currently constructing the offshore wind farm in three 1.2GW phases at adjoining sites in the North Sea more than 130km from the Yorkshire Coast.
Direct spend with companies in the North-East of England and in the counties of North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire is expected to total over £3 billion, with hundreds of jobs supported in these regions. To date this has included jobs in companies such as Jones Bros, Bowmer and Kirkland, Boston Energy and Tekmar.
With the project beginning to generate from initial commissioning at its first phase, full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported across the UK by Dogger Bank are expected to reach 3,600 over 2025. 1,500 of these jobs will be in the North-East of England and North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
A significant number of UK jobs will also continue through Dogger Bank’s operational life of at least 35 years, with an average of 1,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs expected to be supported over this period, which are predominantly highly skilled. These will also include roles for trainees and apprentices.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has also committed to investing a further £26 million directly in local communities to enhance science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education, and to support vital grassroots community initiatives. This community investment scheme includes a scholarship programme for STEM students, with 123 grants already awarded to students in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland and South Tyneside.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“Clean, homegrown power is the right choice for families and industry right across the country. Wind power is cheaper, cleaner and more secure than new gas – helping us bring down bills for good.
“As shown by this independent report, offshore wind projects such as Dogger Bank will generate billions for the UK, while also delivering thousands of good jobs – showing once again that clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Project Director, Olly Cass, said:
“People have always been at the heart of everything we do on Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Even from the early days of planning, there was an inherent drive from everyone involved to see what value we could unlock through this extraordinary engineering masterpiece.
”Offshore wind is a global sector with a global supply chain, but this report proves we have the skills, expertise and desire in the UK to fuel the energy transition and create economic value that’s far-reaching. The ripple effects of our UK spend, generating £6.1 billion for the UK economy, can be felt from the Highlands of Scotland, down to the south coast, and plenty more in between.
“BVGA’s report also gives us a chance to reflect on important lessons learned, so we can use Dogger Bank as the springboard for future economic growth in the UK in our development of critical energy infrastructure.”
Alun Roberts, Director of Economics, BVG Associates, said:
“Our independent analysis shows the significant impact of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Our economic model shows that the boost to the economy and jobs is sustained through the life of the project. This is vital for sustaining political support for offshore wind.”
Jones Bros senior contracts manager, James Lockwood, said:
“As a company, we are always eager to give our apprentices and trainees valuable on-site experience, and as the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank is a hugely significant project to be a part of.
“The numbers speak for themselves, with five higher apprentices and three trainee engineer apprentices working on Dogger Bank, whilst we also recruited 28 ground worker trainees and 18 plant operative apprentices.
“I know it has always brought everyone from senior managers to trainees and apprentices a great sense of pride to be associated with the scheme.”
BVGA’s report is available here: https://doggerbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dogger-Bank-Wind-Farm-economic-impact-report-by-BVG-Associates.pdf
Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s summary report in response to BVGA’s findings, which includes lessons learned, is available here: Dogger-Bank_Social-impact-report-2025.pdf
21st October 2025 in Community News, Press releases, Project news
- 19th Century ship’s bell belonged to The Masonic vessel that sunk in 1893 and has now been fully restored to its former glory after lying forgotten at the bottom of the North Sea
- Copper-alloy bell will be welcomed to its new home at Brightlingsea Museum in Essex by great-grandson of one of the vessel’s original owner
It had lain undisturbed at the bottom of the North Sea for nearly 130 years but now a historic ship’s bell will toll once again thanks to restoration work commissioned by Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The 12kg and 15cm high copper-alloy bell was originally installed on The Masonic vessel in 1876, but went down with the ship and its entire crew off the coast of Yorkshire during fierce storms in November 1893. Newspaper reports of the time refer to the remains of passengers and crew from the vessel being found on the beach at Saltburn-by-the Sea during a four-day hurricane
The Great Storm as it was known was blamed for the deaths of 335 people at sea, with over 140 vessels abandoned or foundering including The Masonic, which went down in a stretch of water off the Yorkshire coast
There the bell lay undisturbed on the seabed until 2022 when the team carrying out a subsea survey as part of pre-construction activities on Dogger Bank Wind Farm – set to be the largest in the world when complete – discovered an unexplained form embedded into the floor of the sea.
The object was initially thought to be an unexploded bomb, but onshore inspections revealed a bell-shaped object with the inscription ‘Masonic’. After undergoing specialist restoration work involving X-ray imaging, the maritime treasure will now be housed at the Brightlingsea Museum near Colchester in Essex.
Credit: MSDS Marine
Remarkably the museum was also able to track down the great-grandson of one of the vessel’s original owners, who will be joined by representatives from Dogger Bank Wind Farm for a special unveiling ceremony of the Masonic Bell at the Brightlingsea Museum today (21st October 2025).
The Deputy Receiver of Wreck, Andrea Bailey, worked with representatives from MSDS Marine to uncover the story behind the bell, and how it had come to be nestled into an area of seabed where offshore electricity cables were to be installed over 130 years later.
The bell was correctly registered with the Receiver of Wreck, part of HM Coastguard, but with no-one claiming ownership, it became the property of The Crown and it was agreed its final journey would be back to Brightlingsea for exhibition in the local museum.
Deputy Receiver of Wreck Andrea Bailey, said:
“The fate of the Masonic and her crew was a tragedy, far away from where it first set sail. So it feels right that the bell – the last surviving piece – is returned to where it was built.
“Reuniting objects with their owners or finding a proper home is best done by registering maritime finds with the Receiver of Wreck. By doing so, you can help share history and ensure artefacts end up where they truly belong.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is being built in three phases off the Yorkshire coast by developers SSE, Equinor and Vårgrønn and once fully complete in 2027, will be capable of powering up to six million homes annually.
Credit: MSDS Marine
Lizzy Reynolds, Lead Offshore Consent Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“When we set out to build the world’s largest offshore windfarm, we had no idea that our careful archaeological surveys would yield up this historic gem from the depths of the ocean floor.
“We feel it is the right thing to do to fully restore the Masonic Bell to its former glory as a tribute to those brave mariners who perished on board the ship during violent storms of 1893. Our delivery partners Haskoning and MSDS Marine have brought the bell back to life and it will now have a new dry home at the Brightlingsea Museum.”
Richard Dove, great-grandson of Captain William Dove, one of the owners of the Masonic, said:
“Raising the Masonic bell from the deep after its 132 years of seabed slumber is a tangible link to my great-grandfather.
“Hopefully the fully restored bell is testament to those brave souls that sadly perished in 1893, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has breathed new life into this wonderful piece of maritime history.”
Carola Del Mese, Conservator at MSDS Marine and Heritage led the restoration of the 19th century bell on behalf of Dogger Bank Wind Farm contractor, Haskoning.
Carola added:
“Conserving the Masonic bell has been a technical challenge and a privilege, and I’m honoured to have been part of its return journey home to Brightlingsea as a commemoration to the crew and an addition to local history.”
Local history experts from the Brightlingsea Museum believe The Masonic vessel was built by shipbuilder Robert Aldous, to transport coal, building materials and food during the 19th Century.
Margaret Stone, Brightlingsea Museum Curator, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the bell from the Brightlingsea-built barge, the Masonic, to the museum. This is the first artefact for our collection which comes from an actual vessel built in the town during the Nineteenth Century. What makes it even more special are the links the Masonic has to an organisation and families still in the town - and even the museum itself. We are most grateful to all that have made this possible.”
Image caption: Three generations of the Dove family attended the unveiling of the Masonic ship’s bell at Brightlingsea Museum.
