23rd May 2025 in Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
- Third North Sea HVDC platform marks installation completion of offshore substations on all three phases of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
- Pioneering design reduces topside weight by as much as 70% compared to traditional designs.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm and its delivery partners have successfully completed the installation of the HVDC offshore substation platform at Dogger Bank C, marking the installation completion of all three offshore substations on the world’s largest offshore wind farm under construction.
Manufactured and supplied by Aibel and installed by Heerema Marine Contractors’ Sleipnir vessel, the Dogger Bank C platform measures approximately 75 x 50 metres across and 36 metres high and sits on a four-legged steel jacket foundation structure which is fixed to the seabed, at an average water depth of around 23m.
The installation of the Dogger Bank C offshore substation topside onto the platform jacket followed on from the safe installation of the platform jacket by Heerema’s Sleipnir vessel a week earlier.
Olly Cass, Project Director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“The installation of our third offshore substation platform marks a significant leap on our journey to delivering renewable energy for around 6 million UK homes annually once the wind farm is complete.
“Our strong partnership with Aibel, Hitachi Energy and our installation partners, with Heerema installing this third platform, has been key to the seamless completion and handover of these three pioneering structures.
“This is a significant moment for the project team, our delivery partners and for the UK’s clean energy transition.”
The innovative Aibel platform has a lean design and was the first unmanned HVDC platform to be installed in 2023, when the first of the project’s three platforms was successfully delivered at the Dogger Bank A phase. The substations are designed to be operated from shore and accessed only by a Service Operations Vessel.
Further commissioning activities will now be carried out on the platform to prepare it for future transmission of renewable energy.
Fitted with Hitachi Energy’s latest generation HVDC converter technology, Dogger Bank is the first offshore wind project in the UK to use this technology to transmit the electricity produced back to shore, ensuring the electricity is transmitted efficiently over long distances while minimising losses.
Each of the three platforms will be capable of receiving 1.2GW of AC power generated by Dogger Bank’s offshore wind turbines and converting that renewable energy to DC, before sending that clean, homegrown power ashore to three onshore convertor stations, near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire and near Redcar on Teesside.
Mads Andersen, Aibel President and CEO, said:
“The successful installation of the DBC converter platform marks a proud milestone for Aibel and our partner Hitachi Energy. We are honoured to have contributed to the world’s largest offshore wind farm by delivering three lean and effective converter platforms. This achievement reflects the strength of our collaboration with the client partners, the dedication of our teams, and our shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition.”
Martijn Kuipers, Project Director for Doggerbank C at Heerema, said:
“Completing the installation of the Dogger Bank C offshore substation platform marks a proud milestone for Heerema. The thorough preparations and seamless collaboration between Sleipnir’s skilled crew, our project team, Dogger Bank Wind Farm and our subcontractors, enabled us to safely and successfully install the jacket and topside. This achievement reflects Heerema’s commitment to delivering complex offshore projects with precision and innovation, and we are proud to contribute to the UK’s energy transition.”
13th May 2025 in Project news
- The Crown Estate Capacity Increase Programme will unlock 4.7GW of additional UK capacity including up to 2GW from Dogger Bank D.
- Dogger Bank D is the proposed fourth phase to increase the size of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
- Project development maximises capacity from the eastern part of the Dogger Bank C seabed lease area to make the world’s biggest offshore wind farm even bigger.
- SSE and Equinor each own 50% of the proposed Dogger Bank D development.
SSE and Equinor, developers of the proposed Dogger Bank D offshore wind farm, welcome the decision by The Crown Estate to proceed with its Capacity Increase Programme to maximise the potential of existing offshore wind lease areas in the UK.
The decision, which has been agreed by the UK Secretary of State for Energy & Net Zero, allows for the ongoing progression of the up to 2GW Dogger Bank D project, a proposed fourth phase of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm currently in construction in the North Sea.
The Crown Estate’s Capacity Increase Programme was first announced in November 2023. The programme allows for the existing seabed rights agreements of seven fixed-bottom offshore windfarms located around England and Wales to be amended, subject to agreement of terms with The Crown Estate, to unlock 4.7GW of increased available capacity for new green electricity production.
These include the existing seabed lease area agreement for Dogger Bank C, the third phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. By amending this lease in agreement with The Crown Estate, SSE and Equinor can maximise the capacity of the eastern portion of the Dogger Bank C seabed lease area to unlock potential capacity of up to 2GW of new renewable energy at what would be Dogger Bank D, for the UK energy system.
Paul Cooley, Director of Offshore Wind, SSE Renewables said:
“This decision marks a further milestone in the progression of SSE’s offshore wind pipeline off the coast of England in the UK North Sea. The addition of Dogger Bank D would make our existing 3.6GW Dogger Bank project, the world’s biggest offshore wind farm currently being built off the UK, even bigger.
“Working with our joint venture partner, we now look forward to engaging closely with The Crown Estate on the next steps to agree the progression of Dogger Bank D, while also progressing the project to secure a new Development Consent Order. If delivered Dogger Bank D can play a vital contribution towards the UK’s clean power targets from offshore wind.”
Melissa Read, Head of Regional Development UK, Equinor said:
“This innovative approach allows us to unlock further value and volume from the Dogger Bank seabed, whilst protecting the marine environment.
“Dogger Bank D would allow for more renewable energy, which is key to meet the UK Government’s offshore wind and net zero ambitions and further progress the UK’s energy transition.”
The decision to proceed with the Capacity Increase Programme follows the conclusion of a plan-Level Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) by The Crown Estate to assess the effects of the capacity increase on protected habitats. Under the decision the capacity increase will proceed based on a derogation, with compensation measures to address identified impacts on marine habitats and species.
The proposed Dogger Bank D project was first announced in 2023. In July 2024, SSE and Equinor established commercial terms with The Crown Estate around an amendment to the existing Dogger Bank C seabed lease, subject to the outcome of the plan-Level HRA.
The Dogger Bank D project would connect to the national electricity infrastructure network at National Grid’s planned new 400kV substation at Birkhill Wood in East Riding of Yorkshire.
A non-statutory community consultation on the project took place in autumn 2024, with a statutory consultation due to take place in summer 2025.
The delivery of Dogger Bank D is subject to a new Development Consent Order as well as a final investment decision by the 50:50 joint venture partners SSE Renewables and Equinor.
The existing 3.6GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). The project was awarded rights in The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 3 and is currently under construction in three 1.2GW phases: A, B and C.
11th April 2025 in Project news
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has submitted a request to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to amend the wording in its Development Consent Order, to allow for phases A and B of the project to progress separately through the OFTO sales process. As part of this application and in line with the Planning Act 2008, we have now opened a formal period of consultation with stakeholders on the proposed wording amendments.
Further details of this process are available in the Reg 6 notice below:
SECTION 153 OF THE PLANNING ACT 2008 REGULATION 6 OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING (CHANGES TO, AND REVOCATION OF, DEVELOPEMNT CONSENT ORDERS) REGULATIONS 2011 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO MAKE A NON-MATERIAL CHANGE TO THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER: THE DOGGER BANK CREYKE BECK OFFSHORE WIND FARM ORDER 2015 (AS AMENDED) (S.I. 2015/318)
REF: EN010021
- An application has been made by Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 1 Projco Limited (“Projco 1”) and Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 2 Projco Limited (“Projco 2”) (together the “Applicant”) to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to make a non-material change (“NMC”) to the above mentioned Development Consent Order (the “DCO”) (ref: EN010021).
- The DCO granted development consent to Doggerbank Project 1 Bizco Limited (“Bizco 1”) for “Project A” and Doggerbank Project 4 Bizco Limited (“Bizco 4”) for “Project B” – two offshore wind turbine generating stations each comprising up to 200 wind turbine generators and associated development in the Dogger Bank Zone and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Bizco 1 was renamed at Companies House as Projco 1, and Project A was renamed Dogger Bank A (herein “DBA”). Bizco 4 was renamed at Companies House as Projco 2 and Project B was renamed Dogger Bank B (herein “DBB”).
- The application seeks to make non-material changes to the drafting of the DCO by amending the wording of certain definitions, articles and paragraphs of schedules to allow DBA and DBB to be considered separately, and for the discharge and enforcement of each project’s relevant requirements to be distinct from the other project.
- The contact details of the Applicant are:
Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 1 Projco Limited and Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 2 Projco Limited at No. 1 Forbury Place 43 Forbury Road, Reading, United Kingdom, RG1 3JH.
5. Email contact is possible by contacting:
DoggerBankConsentsConsultations@sse.com.
6. The application documents and details of the changes proposed by this NMC Application are available for inspection, free of charge, at the “Documents” tab on the National Infrastructure Planning Portal’s Dogger Bank Creyke Beck page here: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN010021
7. For general enquiries on how to obtain any of the documents or on the information contained within them, please contact the Applicant (DoggerBankConsentsConsultations@sse.com).
8. A free digital copy of the application documents can also be obtained from the Applicant using the contact details provided above. This will be available until the deadline for responses set out below closes. Alternatively, a paper copy can be obtained from the Applicant for a charge of £300.
9. Please send any representations about the application by email to the Planning Inspectorate at:
DBCreykeBeck@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
or in writing to:
Major Applications & Plans, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.
Please quote ‘Dogger Bank Creyke Beck’ on any correspondence. Any representations received by the Secretary of State in response to the consultation will be published on the Planning Inspectorate’s Infrastructure Planning Portal (https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/) with all personal information removed.
10. The deadline for receipt of representations is 23:59 on 23 May 2025.
Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 1 Projco Limited and Doggerbank Offshore Wind Farm Project 2 Projco Limited
11th April 2025 in Construction, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has signed a contract with Seaway7, part of the Subsea7 Group, to charter a second turbine installation vessel to support the ongoing delivery of the offshore wind farm off the coast of England.
This contract signing follows on from the earlier reservation agreement between Dogger Bank Wind Farm and Seaway7, announced in December 2024.
Under the contract, the Seaway Ventus jack-up installation vessel will commence turbine transport and installation work of GE Vernova Haliade-X offshore wind turbines at the Dogger Bank site in mid-2026.
This contract represents additional work for Seaway7 at the Dogger Bank development where the company already has the contracts for transport and installation of the monopile foundations and transition pieces on all three phases of the project, with the works on Dogger Bank A complete and the works on Dogger Bank B substantially complete.
Turbine installation and commissioning work is continuing at Dogger Bank A, with completion of the first phase of the offshore wind farm expected in the second half of calendar year 2025.
When fully complete, Dogger Bank will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, capable of powering around 6 million UK homes annually.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is leading construction of the project on behalf of the three joint venture partners. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
3rd February 2025 in Project news, Supply Chain
North Star has officially named and handed over its latest service operations vessel (SOV), the Grampian Tweed, completing the company’s fleet of dedicated ships serving the Dogger Bank Wind Farm on long-term charter.
The Grampian Tweed is the fourth SOV introduced to support the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. This achievement builds on the strong foundation of collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise throughout North Star’s and Dogger Bank’s supply chain, with all four hybrid-powered ships designed to provide crucial logistical and safety support for the maintenance and operation of the wind farm.
“The naming of the Grampian Tweed is a proud moment for all of us across the business,” said Gitte Gard Talmo, CEO of North Star. “Our in-house teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that this SOV, alongside its sister vessels, meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The early handover of all these ships not only reinforces our partnership with Equinor and SSE Renewables but also strengthening our role in the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy future.”
The Grampian Tweed’s naming ceremony, held at Associated British Ports (ABP) new Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility, was attended by representatives from North Star, Equinor, SSE Renewables, and local stakeholders.
Grampian Tweed service operations vessel
Emma Sayer, the Grampian Tweed’s godmother has been a valued member of North Star’s crewing team in Lowestoft for over 16 years. She played a key role in the naming ceremony which also featured a blessing from Rev. Peter Paine and speeches from Julian Walker, CCO & regional director of ABP, and Kamala Hajiyeva, VP & head of the Dogger Bank Development.
Kamala Hajiyeva, VP and head of Dogger Bank Wind Farm development said:
“With the arrival of the Grampian Tweed SOV, we celebrate the last of four vessels delivered to the project. The Grampian Tweed also provides a best-in-class working and living environment for our offshore wind technicians and team members, ensuring they can carry out essential maintenance safely and comfortably. The vessel’s advanced features will also provide essential services to the operations and maintenance of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”
Once complete, Dogger Bank will become the largest offshore wind farm in the world, with 3.6GW of generating capacity, enough to power up to six million homes annually. The addition of the Grampian Tweed to the fleet highlights the crucial role that North Star and its vessels play in supporting the continued development and success of the wind farm.
SSE Renewables Project Director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Olly Cass, said:
“Congratulations to the team at North Star for achieving another significant milestone for our pioneering project. Today’s ceremony takes place in the region where our hybrid-powered daughter craft were built, once again demonstrating the huge amount of UK skills and expertise involved in delivering and operating the world’s largest offshore wind farm.”
Over the past three years, North Star has invested £270m and placed 160 experienced seafarers to support its Dogger Bank tonnage and will recruit a further 160 seafarers for its expanding SOV fleet in the next three years to meet current contract charter commitments.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is proud to support the UK’s offshore wind supply chain and has created more than 2,000 UK jobs in relation to the construction and operation activities of the project.
Image caption: North Star’s Grampian Tweed Masters Michael Dodd and Juan A. Escribano flank North Star CEO Gitte Gard Talmo, ABP’s CCO and regional director Julian Walker, and Kamala Hajiyeva, VP and Head of Development for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm
