9th December 2024 in Supply Chain
An innovative inter-array cable monitoring system that aims to identify and prevent potential faults is set to be installed on a further phase of Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
Under a contract with DEME, Proserv will deploy its Electro Cable Guard (ECG™) technology on Dogger Bank C, enhancing asset reliability through earlier failure detection and prevention.
Proserv’s ECG is already being deployed at Dogger Bank A and B.
The Dogger Bank C contract will be project managed, engineered and delivered by Proserv’s Great Yarmouth based team, in addition to the work being carried out at the wind farm’s A and B phases.
Using unique passive electrical sensors to monitor inter-array cables and terminations, ECG delivers early fault detection that traditional systems overlook, transforming maintenance strategies and strengthening resilience in offshore operations. It works by permanently and synchronously monitoring the combined effect of electrical and mechanical stresses on power cables and terminations to identify failure precursors far earlier, providing real-time insights into transmission system health.
Proserv’s Vice President of Renewables, Paul Cook, said:
“We are incredibly proud to secure this contract, positioning Proserv as the cable monitoring provider for DEME Offshore across the three phases of the Dogger Bank project, the world’s largest offshore wind farm currently under construction.
“As more offshore wind developments come online, unplanned cable and termination failures are an increasing concern. This latest evolution of our breakthrough ECG system offers substantial cost savings benefits to developers and operators, addressing the widespread issue of cable failures, which account for approximately 80% of wind-farm related insurance claims. Unlike conventional methods, our solution embeds passive optical electrical sensors directly within terminations, eliminating the need for additional power and telecoms infrastructure at each termination point. This enhances efficiency, streamlines data collection, and provides real-time alerts to prevent downtime, reducing repair costs by up to 80% when interventions are planned proactively.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Senior Project Manager, Alan Evans, said:
“Availability of assets is critical to the efficient supply of renewable electricity into our decarbonised energy system. We’ve been working with DEME and Proserv to pioneer the use of ECG monitoring technology on the first phases of our project, and we look forward to building on this relationship with Dogger Bank C.”
Synaptec’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Philip Orr, said:
“We’re excited to work with Proserv to lead the way in de-risking offshore power generation. The future of clean energy depends on reliably transporting renewable power to the grid, and that means taking action to maximise the resilience of offshore power assets. This project will be a significant milestone in the development of the offshore wind sector, and we are proud to play our part in making it as successful and productive as possible.”
23rd July 2024 in Construction, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
- Over 200 miles/328km of 66KV cables manufactured by Hellenic Cables under a contract with DEME Offshore.
More than 200 miles (328 km) of 66KV inter-array cables have been successfully installed by delivery partners working on the construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
The cables were laid by DEME Offshore’s Viking Neptun, with burial works being completed by DEME Offshore’s Living Stone.
This work marks the completion of all inter-array cables on the first phase of the wind farm, Dogger Bank A, which began generating power in October 2023.
The network of 95 cables in a multitude of lengths up to 8.6 miles, will connect Dogger Bank A’s 95 Haliade-X 13MW turbines to the Dogger Bank A offshore convertor station. From here the electricity is converted into direct current for transmission to Dogger Bank A’s onshore convertor station via a pioneering HVDC system.
The laying of cables is carried out using a specialist cable lay vessel that uses a carousel and tensioner device, to deploy cable over the stern chute of the vessel and onto the surface of the seabed. The second stage involves connecting the cable to the offshore platform as well as each individual wind turbine.
This challenging engineering process follows on from an intensive preparation period involving underwater surveys, to ensure the cable laying corridor is clear of obstacles.
The 66KV inter-array cables were manufactured by Hellenic Cables under a contract with Dogger Bank tier one contractor DEME Offshore.
Hellenic Cables and Deme Offshore are also responsible for the manufacture and installation of inter-array cables for Dogger Bank B and C. The first inter-array cable for Dogger Bank B is expected to be installed from autumn 2024.
Alan Evans, Dogger Bank Wind Farm Marine Package Manager, said:
“This is another important part of our Dogger Bank A marine work complete, and is the result of a great collaboration between all parties involved.
“With 277 cables to be installed in total, it’s by far the biggest inter-array cable installation programme undertaken to date in offshore wind.
“The safe and smooth completion of this phase is a huge credit to the entire team.”
Geert Linthout, Project Director – DEME offshore, said:
“The teams at Dogger Bank and DEME Offshore have collaborated closely to achieve this significant project milestone.
“Throughout the execution, DEME Offshore has successfully deployed both the Living Stone and the newly added cable installation vessel Viking Neptun, demonstrating outstanding performance.
“This has provided a solid and reliable basis for the upcoming Dogger Bank B phase and, subsequently, the Dogger Bank C phase. We are excited to continue our strong working relationship on Dogger Bank B and Dogger Bank C.”
17th April 2024 in Construction, Press releases, Project news, Supply Chain
Dogger Bank, set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, has achieved a significant milestone as the second unmanned High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) platform has been installed by Saipem.
The substation is the second of three platforms, each supplied by Aibel, to be installed at Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, which is being constructed in three phases known as A, B, and C, each with a capacity of 1.2GW.
The platform was installed 130km from the UK coastline at Dogger Bank B by Saipem using the Saipem 7000 vessel and features a Hitachi Energy HVDC system developed to transmit power more efficiently than traditional AC systems. The platform will receive 1.2GW of AC power generated by the 95 offshore wind turbines of Dogger Bank B, before converting it to DC for transmission to an onshore converter station located near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.
The first platform was installed at Dogger Bank A in April 2023, representing the first time this technology has been used in offshore wind in the UK. All three platforms will be controlled from shore and feature a lean design, resulting in a 70% weight reduction per MW compared to previous platform designs.
Mads Andersen, CEO and President of Aibel said:
“At Aibel, we recognize that our success is not measured solely by the completion of projects but by the lasting impact we leave on the industry. With this major on-time delivery of Dogger Bank B, we mark another important milestone in Aibel’s transition towards a greener industry. This achievement exemplifies the power of collaboration and reflects the enduring partnerships we have cultivated with industry leaders SSE Renewables, Equinor, Vårgrønn, and our esteemed partner, Hitachi Energy”.
Andreas Berthou, Head of HVDC at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, said:
“The urgent energy transition requires strong collaboration, new business models, and global standards. We are proud to be the technology partner for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm project, with HVDC being the force multiplier for the clean energy transition, increasing access to an energy system that is more sustainable, flexible and secure. This is another significant milestone in securing the UK’s future energy needs, made possible by foresighted partners such as SSE Renewables, Equinor and Vårgrønn that have made the UK a leader in the transition to clean power.”
Measuring 75 meters long x 45 meters wide x 39 meters high, the platform utilises a four-legged steel jacket foundation structure designed and fabricated by Saipem in water depths of around 28 meters.
Gianalberto Secchi, COO of Saipem’s Offshore Wind Business Line, commented:
“We are proud to have contributed to the achievement of this important milestone for the groundbreaking Dogger Bank project, which reaffirms Saipem’s leadership in the offshore industry and our expertise in supporting Clients in the development of offshore wind farms as a key resource for the energy transition worldwide.”
12th March 2024 in Supply Chain
North East engineering and lifting expert, JK Lifting Equipment, is working with the world’s largest wind farm, Dogger Bank, to enable the safe movement of operation and maintenance equipment.
As part of the lifting and product supply partnership, JK Lifting Equipment has developed a rigging loft specifically for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm. The specially converted shipping container features all the necessary lifting equipment required to support safe heavy lifts and can be used both onshore and offshore.
James McAlees, Marine Logistics Coordinator at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said: “JK Lifting Equipment will play an important role in the operations of the warehouse and logistics function of Dogger Bank, enabling the safe movement of equipment required to operate and maintain the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
“They join a growing number of North East companies bringing specialised technology to the industry-leading project.”
James Bright, Managing Director at JK Lifting, said: “We’re thrilled that Dogger Bank Wind Farm have entrusted us to be their lifting partner – it’s a privilege to be a part of such an exciting and transformative project.
“Dogger Bank recognised our strong track record of quality engineering, providing innovative solutions, developing collaborative working relationships and delivering a comprehensive range of both onshore and offshore services across the UK and Europe.
“With four decades of lifting expertise, our certified engineers bolster the wind farm’s existing lifting operations, utilising their in-depth sector knowledge to find innovative solutions.
“Based on the banks of the River Tyne, we’re proud to support Dogger Bank Wind Farm, alongside the region’s growing renewable energy hub and the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target.”
The Dogger Bank offshore Wind Farm is a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables (40 per cent%), Equinor (40 per cent%) and Vårgrønn (20 per cent%).
SSE Renewables is leading the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion and during its expected operational life of around 35 years. Vårgrønn provides specialist offshore wind expertise to the project.
The North East of England is a growing UK hub for the global marine, offshore, and renewable sectors. Its North Sea location, as well as the vast experience, knowledge and network of the region’s specialist companies, mean it is attracting growing levels of investment.
JK Lifting, one of the North East’s leading engineering firms, has been helping companies lift well for over 40 years. Founded by John Kesson in 1983, the firm was acquired by James Bright in 2019 to lead the company into its next chapter. Following continued growth, in May 2022 the firm celebrated the opening of its specialist marine base at Port of Blyth.
7th March 2024 in Supply Chain
CFB Risk Management (CFB RMS) CIC has supported the World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm, Dogger Bank, providing Emergency Response Plans.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has awarded CFB RMS with the opportunity to develop and produce their Emergency Response Plans for their Logistics and Warehouse departments, which are based from the Dogger Bank operations and maintenance base in South Shields, North East England.
Dogger Bank is committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future, investing £1m during the construction phase of the wind farm, working with education providers to support the development of skills for the future of green energy.
CFB RMS, who are a CIC, give back 65% of profits to support the local community, a value that is very much close to Dogger Bank’s heart.
CFB RMS have unique expertise and decades of experiencing managing highly complex emergency response situations within High Hazard industries globally including; Chemical, Energy and Oil & Gas, with a passion for excellence and customers being at the forefront of everything we do.
CFB RMS are always looking to build up strong existing client relationships. Securing this contract with such an innovative company, who have an eagerness to take on new challenges, and strive to make a safe and good place to work and put their people first, and committed to minimising negative impact on people and the environment.
Working closely with them will allow us to exchange ideas that provide more sustainable services, optimising the skills and expertise CFB RMS technical team hold to ensure plans are in place to support Equinor’s team in the event of an emergency situation.
We are excited to work with a global leader, and to start implementing key training and service requirements to prevent major accidents, and protect business reputation the best way possible, in order to satisfy our client on a personal level by providing the best services within the market.
CFB RMS have already built a great relationship with this organisation, and look forward to watching this relationship grow and flourish over time.
