Ørsted is preparing for Hornsea 3 turbine installation, with Siemens Gamesa components being marshalled at Able Seaton Port and DEME’s jack-up vessel Norse Energi arriving to support offshore work.
The first turbine components reached the port in July, Ocean Energy Resources reported, citing Able. Since then, Able’s heavy-lift and logistics teams have moved blades, nacelles and tower sections from the quayside into storage. Tower sections are being assembled at the port before load-out.
In an update, Able said Norse Energi had arrived at Able Seaton Port for the project. The jack-up vessel, operated by DEME, is 151 metres long, has a 62-metre beam and is equipped with a 3,200-tonne crane, according to Able. It will be used to load out and install Hornsea 3 turbine components.
The wind farm is planned to comprise 197 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 turbines. Ørsted says each turbine is rated at 15 MW and has three 115-metre blades. The project, located about 120 kilometres off Norfolk, is expected to have a capacity of 2.9 GW and generate enough electricity for more than 3.3 million UK homes once operational.
Offshore construction is already under way. Ørsted installed the first monopile in May, and the second offshore converter station was installed in September. The latter milestone is covered in HMT News’ report on the second offshore converter station. The turbine installation preparations follow these foundation and transmission-system works.
