The heavy-lift vessel MV Trina, operated by SAL Heavy Lift, has transported a 435-tonne monopile replica from CSWIND PT’s fabrication yard in Portugal to the Port of Tyne in the United Kingdom. The structure will be used by Ørsted for onshore installation trials ahead of offshore construction for the Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm.

The 27-meter-long model, weighing as much as four blue whales, will allow Ørsted’s team to simulate all major installation phases — from foundations to turbine assembly — in a controlled onshore environment. According to Ørsted and the Port of Tyne, the trials aim to identify and address potential risks before offshore operations begin, thereby improving safety and efficiency.

“Loading and transporting the replica monopile from its fabrication yard in Portugal and loading it again at the Port of Tyne was a big job. Happily, it was a successful – and most importantly – safe operation,” said Mads Jørgensen, Offshore Installation Manager for Hornsea 3.

The Type 176-class MV Trina is equipped with two 700-tonne cranes (combinable up to 1,400 tonnes) and an additional 350-tonne crane, enabling it to handle heavy components for offshore wind installations with precision.

The project was completed in collaboration with CSWIND PT, Cadeler, and several local subcontractors.

The Hornsea 3 project, led by Ørsted, will become one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, with a planned capacity of 2.9 GW. The delivery of the monopile replica marks an essential milestone in offshore wind logistics, showcasing the combined expertise of SAL Heavy Lift, CSWIND PT, and Port of Tyne in supporting Europe’s clean energy growth.