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Vestas (Aarhus, Denmark) has secured a firm order for the 257-megawatt (MW) Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind project from Parkwind (Leuven, Belgium), to deliver 27 V174-9.5 MW composite turbines 19 kilometers northeast off the coast of the Island of Rugen, in the German Baltic Sea. More importantly, the V174-9.5 MW turbines will be installed using a new floating installation method, instead of the typical method using a jack-up vessel (this case study explores the floating turbine concept further). The order confirms the fifth collaboration between Vestas (previously through MHI Vestas Offshore Wind) and Parkwind on offshore wind projects, and the first outside of Belgium.

In collaboration with Parkwind and the vessel operator, Heerema Marine Contractors (Leiden, Netherlands), a dual crane vessel will be used, which enables the floating installation method, involving dynamic lifting and installation of all turbine components. This innovative installation method prevents challenges with seabed and soil conditions, Vestas says, by avoiding contact with the seabed altogether. This reduces project risk by allowing faster installation time, and also contributes to reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for the project. Once installed, Vestas will also service Arcadis Ost 1 with a 15-year service contract.

“We are pleased to be continuing our collaboration with Parkwind at Arcadis Ost 1, installing V174-9.5 MW turbines at this important project off the German coast,” says Nils de Baar, Ppresident of Vestas Northern & Central Europe. “The floating installation method we are using will potentially be a game-changer for installing projects in deeper waters, saving time and further reducing the cost of offshore wind. Projects like Arcadis Ost 1 will continue to deliver on Germany’s offshore wind ambitions, to reach 20 GW [gigiwatts] of installed wind by 2030.”

Turbine components will be delivered to the Port of Roenne on the Danish island of Bornholm, starting in the third quarter of 2022. Offshore installation is expected commence by the end of 2022 and Arcadis Ost 1 is planned for full operation in 2023.