Collared monopile to debut at Kaskasi offshore Germany
Dec. 2, 2020
RWE Renewables has contracted DEME Offshore to transport and install new foundation technology at the 342-MW Kaskasi offshore wind farm in the German North Sea.
(Courtesy DEME)
The jackup installation vessel Neptune.
Offshore staff
ZWIJNDRECHT, Belgium – RWE Renewables has contracted DEME Offshore to transport and install new foundation technology at the 342-MW Kaskasi offshore wind farm in the German North Sea.
Based on an RWE patent, the ‘collared monopile’ is expected to provide additional support for lateral loading, increase the bearing capacity, and improve the structural integrity of the entire foundation. JBO developed the detailed design of the collar. Bladt Industries was selected as manufacturer.
DEME’s jackup vessel Neptune will install steel collars around three of the 38 monopile foundations in water depths of up to 25 m (82 ft). The space between collar and monopile foundation will be filled with grout material to create a stable connection.
Installation of the foundations is expected to start in 3Q 2021. RWE will use the “vibro pile driving” installation method, which is said to be an efficient alternative to hammering monopiles into the seabed. This method could reduce installation time and noise emissions during construction.
Kaskasi will be the first commercial offshore wind farm in the world using the vibro driving technique to install all monopile foundations to target penetration, the company claimed.
Located 35 km (22 mi) north of the island of Heligoland, the Kaskasi offshore wind farm is expected to start commercial operations in summer 2022. Once fully operational, it is expected to power more than 400,000 homes.
