Heerema deploys rotor nacelle assembly technique for German offshore wind farm

LEIDEN, the Netherlands — Heerema Marine Contractors has complete installation of 24 turbines for Parkwind’s 257-MW Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind farm.

Most are already producing electricity for export to the German grid. Due to delays in delivery of some rotor blades, the three remaining turbines will be installed during the fall.

Heerema/ turbine supplier Vestas Energiewende co-developed a new rotor nacelle assembly floating installation method, said to be a more reliable method for installing wind turbine generators using floating installation vessels.

According to Heerema, installation cycle times were consistent and competitive with established methods while the floating installation brings benefits such as zero seabed interaction, a major consideration in deeper water areas or challenging soil conditions.