UK: Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds and Fluor Reach Agreement

Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd (GGOWL), which is 50% owned by SSE, and Fluor Ltd have reached agreement on all of the outstanding claims relating to the construction of the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm.

The main claim related to the quality of up to 52 upper foundations (transition pieces) supporting turbines and the quality of up to 35 lower foundations supporting the same turbines.

All 140 turbines at the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm have been energised and operational since September 2012. In the six months to March 2013, the wind farm was operationally available to generate electricity for 87% of the time; this is forecast to increase to over 90% during 2013/14. GGOWL is now confident about the long-term structural integrity of the disputed foundations.

The terms of the agreement between GGOWL and Fluor Ltd will not be disclosed.

 Iwan Tukalo, General Manager at GGOWL, said:

 “The agreement between GGOWL and Fluor is a positive development, bringing to an end the contractual dispute between the two parties. It is also encouraging that the wind farm has performed well since it was energised and our focus remains on ensuring it is a safe, efficient asset that makes a significant contribution to achieving the UK’s targets for renewable energy.”

[mappress]

Press release, May 15, 2013; Image: rwe