DEME’s vessel Orion has completed the installation of the jacket foundation for Tennet’s Hollandse Kust West Alpha platform in the North Sea off the Dutch coast.
The installation of the 2,300-tonne jacket began last week after the unit arrived at the offshore construction site from the Port of Vlissingen on 14 August, a few weeks after the load out at the Heerema Fabrication Group yard.
The 49-metre-high jacket was secured by four piles which are driven more than 50 metres into the seabed.
Prior to installation, a large bed of stones was placed on the seabed to create a firm and flat foundation and ensure that the bottom under the jacket is not washed away by the flow of seawater.
According to TenneT, the structure has a minimum lifespan of 40 years with regular maintenance.
DEME Offshore will install the topside for the Hollandse Kust West Alpha platform next year.
The platform will be fully operational from 2024, from when it will be able to connect 700 MW of offshore wind capacity to the Dutch grid.
Heerema Fabrication Group built the jacket foundation on behalf of Smulders and Equans, suppliers of all platforms for the Hollandse Kust Noord, West Alpha, and West Beta projects.