A consortium led by Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy has received a full notice to proceed from RWE, the UK’s leading power generator, for the Norfolk Vanguard West and East offshore wind projects. These projects are crucial components of RWE’s Norfolk offshore wind zone.
In this first of two January blog posts, HSEQ-360 Limited will look at Siemens Energy, RWE, Aker Solutions and Drydocks World, as well as the three projects that make up the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Aker Solutions, reflecting its commitment to the global energy transition. The project is a collaborative effort between the two companies, with Aker Solutions responsible for engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and installation of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore platform, whilst Siemens Energy manages the onshore station and offshore high voltage equipment.
Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone comprises three projects: Vanguard West, Vanguard East, and Boreas. These projects will be constructed offshore off the coast of Norfolk in East Anglia, with the closest turbine situated approximately 47 kilometres from the shore.
The Norfolk Zone’s 276 wind turbines will generate electricity through cables that land at Happisburgh and connect to the National Grid at Necton.
Construction of the underground cable route, which commenced in 2023 and is progressing rapidly, will enable the transmission of electricity.
Aker Solutions is a Norwegian company, with a long heritage
Formed in 1841, the company’s initial primary activities were shipbuilding, manufacturing components for machinery and equipment for clients in the iron and non-ferrous metals industries, and shipping, at the vanguard of the Industrial Revolution. In November 2020, Aker merged with Kvaerner, thus becoming a leading provider of project execution, engineering, construction (EPC), as well as technical services to the global oil, gas and renewable energy markets.
RWE dates back to 1898
RWE AG, a German multinational energy company headquartered in Essen, generates and trades electricity across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the United States. In July 2020, RWE successfully completed a significant asset swap deal with E.ON, which was first announced in 2018. This deal involved the transfer of E.ON and Innogy’s international renewable generation portfolio to RWE.
We’re proud to have worked with RWE for the last two years, following award of their ten-year contract for operations, servicing and maintenance at London Array, where we’ve worked since 2020.
Siemens Energy is a global leader
For over 150 years, its engineers have been at the forefront of electrifying the world. Today, it is a team of 98,000 employees, with bases in 90 countries.
Siemens Energy works with conventional and renewable power sources, grid technology, energy storage solutions, and electrifying complex industrial processes.
Drydocks World, Dubai, was formed in 1978
As a subsidiary of DP World, Drydocks World stands as the premier marine and offshore provider for the shipping, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries. With over four decades of exceptional expertise, Drydocks World successfully completes more than 300 marine and offshore projects annually. Strategically situated in Dubai, our facilities offer the capability to execute agile construction of substantial offshore fabrications and remarkable refurbishments throughout the year.
The consortium, which also includes a joint venture between Aker Solutions and Drydocks World, will deliver two HVDC platforms. The topsides of the platforms will be fabricated by Drydocks World in Dubai, while Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway, will handle the substructures.
Sturla Magnus, Aker Solutions’ new build segment executive vice-president, expressed pride in being a key partner in this important energy project:
“We are thrilled to be a part of this significant renewable energy source and a major step forward in Europe’s energy transformation.”
How we can help you
HSEQ-360 Limited, a team of chartered engineers, health and safety, and quality professionals, can assist your offshore company in enhancing its operations and management systems. We can conduct a thorough review of your company’s processes and implement sustainable strategies tailored to your business’s specific needs.
Our management system is certified to ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001, and we specialise in developing bespoke management systems for businesses. We can conduct an environmental impact assessment on your behalf and provide practical recommendations for environmentally friendly practices.
For more information, please visit our website, follow our active LinkedIn channel, or contact a member of our team at info@hseq-360.co.uk.
