In June 2020, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier was awarded a contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for the transport and installation of 62 SG 8.0-167 DD wind turbines at the new Saint-Brieuc offshore windfarm in France. The Saint-Brieuc offshore windfarm (496 MW) is located 16 kilometers off the northwest coast of France in Saint-Brieuc Bay. It is being developed by Ailes Marines, fully owned by Iberdrola, and is the first large-scale offshore windfarm in Brittany to obtain all necessary permits for its construction and operation. When finished, the wind farm will supply clean energy for 835,000 people.
Our first major foray into French waters
The Saint-Brieuc offshore windfarm will feature 62 SG 8.0-167 DD wind turbines, which will be installed by jack-up vessel Brave Tern in 2023, now that she has returned from Taiwan. We are very pleased to announce that this is our first large transportation and installation project in France.
Not without its challenges
As always with a project of this scale, there have been challenges to overcome. “Finding appropriate positions for Brave Tern’s legs for this project has been difficult, as the shear strength of the seabed is up to 10 times that of concrete. There are also numerous obstacles on the seabed, such as former spudcan holes, rock formations, and boulders,” says Petter Faye Søyland, Senior Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Windcarrier.
To overcome these issues, a Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to assess the seabed’s surface, its underlying layers, and seismic data. 17 gravel beds were installed to give the spudcans a more optimal base to rest upon, and many hours were spent with Siemens Gamesa and Ailes Marines to find the best jack up positions. As there are 62 turbines to be installed with each a primary and secondary location, this meant 124 locations needed to be verified.
A solid partnership
Frédéric Petit, Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa France, looks forward to working on this project:
"As we in Siemens Gamesa move into French waters, we are happy to work with long-term partner Fred. Olsen Windcarrier on the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm. Together, we will ensure a successful installation of this important project."
Petter Faye Søyland, Senior Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, also commented, saying:
“The cooperation with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has been both highly productive and always in a pleasant working atmosphere. Together, we have been able to identify the best solutions to any challenges we face.
We are also pleased to have engaged with local stakeholders, and to have contributed to France’s renewable energy initiative. Now, as we complete the first loadout in Le Havre, we are looking forward to starting – and completing – installations for this exciting project.”
Key facts
Site: Saint-Brieuc Offshore Wind Farm
Developer: Ailes Marines (AMS) owned by Iberdrola
Location: 33km outside town of Saint-Brieuc, France
Vessel: Brave Tern
Turbines: SG 8.0-167 DD
Number of turbines: 62
Total installed capacity: 496 MW