DEME Offshore awarded major EPCI cable contract for the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm in Scotland

DEME Offshore has been awarded a major EPCI contract for the inter-array and interconnector cables at the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm in Scotland. The scope includes the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the subsea cables for the 450 MW capacity wind farm, with execution expected in 2021.

The 450 MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, owned by EDF Renewables UK, will be located 15.5 km off the east coast of Fife in Scotland and covers an area of approximately 105 km2. Water depths for the installation range between 45 and 55 m.

The layout shall include 54 8 MW wind turbine generators (WTG), distributed across 12 array strings, each connected via dedicated 66 kV inter-array cables. The 6 array loops will be connected to the two Offshore Substations (OSS), with three array loops to each OSS and an interconnector between the OSSs.

Engineering activities have already kicked off in order to meet the required project milestones.

The project has the potential to generate 450 MW of renewable energy, which is enough power to supply around 375,000 Scottish homes – more than the whole of Edinburgh, and will offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

“We are honoured and delighted to be awarded this EPCI contract in Scotland, and to contribute to the country’s continuous drive and growth towards its target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045,” says Bart De Poorter, General Manager DEME Offshore. “This project further allows DEME Offshore to demonstrate our willingness and capability to assist our clients in achieving innovative solutions, with quick turnaround – something which was of the utmost importance throughout the initial concept and design stages through to final contract signing. The capabilities and capacity of our innovative cable lay vessel ‘Living Stone’ has been specially designed to adapt to the requirements of any offshore cable project, ensure flexibility within the field and a guarantee to the meeting of specific project milestones, which has been key to EDF Renewables UK.”

DEME Offshore is a global solutions provider in the offshore oil, gas and renewables industry. The company has an unmatched track record in the transport and installation of foundations, turbines, cables and substations for offshore wind farms.

DEME Offshore is a subsidiary of the DEME Group, a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging, marine engineering and environmental remediation. The company can build on more than 140 years of know-how and experience and has fostered a pioneering approach throughout its history, being a front runner in innovation and new technologies.

DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: a rising sea level, a growing population, reduction of CO2 emissions, polluted rivers and soils and the scarcity of natural resources. Although DEME’s activities originated with the core dredging business, the portfolio diversified substantially over the decades, including dredging and land reclamation, solutions for the offshore energy market, infra marine solutions and environmental solutions.

While the company’s roots are in Belgium, DEME has built a strong presence in all of the world’s seas and continents, operating in more than 90 countries worldwide. DEME can rely on 5,200 highly skilled professionals across the globe. With a versatile and modern fleet of over 100 vessels, backed by a broad range of auxiliary equipment, the company can provide solutions for even the most complex projects.

DEME achieved a turnover of 2.65 billion euros in 2018.