The partners behind the pioneering European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), also known as Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, have revealed the first of the key suppliers for the project, representing a major step forward for the 11-turbine scheme off Aberdeen Bay, Scotland.
Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Ltd. (AOWFL) – the company behind the project – named the three tier one preferred suppliers - MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, J. Murphy & Sons (Murphy) and Boskalis.
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has been nominated to supply the V164-8.0 MW turbines while Boskalis is the preferred offshore balance of plant (BoP) contractor for the construction and installation (EPCI) of the offshore infrastructure, including the foundations and cabling.
Engineering and infrastructure specialist Murphy has been named as preferred bidder to provide the onshore substation and associated cabling work.
Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) – the partners behind AOWF - said the appointments keep the scheme on schedule ahead of an investment decision later this year and for operations to start in 2018.
Adam Ezzamel, project director for the EOWDC at Vattenfall, said: “We are pleased to name the preferred tier one suppliers, all of which are leaders in their field. Their support delivers the project partners’ commitment to accelerating the development of wind energy and cost reduction through innovation and collaboration.
“Part of this vision for the EOWDC includes installing game-changing suction bucket jacket foundations. The first stage of the procurement process opens up the wider business opportunities that the EOWDC offers with the project partners aiming to maximize project supply chain content in the Aberdeen area, Scotland and the wider UK.”
Earlier this year, preparatory offshore works started off Aberdeen Bay.