The installation of 24 turbines for Parkwind’s Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind farm has been completed. This marks the end of the first installation campaign of the wind farm using the revolutionary floating Rotor Nacelle Assembly (RNA) method developed together with Heerema Marine Contractors and Vestas.

The foundation installation began in the early summer of 2022, before the wind turbine installation began at the end of 2022. Arcadis Ost 1 has already been delivering green energy to the German grid since mid-January 2023. The installation of Arcadis Ost 1 marked the first wind farm construction in the Baltic Sea after a three-year break in new wind farm installations.

Due to some delays on blade deliveries, the remaining three turbines will be installed upcoming autumn, completing the 257 MW wind farm.

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Rotor Nacelle Assembly method

The Rotor Nacelle Assembly (RNA) method has proven to be a successful and reliable method for installing wind turbine generators with floating installation vessels. Installation cycle times were consistent and competitive with traditional methods while the floating installation introduces various specific benefits, such as zero seabed interaction which is especially important in areas of significant water depth or challenging soil conditions.

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‘The floating installation of Arcadis Ost 1 has demonstrated Heerema’s ability to make a real change in the offshore wind market. We continue to be committed to introducing new methodologies that can solve industry challenges,’ says Ramon de Haas, CTO of Heerema.

Heerema’s Project Manager, Thijs Postma, adds: ‘Knowing that the entire market was watching, the first commercial floating installation of wind turbine generators was a unique and special experience and I’m especially proud of the huge team effort that made this project possible. We thank all of our partners and subcontractors and look forward to the second campaign for the remaining turbines later this year.’

All pictures by Heerema.

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