Key suppliers for the EOWDC revealed

Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Limited (AOWFL) – the company behind the project – named the three tier one preferred suppliers – MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, J. Murphy & Sons Limited (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 maximise project supply chain content in the Aberdeen area, Scotland and the wider UK.”

Chair of AREG and Aberdeen City Councillor, Jean Morrison, said: “The EOWDC is a crucial project for the region and for Scotland. Aberdeen is a world-class hub of innovation and this will place our region at the heart of the development of new technologies and contribute to improving the competitiveness of the offshore wind sector. It will add to our existing energy capability including the skills and infrastructure required to build a 21st Century energy industry.

“There will also be spin-out opportunities for the supply chain as well as jobs and economic benefit. Last month, the project partners attracted more than 100 members of the business community from across the North East and Scotland at a networking event in Aberdeen – a very strong indication that businesses recognise the opportunities that the project will bring to the region.”

Earlier this year, preparatory offshore works started off Aberdeen Bay, reaffirming the project partners’ commitment to seeing the much-needed industry scheme come to fruition.
Note: Sole responsibility for this document lies with the author.

The European Union (EU) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre is also known as Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm.

For further information, please contact:

Karen Grant, 07734 617 056, karen.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk; The BIG Partnership

Jason Ormiston, 07794 524 801, jason.ormiston@vattenfall.com; Vattenfall

Or visit the website: http://corporate.vattenfall.co.uk/projects/wind-energy-projects/european-offshore-wind-deployment-centre/