Jack Up Barge’s self-elevating unit JB-117 has completed a crane and accommodation support contract at the DolWin3 offshore power grid connection before continuing operations at the nearby BorWin3 offshore grid connection.
Jack Up Barge performed the contract at DolWin 3 for General Electric and the BorWin3 contract for Petrofac. For both projects, the European electricity transmission system operator TenneT is the end-client.
Linking Offshore Wind Farms to the Onshore Power Grid
Representing an important part of the energy transition, DolWin3 and BorWin3 are two elements of the extensive cluster of offshore grid connections that link offshore wind farms in the southwestern part of the German North Sea to the onshore power grid. Both platforms use HVDC (high voltage direct current) technology, and are connected to onshore convertor stations with two 160 km cables, supplying 900 MW to German households.
Scope of Work
The scope of work for the 75.9 m long JB-117 is similar for both projects. In terms of scale, the vessel’s crane has a 98-m long boom. As the DolWin3 project has shown, the sheer size of the crane in combination with its heavy lifting capacity has meant that every part of the substations could be reached.
The DolWin3 project was also substantial regarding accommodation; at peak activity, the JB-117 was home to 180 offshore personnel. In addition, Jack Up Barge provided logistical support of stores and personnel.
