Van Oord will execute cable installation works at the 900-megawatt Greater Changhua 1 & 2a offshore wind farms. The wind farms are located between 35 and 60 kilometres off the west coast of Changhua County, Taiwan.
The contract was awarded by Ørsted. The Greater Changhua 1 & 2a offshore wind farms will supply sustainable energy to approximately 1 million households per year. Once operational in 2022, the windfarms will contribute significantly to the Taiwanese government’s target of 5.7 GW offshore wind by 2025.
145 Kilometres of Cable
It is the first cable project in Taiwan for Van Oord. The Dutch offshore and dredging contractor is responsible for the transportation, installation and burial of the 111 inter array cables, with a total length of approximately 135 kilometres, and the three export cables, with a total of approximately 145 kilometres. To carry out the work, Van Oord will deploy its dedicated cable-laying vessel Nexus, equipped with a cable carousel with a capacity of 5000 tonnes. Van Oord’s own trencher Dig-It will bury the cables to the required depth. The installation work starts in 2021.
Offshore Wind Is Booming in Taiwan
Van Oord is not the first western European company to score offshore wind related contracts in Taiwan this year. Taiwan is looking to build offshore wind farms rapidly to make the energy transition happen, but as yet lacks the knowledge and equipment required to build them. In addition to Van Oord, Jan De Nul, Heerema Marine Contractors and Jumbo were also contracted for transport and installation works for offshore wind farms in Taiwan. At the same time, Damen won shipbuilding contracts to supply Fast Crew Suppliers.
Sharing Knowledge
Van Oord will support the development of the Taiwanese supply chain and marine workforce by sharing its experience and knowledge in these fields. The company will also work closely together with Taiwanese engineering service providers and support vessel owners to complete this cable installation project.
Picture: Van Oord’s cable layer Nexus will be deployed to Taiwan for the installation works.
