To ensure a timely production flow, DEME Offshore contracted Lamprell for the fabrication of 45 wind turbine foundation jackets and three offshore substation jackets. The remaining 55 jackets were awarded to Smulders, which constructed them at facilities in Belgium and Newcastle.

Despite the many challenges brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic and an unfortunate incident on board of the ‘Orion' just shortly before the delivery of the vessel to DEME and the offshore construction start, DEME Offshore successfully installed the final jacket foundation on 26 December 2020.

Bart De Poorter - general manager DEME Offshore said: "Despite the unprecedented challenges we have faced on this project we are extremely proud of how our teams have navigated through difficult times. This was only possible by meticulous planning, thorough preparation, excellent cooperation with our subcontractors and by working closely with our customer and partners.

"Thanks to countless mitigation and acceleration measures taken by our teams and our global supply chain we have been able to obviate several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic at multiple project locations, border closures and adverse weather events at several worksites. DEME Offshore has shown to its client and the offshore wind industry its commitment and capability to finalise a job on time, even in such circumstances.

"At a technical level, we delivered unique solutions, such as a combined WTG foundation and OSP foundation design, accurate and high-speed pre-piling, a pile-pin locking system for grouting and special lifting and positioning tools. In all its technical aspects this was one of the most high-tech featured projects the offshore wind world has seen so far. In completing this project DEME Offshore has added another remarkable project to its long list of references.

"During the entire project both the Scottish and English supply chain and their highly skilled experts played a major role, significantly contributing to the safe and successful delivery of the project."

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