A2Sea, the offshore wind installation and services provider, says its Sea Challenger vessel has arrived at the offshore substation for the 402 MW Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, where it will serve as an accommodation vessel for approximately the next three months until turbine installation begins in early 2017.
According to a company update, the Sea Challenger has been mobilizing in Newcastle over the last month in preparation for its new temporary assignment as an accommodation platform. As reported, a total of 20 extra cabins have been fitted onto the vessel.
The Sea Challenger features a larger crane than the Sea Installer, enabling it to lift up to 900 tons – 100 tons more than its sister vessel. A2Sea says the increased lifting capacity will meet the trend toward even larger turbines engineered for offshore use.
The Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, located 32 kilometers off the coast of North Norfolk, in the U.K., will feature 67 Siemens 6 MW turbines. The wind farm, owned by Statoil, Masdar and Statkraft, will be commissioned by the end of 2017.
