Ørsted has obtained final permits to construct the operations and maintenance (O&M) facility for the Borssele 1 & 2 offshore wind farm in Vlissingen-Buitenhaven at the North Sea Port, the Netherlands.
The construction of the 2,100m2 facility is expected to begin in the last quarter of this year, the Danish company said, adding that it will provide employment to 50-100 persons when operational.
The O&M premises will be used for coordinating the construction of the wind farm, for managing, coordinating and planning offshore maintenance activities, as well as for small mechanical works and warehouse logistics.
The facility will also be used for preparing and loading a maximum number of four crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and boarding of technicians on the vessels.
According to Ørsted, the building will generate more electricity than it consumes and will therefore be a net producer of renewable energy.
Jasper Vis , Country Manager Netherlands for Ørsted, said: “From the start of the project, we have felt very welcome in the province of Zeeland and feel supported by the regional and local authorities. The Vlissingen harbour has an excellent infrastructure and strong track record in offshore wind. Zeeland had identified offshore wind as an economic opportunity. We are happy to join the regional business community and look forward to the cooperation with local and regional partners.”
Ørsted signed a final lease agreement for the land and marine infrastructure in the harbor with North Sea Port earlier this year, while the letter of intent had been signed during the summer 2017.
“North Sea Port is already looking forward to the arrival of the base for the construction and maintenance of the Borssele 1+2 wind farm With this investment, Orsted provides additional jobs in the offshore sector. The base will definitely create a lot of added value,” said Jan Lagasse , CEO of North Sea Port.
The Borssele 1 & 2 offshore wind project will comprise 94 Siemens Gamesa 8MW turbines located 22km from the coast of the Dutch province of Zeeland.
The commissioning of the wind farm is scheduled for the end of 2020.