Global offshore wind power has reached a capacity of 64.3 gigawatts (GW), with the United Kingdom contributing 22%, making it the second-largest contributor after China, which leads with 49%. In line with the global push toward renewable energy, Sarens, a leader in heavy lifting and crane services, has been tapped for an important maintenance project in Norway.
Sarens has been commissioned by the Port of Wergeland to replace the bearings in five floating wind turbines by the end of September. Following these repairs, the turbines will be reconnected to the Hywind Scotland wind farm, the world’s first floating wind project.
Hywind Scotland, operated by Hywind (Scotland) Limited, is a trailblazing floating wind farm located 25 kilometers offshore from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. Comprising five Siemens Gamesa 6 MW turbines mounted on SPAR-type foundations, it generates enough electricity to power approximately 35,000 UK homes.
Currently undergoing essential maintenance, all five turbines have been transported to Norway’s Wergeland Base for inspection and repairs. Once the maintenance is complete, the turbines will be
Sarens has been tasked with the challenging job of replacing the turbine bearings, deploying advanced equipment for the task. The centerpiece of this effort is the LR12500-1.0 crane, outfitted with a 90-meter main boom, 66-meter luffing jib, and four tagline winches for precise and safe lifting operations. Additionally, Sarens used specialized transport systems, including SPMTs, to manage the movement of the turbine components, such as blades and nacelles.
This isn’t Sarens’ first foray into offshore wind projects. The company has an extensive portfolio of similar projects, including France’s Fécamp and Saint Nazaire wind farms, where they transported loads exceeding 1,150 tons. They’ve also played a pivotal role in the US-based Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm and the Moray West project in the UK.
