Wind project takes shape

The five floating offshore windturbines that will comprise Statoil's Hywind Scotland Pilot Park are now taking shape on Stord. Aibel has played an active role in the project since 2014.

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All photos: Aibel.

The completion work is currently in the finishing stage. These days the first three turbines are being installed on the floating substructures off the quay at the facility on Stord. Earlier this week there was a name-giving ceremony for the first two wind turbines. Field Engineer in Aibel, Thomas Mæland, had the great honor of being appointed godfather of the wind turbine HS2.

Champagnesprut forts
Wind turbine HS2 is named "Hild" by Thomas Mæland. Aibel's installation manager Rune Taranger Knudsen and project manager Monica Pettersen from Statoil in the background.

“Now we're putting the finishing touch on the work. All mechanical equipment will be installed and tested,” says Aibel's installation manager, Rune Knutsen Taranger, who elaborates:

“Recently we have installed cranes and pad eyes and some temporary equipment such as winches, diesel generators and scaffolding, which either will be used when the turbine towers are hoisted onto the substructures, or later during actual installation in the field. We are also responsible for installing various telecommunications equipment on the turbines.”

According to schedule, the final two turbines will be hoisted out in July. Then they will lie moored in the fjord off Leirvik on Stord and undergo some final tests before being towed one by one to the field off the coast of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

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From beginning to end

Aibel became involved in the Hywind project as early as the summer of 2014 when the company was awarded the FEED study. Since then Aibel has been given more and more work at the various stages – most recently in February this year, when the company was awarded the contract to assist Statoil with commissioning on Stord.

“The scope of the most recent contract has grown since we started. We will also be a part of the installation phase in the field in the summer and autumn. Then we will remove temporary equipment and assist during the drawing in of high tension and fibre cables,” says project manager Marianne T. Kvåle.

The offshore phase will last for around three months. Aibel's part in the contract is expected to be concluded in October.

Good hand

The project manager admits that the Hywind pilot project has been hectic and challenging at times, but is convinced that Aibel will have a good hand with regard to competing for new, similar contracts.

“This has been new for just about everyone involved. However, cooperation has been excellent with the other contractors and not least Statoil, who has always emphasized the we are one team. Feedback is also good, and there is no doubt that we are acquiring valuable experience that will provide us with a competitive advantage,” Kvåle emphasizes.

Figur vind engelsk
When the blade is at the highest point, each of the five turbines is around 250 metres tall, including substructures. In the course of July and August they will be towed to the field off the coast of Scotland.

Facts

Aibel was awarded the contract for the FEED study and EMA (Engineering Management Assistance) in the summer of 2014.

Subsequently Aibel has also worked on detailed design of the tower and EIT system, in addition to responsibility for procurements.

In February 2017 Aibel was awarded the contract for assistance in connection with commissioning of the five wind turbines on Stord. The contact also includes assistance during installation in the field.