Ørsted Completes Installation of Both Hornsea 3 Offshore Converter Stations

Ørsted has successfully installed both of Hornsea 3's offshore converter stations, which together will help transform and transport clean power from the world's single largest offshore wind farm. The stations each comprise a jacket piled into the seabed and a topside sitting above. The installation of the second station marks another important milestone in the construction of the Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm, following four and a half years of design, transportation and installation work involving thousands of skilled workers.

 

Details of the Milestone

 

Ørsted has reached a key milestone. It installed both converter stations. These are offshore converter stations. They serve the Hornsea 3 windfarm. This is the world's largest offshore windfarm.

The stations serve a vital function. They will transform clean power. They will also transport it. This comes from the windfarm. This is central to the project.

 

The Structures Explained

 

The stations have a common structure. Each comprises two main parts. One is the jacket, piled into the seabed. The other is the topside above. This sits on the jacket.

The two jackets differ in design. This reflects their different locations. The second stands in deeper water. It is in 37 metres of water. This makes it taller at 60 metres.

 

The Height Requirement

 

The stations share a total height. Both reach 70 metres above sea level. This is despite the depth difference. Both must be the same height. This keeps them clear of waves.

The comparison illustrates their scale. This is 1.2 times the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The second jacket alone is taller than the tower. This underscores the structures' size. It reflects an engineering achievement.

 

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The Construction Process

 

The construction spanned multiple locations. The jackets were designed and fabricated in the Netherlands. The topsides were built in Thailand. They then sailed over 13,000 nautical miles. This was to Norway for commissioning.

The process involved several companies. Suppliers included Aibel and Hitachi Energy. A fabrication group built the jackets. A marine contractor handled installation. This reflected broad collaboration.

 

The Engineering Feat

 

The installation was a significant feat. Company leadership cited its complexity. The structures were adapted to their sites. They were then installed successfully. This required precise engineering.

The achievement reflected collaboration. It involved many different companies. The work took four and a half years. Many thousands of workers contributed. This spanned design to installation.

 

Significance of the Installation

 

The milestone advances the project. It marks a key construction step. It follows the first station's installation. This is for Hornsea 3. It is a major windfarm.

The stations enable power transmission. They will transform and transport power. This comes from the largest offshore windfarm. Their installation is a crucial step. It supports the windfarm's completion.