Energy Minister at Wallsend for last chance to view components pre sail away
The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Energy Minister Michael Shanks was on-site in Wallsend yesterday for a last chance look at our jacket foundation and offshore substation prior to sail away.
The 3,500 tonne Siemens Energy Offshore Transformer Module (OTM®) and 68 metre tall jacket foundation – designed and built in the UK – were on show at Smulders Wallsend yard where representatives from Siemens Energy, Smulders and Inch Cape welcomed the Minister – along with Newcastle & Wallsend MP Mary Glindon and North Tyneside Mayor Karen Clarke.
The components are loaded out on the Heerema Marine Contractor (HMC) barge (H-406) at the Smulders site as preparations continue for the sail away to the offshore wind farm site. This preparatory work primarily comprises welding the grillages – temporary steelwork that will secure both components for transport.
These components will sit at the heart of the wind farm and were fully fabricated at Wallsend, representing truly stunning feat of UK engineering and teamwork.
The visit was hosted by Vice President Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK, Darren Davidson, with representatives from Inch Cape, Siemens Energy and Smulders also on hand to support the tour and answer specific questions about the project, fabrication process and next steps.
