Wind Energy – Service Agreement
RWE has signed an agreement with Jan De Nul Group to secure the long-term usage of two next-generation installation vessels for future offshore wind foundation and turbine construction.
The charters are supported by a Service Agreement through which Jan De Nul Group will provide both in-house and market solutions and services, to support and perform installation campaigns for RWE’s offshore wind projects.
Through these contracts, RWE secures vessel capacities and services in a tight market.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO RWE Offshore Wind: “Europe needs more offshore wind power to reach its ambitious climate targets. We are already making a significant contribution and resolutely driving forward the future build-out of offshore wind in Europe and globally. Through this strategic partnership, RWE has taken a big step in securing the necessary installation vessels and services to deliver our large-scale offshore wind farms Thor and Hollandse Kust West VII, as well as further projects to come. These kinds of agreements are exactly what we need against the backdrop of the challenging market situation.”
The partnership includes the exclusive and long-term charter of the two specialist next-generation offshore installation vessels Les Alizés and Voltaire.
Both can be used at RWE’s current and future offshore construction projects and, if needed, to run maintenance campaigns at its existing offshore wind fleet.
Les Alizés has been chartered for more than five years and is a purpose-built vessel designed for transporting, lifting and installing wind turbine foundations. With the ability to lift up to 5,000 tonnes and with a deck loading capacity of 61,000 tonnes, she is future-proofed by being capable of handling the scale and design of future foundations that will support the next generation of wind turbines. RWE plans to first deploy this vessel at its Danish offshore project Thor. Foundation installation works for this 1,000-megawatt wind farm are due to take place in 2025.
Voltaire has been chartered for more than four years, from 2027 onwards. Subject to the project’s final investment decision, RWE plans to first use this vessel to install the turbines of its Hollandse Kust West VII wind farm off the Dutch coast.
