All foundations in place at 480 MW Saint-Nazaire offshore wind project

DEME Offshore on Monday said that, together with Eiffage Metal, it has completed the installation of the 80 foundations at France’s first offshore wind farm, the 480-MW Saint-Nazaire project.

The companies secured the contract to deliver the monopile foundations for the wind farm in 2019. Installation work began in the spring of 2021.

DEME explained it used offshore installation vessel Innovation and unique equipment to install the foundations in solid rock such as a specially designed offshore foundation drill and the MODIGA equipment, which encapsulates the drilling and installation operations.

“Deploying this world’s first equipment enabled us to complete the installation well ahead of schedule. Installation operations continued through the winter season, despite the combination of severe weather conditions and the harsh Atlantic ocean environment,” commented Bart De Poorter, general manager DEME Offshore. The executive added that the company has acquired experience for subsequent offshore wind farm projects not only in France but at similar challenging conditions globally.

Eiffage also said it now adds France to the extensive track record of offshore wind projects in Northern Europe of Eiffage Metal’s subsidiary Smulders.

Saint-Nazaire is being developed by EDF Renouvelables, Enbridge Inc (TSE:ENB) and CPP Investments.

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