Drydocks World And GE Vernova Awarded Ostwind 4 Offshore Wind Project In Germany

Drydocks World, in collaboration with GE Vernova, has been awarded a significant project to construct and install Ostwind 4. This two-gigawatt offshore wind grid connection will supply power to nearly two million homes in Germany. The project, commissioned by 50Hertz, the Transmission System Operator for eastern Germany, including Berlin and Hamburg, is a major step forward in the country's renewable energy goals.

Ostwind 4 will link Baltic Sea wind farms to the national grid using advanced High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. This initiative marks Germany's first use of a 525 kilovolts HVDC transmission system in the Baltic Sea, setting new efficiency standards for long-distance energy transport. The project site is located 30 kilometres northeast of Rügen Island.

The project involves building offshore and onshore converter stations and a 110-kilometre DC cable system connecting land and sea. Drydocks World, part of DP World Group, will oversee the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation of the wind energy converter stations' topsides and jacket structures. The topside will be fabricated at Drydocks World's Dubai facility with advanced European-designed equipment.

Once completed, the platform will be transported and installed in German waters. GE Vernova will provide HVDC technology components such as Voltage-Sourced Converters (VSC), transformers, SF6-free Gas Insulated Switchgear, civil works for the onshore converter station, and Grid Automation equipment.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated that "Drydocks World's pivotal role in the Ostwind 4 Project underscores its technical excellence and commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure." He emphasised that this award aligns with DP World's mission to drive clean energy transitions and economic growth.

Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, highlighted that "The Ostwind 4 project exemplifies the power of international collaboration in advancing renewable energy solutions." He added that this achievement reaffirms their commitment to innovation and sustainability while setting new benchmarks for offshore wind projects globally.

Pioneering Offshore Wind Technology

Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz Transmission, remarked that awarding the contract to GE Vernova and Drydock World signifies a new chapter in utilising wind energy in the Baltic Sea. He noted that "50Hertz is the first transmission system operator to deploy 2 GW / 525 kV technology in this sea area," highlighting their pioneering efforts.

Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova's Electrification business, commented on Ostwind 4's significance: "Ostwind 4 represents a crucial milestone in our mission to electrify and decarbonise with the energy to change the world." He stressed that this key infrastructure project underscores offshore wind's essential role in ensuring European energy security.

This project not only advances Germany's renewable energy capabilities but also supports global efforts towards a greener future. By integrating cutting-edge technology with international collaboration, Ostwind 4 sets a precedent for future offshore wind initiatives worldwide.

With inputs from WAM