The Planned Installation of the Second Transformer Platform at Sea for the Grid Connection of the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Wind Farm Can Continue

Research Results

The research shows that the damage to the jacket of the platform is limited. The damaged parts of the jacket can be repaired at a later time. TenneT expects the Hollandse Kust (zuid) Beta transformer platform to be installed at the end of March or the beginning of April.

Collision During Storm

On Monday 31 January, the cargo ship Julietta D. was adrift by storm Corrie in the area where TenneT is building two transformer platforms (Hollandse Kust (south) Alpha and Beta). These transformer platforms are part of the Grid at Sea connection of the Hollandse Kust (zuid) wind farm. The wind farm will be built by Vattenfall. The cargo ship collided with the Beta jacket. There were no people working here at the moment.

Turbulent Weather in February

The persistent stormy weather in February meant that inspections of the damage could not be carried out immediately. In addition to the visible damage above water, research has also been carried out under water into any damage to the substructure.

Underwater Research

This underwater research took more time due to relatively high waves and poor visibility. The investigation now shows that the damage is limited to paint damage and some dents to one of the legs of the platform and damage to one of the four landing platforms for workboats.

Safe Installation

Joris Engelen, project leader platforms at TenneT:

In the design and construction of our jackets, scenarios take into account that a ship of limited size can collide with the jacket. After the shock of the collision, we set up and implemented an extensive research plan in collaboration with the parties involved.

Jacket Life Span

The jacket should serve for many years. We are therefore relieved that the inspections and the investigation show that we can install the transformer platform safely and according to schedule on the jacket. After the installation of the transformer platform, the damage can be repaired.

The transformer platform is currently on its way to its destination in the North Sea. TenneT expects the transformer platform to be installed at the end of March or the beginning of April.