Moray West Moray West Offshore Wind Farm secures critical foundations infrastructure from Global Energy

28/09/22, 2:23 PM

A key element of foundations to be fabricated locally

Moray West Offshore Wind Farm has signed a contract for complex elements of foundation structure with Global Energy Group (GEG). The multi million pound contract is for the supply of the two J-tube frames that will be attached to the two foundations holding the offshore substation platforms (OSPs).   The frames are approximately thirty-seven (37) metres in length and eleven (11)metres in diameter and support the steel tubes that will protect the cables coming into the OSPs from the wind turbines as well as the cable exporting the power to shore. The cables are buried in the seabed around the OSPs.

GEG, headquarted in Inverness, will fabricate the J-tubes at the quayside fabrication facilities at the Port of Nigg situated in the Cromarty Firth supporting 50 local jobs at GEG.  Loadout will benefit from the high quality deep water port facilities that the Port of Nigg has to offer.

This contract marks the latest step in finalising the full supply chain for the project and represents a significant success for GEG and the Scottish supply chain.  The contract reflects the positive long term relationship between Ocean Winds and GEG following contracts for Moray East offshore wind farm around marshalling and pre-assembly of the foundations and wind turbine components. Moray West has previously announced that the Port of Nigg will be used by Siemens Gamesa for marshalling and pre-assembly of the wind turbines in 2024. The J-tube contract boosts fabrication capability in the Scotland to supply the growing sector, including future Ocean Winds projects.

Moray West is firmly committed and on track to delivering low cost renewable energy, supporting the UK and Scottish renewable targets and providing households with access to low cost low carbon electricity.

Ocean Winds UK Country Manager, Adam Morrison said:

"In the challenging global supply chain context that we find ourselves we are pleased we have concluded this contract with GEG for local fabrication of these key, technically difficult, foundations structures.  We look forward to working with GEG on the delivery and their continuing work around the regional skills transition, enabled by projects such as Moray West.”.

Iain Sinclair, Executive Director for Global Energy Group said:

“As we develop and grow our offshore wind supply chain value proposition, GEG can leverage existing core competencies such as the fabrication of critical components to accelerate the transition of knowledge and skills. We are delighted to be working with OW and the Moray West team and this project award gives confidence to invest for future growth at the Port of Nigg.”

In The Picture: Left to Right: Stuart Owen (Head of Tendering & Proposals at Global Energy Group), Iain Sinclair (Executive Director of Renewables and Energy Transition), Adam Morrison (UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds) and Peter Haughie (Head of Commercial for Moray West Offshore Wind Farm at Ocean Winds).