Roll Group’s heavy load carrier, Bigroll Beaufort, is on its way to Norway, loaded with the offshore converter station for ScottishPower Renewables’ biggest-ever windfarm, East Anglia Three. Currently weighing in at several thousand tonnes, the seven-storey structure, which is more than 68 metres long, 34 metres wide and 44 metres high, sailed out from the Damen yard in Mangalia, Romania.

It’s travelling more than 3,800 nautical miles to Aker Solutions’ fabrication yard in Stord, Norway where the HVDC equipment will be installed and commissioned in another first for ScottishPower Renewables.

The massive structure, which will then weigh almost 10,000 tonnes, will be transported and installed in the southern North Sea next year ahead of the wind farm’s completion in 2026.

East Anglia Three

Once operational, East Anglia Three will be the second largest wind farm in the world, producing 1.4 GW of clean, green electricity.

Pedro Fernandez, ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia Three Project Director said, “This is a major milestone and memorable moment in our journey towards a cleaner and greener future. It was such an impressive sight to see the converter station – the biggest ever constructed across the whole of the Iberdrola Group – set sail. Getting to this point is testament to a massive team effort from ScottishPower Renewables, Aker Solutions, Damen, Mammoet, Roll Group, Bring, DNV, ABL and Bureau Veritas and that great teamwork will continue as we move to the next phase of construction.”

“East Anglia THREE is a frontrunner project for the energy transition in Aker Solutions”, said Aker Solutions Project Director, Hege Skram. “The topside sail away from Damen is an important project milestone and is the result of great teamwork and collaboration between all stakeholders. I’m humble and proud to be part of such an excellent project team.”

Arne Engevik, SVP Renewable Projects Aker Solutions, added, “East Anglia Three’s sail away is an important milestone, and great collaboration and teamwork between all stakeholders is the key to this success. As we reflect on this achievement and follow the voyage towards Stord yard in Norway, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality going forward with this exciting project together. By combining our strengths, we can overcome challenges. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and ensured this success.”