Ørsted kicks off offshore installation for Greater Changhua 1 & 2a

2021 will see Ørsted will begin export and array cable laying and installation of the offshore substations and foundations, in advance of turbine installation next year.

Located 35-60 km from the coastline of Changhua County, Greater Changhua 1 & 2a are the first large-scale, far-shore offshore windfarms in Taiwan. They are due to be completed in 2022.

Ørsted has begun horizontal directional drilling to prepare for cable laying and scour protection work to make ready for foundation installation. It is also making good progress with onshore construction, including completing the civil works required for two onshore substation main buildings and upgrade work to the hinterland at Wharfs 36 and 37 at the Port of Taichung, where components will be stored prior to installation.

Ørsted Asia-Pacific president Matthias Bausenwein said, “Commencement of offshore installation is a big step towards making Taiwan greener.”

Ørsted Taiwan general manager Christy Wang said, “After nearly 1,800 days of hard work, we are ready to commence offshore installation. This is not an easy task, especially with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we have demonstrated our project management experience and expertise to successfully secure the vessels and personnel required, making it possible for us to be on time with offshore construction.”

Ørsted said its suppliers have recruited Taiwanese marine mammal observers (MMOs), including Changhua fishermen, to work on the project. All of the MMOs have passed the certification programme approved by Ocean Conservation Administration to support offshore construction activities.

Construction will be supported by a range of vessels, suppliers and personnel. It is estimated that during peak times there will be more than 25 vessels mobilised, including crew transfer, installation and support, service operation and guard vessels as well as 500-800 people working on-site simultaneously at sea.