Seajacks secures Japanese foundation installation contract

The UK-based offshore wind installation provider is owned by Marubeni Corporation, Innovation Network Corporation of Japan and Mitsui OSK Lines.

The project, in which Marubeni is investing, is expected to be the first large-scale bottom-fixed offshore wind project in the country to be funded on a commercial basis.

The deal is Seajacks’ first in Japan. The company will commence offshore construction work in 2021 using the installation vessel Zaratan.

Seajacks is a well-known offshore installation contractor in Europe and more recently entered the Taiwanese market with the Formosa 1 Phase 2 offshore windfarm.

Seajacks has also secured two more contracts for work in Taiwan, the Formosa 2 offshore windfarm, due to be installed in 2021, and the Greater Changhua offshore windfarm, due to be installed in 2022.

In February 2020, Marubeni Corporation and its partners reached financial close for the Japanese project.

Earlier in March 2020, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind signed a firm and unconditional contract to supply the turbines for the Akita Noshiro offshore windfarm.

The foundations for the project are being fabricated in the Netherlands by Sif, which will produce all of the monopiles and transition pieces.