Work to install the latest generation of Tekmar Energy’s pioneering TekLink cable protection system has started on what is poised to be one of the world’s largest offshore wind parks, the Gemini project in the Dutch North Sea.
Tekmar’s contract with the Dutch maritime contractor Van Oord, involves the subsea specialist implementing its 6th generation TekLink cable protection system (CPS).
The scope of work includes Tekmar supplying its TekLink cable protection system to protect both the inter-array and export cables along with the company’s polyurethane Bellmouths to ensure a seamless connection to the offshore substation J-tubes.
Installation has already begun as a result of the company building and delivering all of the systems ahead of schedule.
The industry-proven TekLink system has revolutionised the connection of subsea power cables into fixed structures with the sixth generation system building on the successful track record of its predecessors.
The latest system has been rigorously trialled on Tekmar’s TekTower, a foundation-like test and training facility based on site at its cutting-edge manufacturing hub in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Jack Simpson, senior manager of offshore wind at Tekmar, said: “The Gemini project is a great example of industry collaboration. Involving our client Van Oord in training and in the demonstrations of our product, underpins our focus on delivering added value and our commitment to continuing to develop best-in-class cable protection systems for the market that are the most effective in terms of performance, QHSE, cost and operational efficiency.
“Gemini is also a significant project for Tekmar because it represents the fourth project that we have worked on with Van Oord while it is the first to install our 6th generation TekLink.
“The advanced system evolved from previous generations through a combination of holding product demonstration events for clients and gaining valuable feedback as well as lessons learned from our experience on more than 38 offshore wind projects representing over 4,500 cable protection systems around the world.”
The Gemini offshore wind projects, comprising two wind parks and 150 turbines, is located 85km off the coast of Groningen and is the biggest project of its kind in The Netherlands. Once operational, it is to be one of the world’s largest wind parks in terms of size and production.
The project partners behind Gemini include and the Dutch contractor Van Oord. Canadian independent renewable energy company Northland Power (60% project interest), wind turbine manufacturer Siemens (20%), Dutch maritime contractor Van Oord (10%) and renewable energy, waste and raw materials company HVC (10%).
With more than 30 years’ experience, Tekmar is a market leader in the design, manufacture and supply of subsea cables, umbilicals and flexible protection systems for the oil & gas and renewable energy industry.
