Intertek supports REN on WindFloat Atlantic project
Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has provided client representation for the oversight of the successful export cable installation and protection works for the 25MW Windfloat Atlantic, the first floating wind farm project in the Atlantic Ocean.
To be installed 20 kilometres off the coast of Viana de Castelo (Portugal), the WindFloat Atlantic comprises an 18-kilometre static and dynamic submarine cable linked to three MHI Vestas 8.4MW turbines mounted on WindFloat platforms anchored to the seabed in water depths of 85 – 100 metres. This cutting-edge project is managed by the Windplus consortium which is jointly owned by EDP Renováveis (54.4%), ENGIE (25%), Repsol (19.4%) and Principle Power Inc. (1.2%), with Portugal’s transmission system operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais, S.A., responsible for transmission to shore.
Redes Energéticas Nacionais, S.A. contracted Intertek for specialist client representation to oversee installation of the WindFloat Atlantic export cable. This assurance role spanned cable load-out, cable lay, and burial and cable protection operations in challenging seabed conditions that required cable pre-lay rock bag installation, post-lay rock placement, and the application of Tekmar and First Subsea cable protection systems in rocky areas.
Andy Page, Intertek Energy & Water’s Site Characterisation and Engineering Lead, said:
“We are very pleased to utilise our extensive technical knowledge and experience regarding installation of subsea cable projects and to provide expert personnel to assure quality and safety of this critical aspect of such an exciting renewable energy project.’’
Intertek’s global offshore project experience encompasses numerous industries and includes the planning, permitting and construction oversight of offshore power transmission and telecommunication cable as well as offshore renewables projects. Our many services include site selection and characterization, feasibility studies, survey and installation oversight, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and scoping studies, metocean assessments, and risk management for a variety of offshore developments.