Cammell Laird starts work on wind farm ship

A NEW offshore wind farm installation vessel – the first of its kind in the UK – has arrived at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead to prepare to work off the North Wales coast.

The vessel, named Friedrich Ernestine, has been built and designed by RWE Innogy to install wind turbines across its European offshore portfoilio.

In this case it will be working on the Gwynt y Môr wind farm.

At 100 metres long and 49 metres wide it is one of the largest of its kind, capable of transporting and installing up to three wind turbine foundations or four turbines.

Gwynt y Môr project director Toby Edmonds said: “The Friedrich Ernestine is a hugely impressive vessel which will become a regular visitor to both the River Mersey and the north Wales coast for its first operational duties at Gwynt y Mor.

“The Friedrich Ernestine will install wind turbine foundations, carrying three sets of components consisting of a monopile and transition piece on each trip in and out of our base harbour port facility in Birkenhead.

“She will work alongside the heavy lift vessel, Stanislav Yudin, currently installing wind turbine foundations more than eight miles off the North Wales coast.

“For the time being she’s going into a dry dock at Cammell Laird for final fit out before undertaking further sea-trials.”

The £80m vessel has been designed and built in both South Korea and Europe.

Cammell Laird’s managing director Linton Roberts said: “The arrival of this new generation vessel marks a significant moment for Cammell Laird showcasing our ability to work at the forefront of the wind energy sector.”