An agreement to this effect has been signed between Van Oord and Dong Energy.

Under the agreed terms, Van Oord will transport and install 87 foundations for 40 Vestas and 47 Siemens wind turbines at the project.

The company will also transport monopiles and transition pieces from the various suppliers in Denmark, Germany and the UK.

The installation work is scheduled to begin in spring 2017.

Van Oord offshore wind projects managing director Johan van Wijland said: "After signing the contract for the transport and installation of the foundations for the Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm earlier this year, we are proud that Dong is again showing its appreciation for our approach to constructing offshore wind projects.

"Both companies are experienced in the field and feel that cooperating on two succeeding projects will enable us to optimize our work methods even further, as well as to gain from each other’s know-how and experience and thus to contribute to the further development of offshore wind energy as reliable renewable energy source."

DeepOcean was awarded cable installation contract for the project and Seajacks UK was contracted to to transport and install all the turbines at the project.

Expected to become operational in 2018, the Walney Extension project is said to surpass the current biggest offshore wind farm in the world, 630MW London Array offshore wind farm.

The clean energy generated at the project will be enough to power over 460,000 UK homes.