Aker Solutions, in collaboration with Siemens Energy, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the full notice to proceed from RWE for the Norfolk Vanguard West and East offshore wind farms.
The Norfolk Vanguard West and East developments mark the initial phase of RWE’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, which also includes the Norfolk Boreas projects. Once operational, the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power over four million homes.
Prior to this, Aker Solutions had been executing work under a limited notice to proceed granted in November 2023. The full notice to proceed represents a key advancement in the project timeline and reinforces Aker Solutions’ commitment to supporting the global energy transition.
The project is being delivered by a consortium comprising Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy.
Aker Solutions’ responsibilities include the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore platforms.
Siemens Energy is overseeing the onshore stations and high-voltage equipment for the offshore substations.
Aker Solutions is also partnering with Drydocks World to produce the two HVDC platforms. The topsides for these platforms will be fabricated by Drydocks World in Dubai, UAE, while the substructures will be fabricated at Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway.
Project activities are already underway, with engineering and procurement efforts progressing for both the topsides and substructures. Fabrication of the Norfolk Vanguard West platform began at Drydocks World in April 2024, and fabrication of the Norfolk Vanguard East platform is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025.
The HVDC platforms are set to be delivered and installed in 2027 and 2028. Before installation offshore, the platforms will be transported to Aker Solutions’ Stord yard in Norway for final preparations. This includes transferring the structures from transportation vessels to heavy-lift vessels for deployment.
Aker Solutions New Build segment executive vice-president Sturla Magnus said: “The project also aligns with Aker Solutions’ strategy to expand our activities in renewables and energy transition projects, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.”
