TenneT, the leading offshore transmission system operator in Europe, has signed multi-year framework agreements with Allseas and Heerema Marine Contractors for the transport and installation of fourteen 2GW offshore converter stations.
These stations will be installed in the Dutch and German parts of the North Sea, supporting the expansion of clean energy infrastructure in the region. The framework agreement covers at least twenty-eight slots until 2031, ensuring the early transport and installation of jackets and topsides for eight Dutch and six German 2GW projects, as well as future projects.
Allseas and Heerema, well-known and experienced installation vessel operators, will play crucial roles in the execution of these projects. Heerema will deploy the Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel (SSCV) Sleipnir and an owned floatover barge, while Allseas will utilize its single-lift installation vessel Pioneering Spirit. The vessels have a proven track record of successful installations in the Dutch and German North Sea. Heerema has been awarded approximately 60% of the available slots, with Allseas receiving around 40% of the slots. The awarded contracts are not tied to specific projects, providing flexibility for future ventures.
These framework agreements mark significant progress in TenneT's comprehensive approach to offshore grid connections. They complement previous agreements for civil works, converter station fabrication, HVDC cable production and installation, as well as land and cable connections. By securing the necessary transport and installation capacity, TenneT is well-positioned to meet the ambitious goals set by European countries to install at least 120 GW of offshore wind power capacity by 2030. The awarded contracts provide planning certainty and predictability to suppliers, encouraging further investments in clean energy infrastructure.
Source: TenneT