Rovco has completed unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance at the Baltic Sea site for the upcoming Windanker offshore wind farm under a contract awarded by Iberdrola.
This marks the contractor's inaugural offshore wind project in German waters.
Windanker project director Jesus Rodriguez de Diego Zamorano stated: “UXO investigation and clearances made with Rovco’s innovative technologies successfully contributed to the progress and safety of the Windanker project.”
The operation at Windanker will utilise advanced 3D modelling and enhanced inspection capabilities to identify and address UXO and non-UXO objects.
Confirmed UXOs will be safely relocated or disposed of, with comprehensive inspections following clearance to ensure all potential hazards are removed.
Rovco's newly chartered multipurpose vessel, MV Patriot, played a pivotal role in the operation.
The vessel features a spacious deck, an active heave crane, DP Class 2 station-keeping and work-class remotely operated vehicles, all crucial for efficient site-to-shore communication and rapid data processing, accelerating project timelines.
The initiative demonstrates Rovco's commitment to de-risking seabeds for successful offshore installations.
By employing artificial intelligence, robotics and simultaneous location and mapping technologies, Rovco is at the forefront of site preparation, ensuring the safe and efficient installation of offshore wind farms.
Rovco operations and maintenance director Marc Coull stated: “This UXO project with Iberdrola represents a landmark for our construction support services.
“We are excited to have deployed our advanced UXO solutions in Germany, furthering offshore wind development in the Baltic Sea.”
In July 2024 Iberdrola announced the progression of its €1bn Windanker offshore wind project into its delivery phase.
Located in the German Baltic Sea, the 315MW project began fabrication work in the same month. The project will be equipped with 21 next-generation turbines, each with a capacity of 15MW.
The Windanker project, fully commissioned by 2026, will support Iberdrola’s growth in offshore wind capacity from 1.8GW in 2023 to 4.8GW in 2026.
