Completion of Dutch nearshore wind farm, Windplan Blauw

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the installation of 24 GE 5.5MW turbines at WindplanBlauw, a nearshore wind farm in the Ijsselmeer, an inland lake in the Netherlands.

Developed and owned by SwifterwinT and Vattenfall AB, the Windplan Blauw project saw GE Vernova contracting with Global Wind Service for pre-assembly, main installation, and mechanical and electrical completion works.

Initiated in March 2022, the pre-assembly commenced, followed by the main installation in May. The project culminated with the erection of the first turbine on May 10th and the final one on March 20th, 2024. With two dedicated teams working approximately 120,000 hours, a strong emphasis was placed on safety and quality, underlining the success attributed to the on-site team's experience and vigilance.

Reflecting on the project, Jeroen Tiemes, Onshore Project Director, commended the collaborative efforts, stating, "It was a challenging yet rewarding journey, and we owe our success to the exceptional teamwork with GE." The nearshore location of the project, positioned between Urk and Lelystad, brought its unique set of challenges, distinct from traditional offshore installations.

Robbert Tonk, Project Manager, highlighted the team's proficiency, drawing on past experiences from similar undertakings such as the 89-turbine Wind Farm Fryslân. "Nearshore projects differ from offshore ones by being located close to land in shallow waters, resulting in a distinct installation process. Preparation is key to seamless execution," Tonk affirmed, underscoring the team's adeptness in delivering complex projects of this nature.