The OranjeWind project has successfully installed its first turbine foundation (monopile) in the Dutch North Sea. Installation of all 53 monopiles is expected to be completed by early 2027. The foundations consist of monopiles without a transition piece.
This means the turbines will be bolted directly to the monopile’s upper flange, eliminating the need for a transition piece and significantly reducing the amount of steel required. Secondary steel components, including the main access platform, internal cassette and boat landings, will be installed directly on the monopile during a separate installation phase. Each monopile is approximately 90 metres long and has a diameter of 8 metres.
The monopile was transported from Sif’s terminal on the Maasvlakte near Rotterdam to the offshore site, 53 kilometres off the coast of IJmuiden. Transport and installation were carried out by Jan De Nul’s Les Alizés, which is part of a long-term charter agreement between Jan De Nul and RWE.
OranjeWind is a joint venture between RWE and TotalEnergies. The 795 MW offshore wind farm will be located 53 kilometres off the Dutch coast. Installation of the inter-array cables is scheduled for late 2026, while the 53 turbines will be installed during 2027. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational in 2028.
