RYDER, a Tekmar Group business unit, is proud to announce its significant contribution to the successful installation of over 200 miles (328 km) of 66KV inter-array cables on Dogger Bank A, marking a major milestone in the construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm. This achievement highlights RYDER’s expertise in offshore engineering consultancy services and its commitment to excellence in the offshore wind sector.
The complex operation involved the laying of cables by DEME Offshore’s Viking Neptun and the completion of burial operations by the Living Stone. This network of 95 cables, some extending up to 8.6 miles, connects Dogger Bank A’s 95 Haliade-X 13MW turbines to the offshore converter station. The electricity generated is then converted to direct current and transmitted to the onshore converter station via an advanced HVDC system.
RYDER played a pivotal role in this project by conducting the critical Orcaflex analysis and geotechnical design. These technical services ensured that the cables were optimally installed and protected, taking into account the challenging offshore conditions. RYDER’s innovative engineering solutions were fundamental in maintaining the integrity and reliability of these cables throughout their operational life.
Fraser Gibson, Managing Director of RYDER, emphasized the importance of their contribution: “Our team at RYDER is delighted to have provided the critical Orcaflex analysis and geotechnical design for the Dogger Bank project. This work underscores our deep confidence in our technical capabilities and our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions in offshore engineering. RYDER’s offshore engineering consultancy services are designed to ensure the success and integrity of such ambitious projects. We are excited to see the successful implementation of our designs and look forward to contributing to future phases.”
Additionally, Tekmar Energy provided the essential cable protection systems (CPS) for this project. These systems are crucial for shielding the inter-array cables from physical damage, ensuring their reliability and longevity.
The successful installation followed extensive underwater surveys to ensure a clear cable laying corridor, marking a major achievement in the ambitious inter-array cable installation program, the largest of its kind in offshore wind energy to date.