Rovco has completed a critical unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance project for Iberdrola’s Windanker offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea.

Advanced Technology in Action

Situated near Rügen Island within the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Windanker wind farm required thorough UXO clearance to ensure safe construction. In Q2 2024, Rovco deployed its state-of-the-art 3D modelling and inspection systems to identify and manage both UXO and non-UXO objects. Confirmed UXOs were safely relocated or disposed of, with comprehensive inspections ensuring all potential risks were effectively mitigated.

The project was conducted using Rovco’s newly chartered multipurpose vessel, MV Patriot. Equipped with a spacious deck, active heave crane, DP Class 2 station-keeping, and work-class ROVs, MV Patriot facilitated efficient site-to-shore communication and rapid data processing, which significantly accelerated the project timeline.

A Collaborative Achievement

Reflecting on the project’s success, Jesus Rodriguez de Diego Zamorano, Project Director for Windanker, said: “UXO investigation and clearances made with Rovco’s innovative technologies successfully contributed to the progress and safety of the Windanker project.”

Marc Coull, Director of O&M at Rovco, noted: “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.”

Kris Moeckell, Head of Construction Support at Rovco, added: “UXO risk mitigation is crucial for wind farm development and the clean energy transition. By integrating our advanced ROVs with cutting-edge sensors, we mitigate UXO threats and secure construction schedules for projects like Windanker.”

The project will see the installation of 21 state-of-the-art wind turbines, each with a power capacity of 15 MW, making them among the most powerful on the market. Windanker will have a total capacity of 315 MW, sufficient to supply clean energy to 315,000 households.

Source: Rovco