Offshore wind components bring a heavy lift trio to Aviles

Jan 06, 2024

Various offshore wind projects have recently brought together three vessels that are part of the Spliethoff Group to the Port of Aviles in Spain.

Vessels congregated to load heavy offshore wind turbine components. According to BigLift Shipping, Happy Dragon made a return to the port to load transition pieces, while Spliethoff's Dolfijngracht and Spuigracht loaded towers sections.

While the company did not disclose which projects the components are for, it is worth reminding that Happy Dragon loaded the first batch of components for the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm, located northeast of the island of Rügen off the coast of Pomerania in the Baltic Sea in March. It was the first of 10 shipments that will include 50 pieces each to be handled at the sorting port of Sassnitz.

From there, they will be stored and preparations for transport to the marine site will be finalised. Each of the transition pieces is 15 metres high, 6.5 metres in diameter and weighs 240 tonnes.

Windar Renovables, the manufacturer of the components, said the start of manufacturing for the Baltic Eagle project began at the end of 2021 and work will continue until the final loading of all parts expected in May 2023, to be finally installed between the second and third quarter of the year.