How Project Freight Forwarding Fuels Offshore Wind Growth
In 2024, the offshore wind energy industry has been experiencing significant growth, driven by favorable government policies, technological innovation and global sustainability objectives. This progress is crucial for meeting international clean energy goals in the face of growing climate concerns.
By the end of 2023, the global offshore wind capacity reached around 75.2 GW, with approximately 10.8 GW of new capacity installed that year, marking the second-highest annual increase after 2021. For 2024, the sector is projected to add another 10 to 12 GW, pushing global capacity towards an estimated 85 to 87 GW by the year’s end.
This growth trend is accompanied by a shift towards more substantial, efficient turbines that enhance energy production and reduce the number of installations needed, thereby improving the overall cost-effectiveness of offshore wind farms.
Offshore wind turbines now achieve capacities of up to 15 MW, with even larger models under development. Put into context, a single 15 MW turbine can provide enough energy annually to power around 15,000 European households, depending on local energy consumption and wind conditions.
deugro showcased this expertise during the complex Baltic Eagle Offshore Wind Farm Project. deugro Spain, in collaboration with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions, successfully transported eight 77-meter-long, 270-metric-ton pin piles—the largest ever made by Haizea Bilbao—from Spain to the Netherlands. Challenges included limited crane capacity, requiring two vessel rotations, and precise planning for stacking and sea-fastening due to the cargo’s weight.
deugro used custom-designed transport saddles and a 3D analysis to ensure safe transport. Unforeseen circumstances at the destination required unloading hatch covers onto a moored pontoon, which was arranged smoothly. The operation achieved a 20% savings in the overall costs compared to traditional heavy lift vessels.
The Baltic Eagle Offshore Wind Farm will have a total capacity of 476 MW. Under optimal conditions, this could supply around 475,000 European households annually with electricity.
With over 20 years of experience in sustainable energy projects, deugro plays a crucial role in overcoming the complexities of offshore wind. By ensuring the efficient and cost-effective delivery of key infrastructure, deugro supports the sector’s vital contribution to global clean energy goals and a sustainable future.