Van Oord clinches cable installation contract in Taiwan
Dutch marine construction firm Van Oord has secured a significant contract with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to install inter-array cables for the Fengmiao 1 offshore wind farm in Taiwan. This project marks a crucial step in Taiwan’s ambitious renewable energy goals. The wind farm is expected to play a vital role in the country’s efforts to increase its offshore wind capacity.
Details of the Contract
Under the terms of the contract, the exact value of which remains undisclosed, Van Oord will be responsible for transporting and installing 33 inter-array cables. These cables will stretch approximately 64 kilometers in total. The Rotterdam-based company will utilize its advanced cable-laying vessel, the Nexus, which was built in 2014. This vessel is equipped to handle the complexities of underwater cable installation. Additionally, Van Oord will employ a remote-controlled trencher to bury the cables securely beneath the seabed. The installation work is scheduled to commence in 2027, aligning with Taiwan’s broader timeline for expanding its offshore wind capacity.
This contract builds on Van Oord’s previous successes in Taiwan, particularly its work on the Greater Changhua offshore wind farms. The company has established itself as a leader in the marine construction sector, particularly in renewable energy projects. The experience gained from earlier projects will likely enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Fengmiao 1 installation.
Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Goals
The Taiwanese government has set ambitious targets for offshore wind energy. By 2025, it aims to install 5.7 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity, with an additional 15 GW planned by 2035. The Fengmiao 1 wind farm, located approximately 35 kilometers off the coast of Taichung in central Taiwan, is expected to contribute 500 megawatts (MW) to this goal. This project is a critical component of Taiwan’s strategy to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
The development of offshore wind farms is part of a broader global trend toward sustainable energy solutions. As countries seek to combat climate change, investments in renewable energy infrastructure are becoming increasingly important. Taiwan’s commitment to offshore wind energy not only supports its environmental goals but also positions the country as a leader in the renewable energy sector in Asia. The Fengmiao 1 project is a testament to this commitment and highlights the growing collaboration between international firms and local governments in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
