In a bid to enhance renewable energy efforts in Germany, Drydocks World, in partnership with GE Vernova, has secured a landmark project to build and install Ostwind 4, a 2 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind grid connection that will power nearly two million households.
Awarded by 50Hertz, the Transmission System Operator for eastern Germany, including Berlin and Hamburg, the project is a major step in the country’ commitment to renewable energy.
Ostwind 4 will connect Baltic Sea wind farms to the national grid using cutting-edge High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. This will mark Germany’s first deployment of a 525 kilovolts HVDC transmission system in Baltic, setting new standards for efficiency in transporting energy over long distances.
Located 30 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island, the project includes the construction of offshore and onshore converter stations and a 110-kilometer DC cable system linking land and sea.
Drydocks World, part of the DP World Group, will manage the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the of the wind energy converter stations’ topsides and jacket structures. The topside, fabricated at Drydocks World’s Dubai facility, will integrate advanced equipment designed and manufactured in Europe. Once completed, the platform will be transported and installed in German waters.
GE Vernova will supply the HVDC technology, including Voltage-Sourced Converters (VSC), transformers, SF6-free Gas Insulated Switchgear, civil works for the onshore converter station, and Grid Automation equipment.
“Drydocks World’s pivotal role in the Ostwind 4 Project underscores its technical excellence and commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure”, said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World. “This award reflects DP World’s broader mission to drive clean energy transitions and economic growth. As the global energy landscape evolves, we remain dedicated to leveraging our expertise and innovative capabilities to support initiatives that drive clean energy transitions and economic development.”
The innovative design of the offshore converter station includes a U-shaped jacket substructure supporting offshore wind energy production for decades. Drydocks World’s involvement in the Ostwind 4 project underscores its reputation for executing complex offshore infrastructure projects while reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
“The awarding of the contract to GE Vernova and Drydocks World marks the beginning of a new chapter in the use of wind energy in the Baltic Sea”, said Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz Transmission. “50Hertz is the first transmission system operator to deploy 2 GW / 525 kV technology in this sea area. This is pioneering work. We want to ensure that the entirety of the technically and economically viable offshore wind energy potential in the Baltic Sea is exploited, primarily with the help of direct current technology.”
