UXO clearance completed at Iberdrola’s Windanker site offshore Germany

Rovco has completed a critical unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance project for Iberdrola’s 315 MW Windanker offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea.

The operation, which was Rovco’s first UXO project in Germany, was conducted using the company’s newly chartered multipurpose vessel MV Patriot, equipped with a spacious deck, active heave crane, DP Class 2 station-keeping, and work-class ROVs.

“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,” said Marc Coull, Director of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) at Rovco.

In the second quarter of 2024, Rovco deployed its 3D modeling and inspection systems to identify and manage both UXO and non-UXO objects. Confirmed UXOs were safely relocated or disposed of, the company said.

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

Located in the Baltic Sea next to the island of Rügen, the 315 MW Windanker offshore wind farm will comprise 21 Siemens Gamesa 15 MW wind turbines installed on top of monopiles supplied by the consortium of Navantia Seanergies and Windar Renovables.

Iberdrola took the final investment decision (FID) for Windanker at the end of June, when the company said the project had now advanced to the delivery phase.