Underwater divers were called in by Jones Bros to help build new quayside infrastructure for the biggest offshore wind farm in the world.
The specialist contractors were called in to fix steel columns to a harbour wall to restrain pontoons at the site, in Barrow-in-Furness.
The new facility is being built at an existing dock basin in the Cumbrian town, for the 87-turbine Walney Extension wind farm being built in the Irish Sea, by DONG Energy.
Jones Bros’ £4.3m contract also includes building foundations for new offices and a warehouse, new service connections, a substation, large car park, reinforced concrete pavements, lighting and CCTV installation.
Work is on track for completion by the end of October.
Divers worked below the water level using specialist grout to fix steel frames to the existing harbour wall. A total of 8 steel pontoon guiderails, each measuring 11.4m, were then bolted above and below water to the frames.
Jones Bros is carrying out the work on land owned by Associated British Ports, for Danish firm, DONG Energy, one of northern Europe’s leading energy developers.
With a total number of 87 turbines, Walney Extension wind farm is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2018, at which time it will be the biggest offshore wind farm in the world. It will produce 659MW of electricity and be capable of powering more than 500,000 UK homes.
Jones Bros contract manager Patrick Bailey said:
“Jones Bros construction works are nearing completion, although we expect to be on site until March 2018 overseeing the remaining enabling works in our role as principal contractor.
“The job has gone well and has been a good demonstration of our capacity in coastal and marine infrastructure construction.”