A significant achievement has been reached in the Belgian case study of ULTFARMS.
After two years in the North Sea, within the Parkwind wind farm, four 5.5-meter-long screw anchors, designed to minimize seabed impact, have been successfully decommissioned.
This process demonstrates the potential for sustainable marine infrastructure.
The anchors were retrieved with meticulous planning and coordination. The operation was documented as the first anchor was lifted onto the Leask Marine vessel, marking a critical step in advancing sustainable practices in offshore wind farms.
Figure 1:One of the 4 successfully decomissioned 5,5 m long screw anchors on deck minutes after decomissioning. The anchors are designed for minimal impact on the bottom.
This milestone was made possible through collaboration among Parkwind, Univeristy of Ghent (ARC, Legal & Insurance), and Jan De Nul Group, showcasing the effectiveness of teamwork in marine coordination and execution.
Figure 2: Elisabete Pinto da Silva (Parkwind Jera Group) and Annelies Declercq (University of Ghent) in full PPE equipment, documenting the decommissioning of the longline and screw anchors in the windmill park of Parkwind.
A result of nice teamwork in preparation, planning, marine coordination and action with a special thanks to the teams of Parkwind Jera Group, Ugent (ARC, legal and insurance) and Jan de Nul Group.
Updates on further progress and insights into sustainable co-management solutions in offshore wind farms will follow in the upcoming months.
