Dubai-based Drydocks World has completed the HVDC converter platform DolWin beta (pictured), described as the world’s largest in terms of capacity.
The platform is one of the main components of TenneT's 900 MW DC offshore grid connection DolWin2. The 23,000-tonne structure is about 100m-long, 70m-wide and 90m-high. Its design was adopted from semisubmersible offshore rig design.
The 10,000-tonne topside consists of operational compartments for the electrical equipment and living quarters. The successful mating of the top side and substructure was carried out in December 2013.
Aibel was responsible for the design and fabrication of the platform. It was the company’s first platform within the offshore wind segment. ABB had the overall contract responsibility and supplied HVDC equipment and high voltage cables.
The platform is due to leave Dubai in early June. It will be towed to Haugesund, Norway, on a heavy lift vessel for commissioning, after which it will be towed to its offshore location.
DolWin beta will stand on the seabed in about 30m water depth and serve the DolWin wind farm cluster in the German sector of the North Sea, about 45km offshore. The platform will have a generating capacity of more than 900 MW, enough to light up Frankfurt. It will receive and convert alternating current from more than 200 wind turbines and convert it into direct current before sending it onshore via subsea cables.
The unmanned platform will be remotely controlled and managed.
Image from Drydocks World.
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