In September, Lamprell announced the award of two significant contracts from RWE, a global leader in renewable energy, for the supply of 2 x 92 transition pieces for each of the Norfolk Vanguard West and East offshore wind farms. These contracts encompass the manufacture and transportation of the transition pieces to a staging port in the UK. Celebrated at the WindEnergy Hamburg 2024 conference, this collaboration highlights Lamprell and RWE’s commitment to the energy transition, boosting the UK’s renewable energy capacity and advancing the broader goal of achieving net zero.
About our Client RWE
RWE is at the forefront of the global shift towards green energy. Under its Growing Green strategy, RWE plans to invest €55 billion in renewable energy and related technologies by 2030, aiming to expand its green generation capacity to over 65 gigawatts. Committed to the decarbonisation of its energy systems, RWE is set to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, playing a pivotal role in meeting the UK’s net zero targets and enhancing energy security.
Lamprell’s contribution to the energy transition
Since entering the offshore wind market in 2007, Lamprell has become a key player by delivering essential infrastructure, including transition pieces and various types of foundations for UK offshore wind farms. Our commitment to innovation is showcased through investments in advanced automated production lines for offshore wind substructures, preparing us for the expected surge in sector demands. We have delivered six multi-purpose wind turbine jackup vessels, 138 jackets, 90 suction buckets, 180 piles and 62 transition pieces, all geared towards supporting the energy transition.
Lamprell’s production line & its capabilities
Lamprell’s cutting-edge serial production line, commissioned in 2023, is a cornerstone of our manufacturing strategy, specifically tailored to meet the demands of the growing offshore wind sector. This facility will be pivotal in manufacturing transition pieces for the Vanguard projects.
Our production line is engineered for high-volume, high-quality output, allowing us to produce various tubular products, including transition pieces, which are essential components in offshore wind structures. With a capacity to handle materials up to 10.5 meters in diameter, 30+ meters in length, and approximately 150 millimetres in thickness, our facility can process up to 500 tonnes per unit. This versatility ensures that we can adapt to and efficiently manage the specifications of various projects.
The production line is equipped with advanced automation technologies that streamline the fabrication process from material handling to welding, significantly enhancing our throughput while maintaining consistent quality. Innovations include automated welding stations, precision milling machines, and state-of-the-art non-destructive testing (NDT) systems that ensure structural integrity and compliance with stringent industry standards.
About the Vanguard West and Vanguard East offshore wind farms
The Vanguard West and East projects, along with Norfolk Boreas, form the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, located off the UK’s east coast. Acquired by RWE in March 2024, these projects are integral to the UK’s strategy to quadruple offshore wind capacity by 2030. Together, they will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 4 million UK homes, supporting the country’s transition to a net-zero power system and securing a sustainable energy future.
This contract not only demonstrates Lamprell’s capabilities in the renewable sector but also aligns with our strategic goals to support sustainable energy developments globally. We are excited to partner with RWE and contribute to the UK’s renewable energy landscape through the successful execution of the Vanguard projects.
