Peterson secures logistics contract for major wind farm project

Peterson Energy Logistics has secured a contract to provide a fully integrated logistics solution for the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm project through its client GE Vernova.

GE Vernova is supplying the high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system for Sofia, including the Offshore Converter Platform.

Peterson’s teams based at Den Helder in the Netherlands and Lowestoft in the UK will be managing vital elements of the project including cargo runs, stevedoring, helicopter planning and chartering, warehousing, materials management, customs formalities, and the provision of key personnel in support of the installation of the Sofia Offshore Converter Platform for a period of 18 months.

The project will be the first offshore wind farm in UK waters to utilise shared cargo runs from the Netherlands which will enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive sustainability improvements. This model has already been applied successfully to the Hollandse Kust North, South and West projects offshore of the Netherlands.

Peterson has commenced its work following the installation of the jacket and topside.

Steef Ritzema, Managing Director of Netherlands at Peterson, said:

Our integrated logistics services have realised efficiencies for clients throughout the energy sectors over the past 50 years and we are increasingly applying this expertise and insight to the renewables space as we move through the energy transition. The ability to provide the full scope of offshore logistics services from both the UK and the Netherlands gives our client maximum flexibility.” 

The RWE Sofia Offshore Wind Farm is located 195km off the UK east coast and will have the capacity to produce 1400MW. It is part of the Dogger Bank offshore wind project which will be the world’s largest wind farm.

Peterson, from its Den Helder site, currently provides helicopter logistics services for the installation vessel which is installing the 100 turbines that will feed into the offshore converter platform at the site. Peterson also provides facilities management services at the onshore converter station for the Dogger Bank C and Sofia wind farms, based at Lazenby.

Jason Hendry, Managing Director UK at Peterson, said:

We are delighted to be in a position to transfer decades of experience in the oil and gas sector to the development of one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. 

“Our logistics model is efficient, sustainable, expert, innovative, and, most importantly, replicable by Peterson for existing and new clients in the offshore wind sector in the Southern and Northern North Sea.” 

The project will also utilise Peterson’s Lighthouse suite of technology which offers real-time insight and analysis for operational teams and clients. Den Helder will be the hub for the helicopter chartering and planning, with aviation services also being provided from Humberside Airport.

Peterson Energy Logistics is a world-leading, innovative, and highly trusted energy logistics and supply chain solutions company with more than 50 years’ experience in the energy industry.

Image courtesy of RWE