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Modulift on the world’s first offshore energy island

Posted on by darion

Modulift on the Princess Elizabeth Offshore Energy Island

Modulift facilitates the construction of a complex offshore energy project in the North Sea. Considered to be the world’s first artificial energy island, Princess Elizabeth represents a milestone in the development of renewable energy infrastructure.

Located 30 miles off the coast of Belgium in the 3.5 GW Princess Elisabeth offshore wind zone, the island will act as an international energy center, concentrating all the electricity generated by wind farms in the zone.

TM Edison, a joint venture between offshore companies Jan De Nul and DEME Group NV (EBR:DEME), is responsible for the construction and installation of the world’s first energy island, which will contribute to achieving the EU’s target of 300 million offshore wind capacity GW through 2050.

Installing energy island infrastructure requires lifting and maneuvering large structural elements and equipment. The island’s outer perimeter will consist of a series of concrete structures called caissons. They are built on land before being transported to an offshore location. Construction of Princess Elizabeth Island is expected to last until the end of 2026.

“Modulift spreader beams form an integral part of the construction of the concrete sections, with one formwork section weighing approximately 17 tonnes and being 10 m long. We use a 1 on 1 configuration, using a MOD 34 spreader beam on top and a MOD 24 on the bottom. Modulift spreader beams played a key role in lifting the formwork safely into place,” said Ruben Verschueren, construction manager at Civil Works, TM Edison.

The use of Modulift spreader beams during island construction sheds light on lifting equipment in such complex offshore projects. Sarah Spivey, managing director, said: “Modulift is renowned for its iconic yellow spreader beams in the renewable energy and marine sectors and has set a precedent for safety, efficiency and fast delivery in the global lifting industry. MOD spreader beams are DNV Type Approved up to 2,000 tonnes and are interchangeable by design, providing a reusable solution for long-term projects. We are very proud to be part of this groundbreaking project.”