There is a growing global demand for green energy as many countries has a strong focus on a more climate friendly energy production. Aarsleff was among the pioneers within design, fabrication and installation of foundations for offshore wind farms – and we have been a driver of development over the past 20 years with projects in e.g. Denmark, Germany, the UK and Taiwan.
A track record of more than 600 offshore wind foundations
Our employees have a strong track record in design, structural engineering and installation of foundations for offshore wind farms. In 2003, we completed our first offshore wind farm, and since then we have installed more than 600 offshore wind foundations including concrete gravity base foundations and steel monopile and transition pieces.
Skilled engineers and development of specialist equipment
Each project is a unique challenge, so it is essential to bring together the right team of experts and find the right equipment for the project – also if it means that we are to design it ourselves. In fact, over the years, our in-house engineers have designed and built specialist equipment for many of our offshore projects, the latest example being a pile guide frame with suction buckets for piling of 80-metre-long piles at a water depth of 40 metres. Our experience also comprises application of advanced measuring equipment for test project data collection.
Our expertise allows us to undertake many different types of projects, and over the past years we have participated in a number of special projects for clients searching for a contractor capable of developing and delivering innovative solutions in a difficult environment.
In-house production of gravity base foundations and other marine concrete structures
Aarsleff has extensive experience of developing, producing and installing gravity base foundations for offshore wind farms. So far, we have installed 170 gravity base foundations on three different offshore wind farms, and we see a great potential for this solution in future years based on recent plans for development of offshore wind farms in Denmark.
The concrete production is carried out as precast elements at our Polish factory in Swinoujscie, and transportation and installation at sea is undertaken by our experienced specialists. We also carry out caissons for pier heads as well as bridge pillars, bridge decks and various other types of concrete elements for offshore, pier and harbour construction.
Concrete working platforms
In 2007, we developed a new concept for working platforms for mono piles/TP foundations, based on our experience with gravity foundations. Instead of the traditional steel solution we designed a working platform in concrete which in addition to being less expensive is a more robust solution requiring less maintenance. The concrete platform has become a great success and is already used on more than 1,000 offshore wind foundations. Aarsleff is co-owner of the EU patented platform and is the leading supplier on the market.
All concrete working platforms are produced at our factory in Swinoujscie in Poland where we have established an efficient production line providing very competitive prices for our customers. More information on www.aarsleff.biz.
Foundations on land
Also on land, Aarsleff carries out foundations for the energy source of the future. Especially, in Denmark, Germany and the UK, wind turbines are placed on foundations for which Aarsleff has installed piles and carried out the concrete work.
Film about geotechnical offshore load tests in Taiwan: Pile installation and load tests
Film about London Array: Manufacturing and installation of monopile foundations
Film about Rødsand 2 and Sprogø: Manufacturing and installation of gravity foundations
Film about Port of Hanstholm: Production, transportation and installation of an 8,000-tons-heavy pier head
Film about Masnedsund Bridge: Production and installation of a 200-metre-long concrete bridge