First WindFloat successfully deployed offshore in open Atlantic waters

Amsterdam, Netherlands (EWEA Offshore 2011)

This installation represents the beginning of a new sector in the offshore wind industry and is the result of continued hard work by all WindPlus JV partners including: EDP, Principle Power, A. Silva Matos (ASM), Vestas Wind Systems A/S, InovCapital, and Fundo de Apoio a Inovacao (FAI). In addition over 60 other European vendors participated.

The project is the first offshore wind deployment worldwide which did not require the use of any heavy lift equipment offshore. All final assembly, installation and pre-commissioning of the wind turbine occurred on land in a controlled environment. Further, this is the first offshore wind turbine in open Atlantic waters, and the first deployment of a semi-submersible structure supporting a multi-megawatt wind turbine.

"This is an historic moment that takes your breath away," said Alla Weinstein, CEO of Principle Power. "In a way we are making a similar leap towards new energy resources as the Oil & Gas industry did in the 1970's when it began using floating structures. Further, we have proven the capabilities of the Portuguese maritime industry to adapt and provide the necessary resources to successfully fabricate and deploy an offshore structure of this scale. We [Principle Power] look forward to future business and success in this and global offshore wind markets with our innovative WindFloat."

Source: IWR Online, 30 Nov 2011