Drydocks World, a subsidiary of DP World, has been awarded a key contract to deliver the Ostwind 4 offshore wind grid connection project in Germany. The ambitious initiative, developed in partnership with GE Vernova and commissioned by 50Hertz Transmission, aims to integrate two gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy into Germany’s national grid, powering nearly two million households.
The project will connect offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea to Germany’s electricity grid through cutting-edge High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, marking a milestone for the country’s renewable energy sector. Ostwind 4 will feature the first deployment of a 525-kilovolt HVDC transmission system in the Baltic Sea, setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency in long-distance power transmission.
Located 30 kilometers northeast of Rügen Island, Ostwind 4 includes the construction of both offshore and onshore converter stations and a 110-kilometer direct current cable system to bridge land and sea. Drydocks World will oversee the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) of the project’s wind energy converter stations’ topsides and jacket structures. The topside will be fabricated at Drydocks World’s state-of-the-art facilities in Dubai before being transported and installed in German waters.
GE Vernova will supply its advanced HVDC technology for the project, including Voltage-Sourced Converters (VSC), transformers, SF6-free Gas Insulated Switchgear, and Grid Automation equipment. These components will ensure efficient and environmentally friendly transmission of offshore wind energy to the mainland grid.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, hailed the project as a testament to Drydocks World’s engineering expertise and commitment to clean energy innovation. “This award reflects DP World’s broader mission to drive clean energy transitions and economic growth. As the global energy landscape evolves, we remain dedicated to supporting sustainable infrastructure initiatives.”
Captain Rado Antolovic, CEO of Drydocks World, highlighted the project’s significance in advancing international collaboration for renewable energy solutions. “The Ostwind 4 project exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting new benchmarks for offshore wind projects while contributing to a greener future,” he said.
Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz Transmission, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the initiative. “This is pioneering work. We are the first transmission system operator to deploy 2 GW / 525 kV technology in the Baltic Sea. Ostwind 4 is vital to fully harnessing the offshore wind energy potential in this region,” he stated.
Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification business, echoed the sentiment, calling the project a key milestone in decarbonizing Europe’s energy systems. “Ostwind 4 underscores the essential role of offshore wind in ensuring European energy security and accelerating the global energy transition,” he noted. The project represents a significant step in Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, reinforcing the Baltic Sea’s role as a hub for wind power innovation. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.
