Taiwan has been the offshore wind hotspot for a number of years, but to date only has 128MW of operating capacity. That is set to change over the next five years, with well over 5GW due online by 2025.
Among this is Ørsted’s 900MW Greater Changhua project. Last year, the world’s leading offshore-wind developer contracted SAL Heavy Lift to carry out a test piling project in the Taiwan Strait, ahead of construction in 2021-22.
To test the soil conditions around the project site, SAL installed monopile foundations at select locations. Six piles with a length of up to 80 metres were hammered into the seabed though a special pile guide frame.
To prepare for the project, one of the vessel’s cranes had to be extended by an extra 23 metres. It also required additional accommodation and lifeboats.
