DNV signs verification contract with Danish Bladt Industries for the first offshore wind project to be completed in Germany.

The suction bucket foundation will be placed in water depths of 5 metres. The bucket is 16 metres in diameter, with a skirt height of 16 metres (skirt not shown).

The Enercon 4.5 MW wind turbine is by far the worlds largest on the market. The first offshore wind turbine of this type will be installed in Germany. DNV will carry out design verification of the suction bucket foundation and the support structure for the wind turbine, together with verification works for the offshore installation. Installation of the wind turbine off Wilhelmshaven is scheduled for later this year.

Mastering the elements
The design of offshore wind turbine foundations and support structures requires mastering of multiple engineering disciplines. There are several challenges such as:

• waves in shallow water,
• breaking waves,
• ice loading,
• scour,
• and dynamic loading due to combined waves and wind.

DNV holds a large share of the world market, having certified 12 of the worlds 13 operating offshore wind farms.

Bladt Industries is a subcontractor to Enercon, the maker of these wind turbines. Enercon expects large-scale sales of the 4.5 MW wind turbine.