After receiving notice to proceed for Norfolk Vanguard West and East in January, Aker Solutions has secured a significant contract with Dragados Offshore to deliver the steel substructure for the 2GW High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station for the BalWin 1 offshore wind grid connection system in Germany, commissioned by Amprion Offshore GmbH. The agreement also includes an option to supply the steel substructure for the BalWin 2 project.
Overview of the BalWin 1 and BalWin 2 Projects
Dragados Offshore, S.A., in partnership with Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG, is responsible for the development, construction, and delivery of the HVDC grid stations for both BalWin 1 and BalWin 2 on behalf of Amprion Offshore GmbH.
Amprion is one of Germany’s four transmission system operators. Each project involves the installation of a 2GW HVDC offshore and onshore station to facilitate the transmission of electrical energy.
Under a major EPC Contract, Dragados Offshore will manage the engineering, detailed design, procurement, fabrication, construction, transportation, installation, hook-up, and commissioning of the entire platform, including both the jackets and topsides. Siemens Energy will provide the HVDC system, which also encompasses the onshore substations connected to both platforms.
Suggested Reading: What is an EPC Contract? (Key Features, Examples, and Tips)
Dragados Offshore was also involved in the construction of DolWin6, a similar HVDC transmission system located in the North Sea that connects offshore wind farms to the German power grid (see video below).
Aker Solutions as the steel structure supplier
Under this contract, Aker Solutions will deliver the steel substructure for the BalWin 1 HVDC converter station, with an option to extend services for the BalWin 2 project.
These substructures are typically constructed using high-strength marine-grade steel to withstand corrosion, fatigue, and structural loads. Additional protective measures, such as specialized coatings and cathodic protection systems, are applied to mitigate seawater corrosion.
“We are proud that Dragados Offshore has selected Aker Solutions as the contractor for the BalWin 1 steel substructure. We have over decades developed substantial expertise and track record for delivering predictable execution of demanding projects. The new contract is aligned with our strategy to grow our activities within renewables and low-carbon projects,” said Sturla Magnus, Executive Vice President for Aker Solutions’ New Build segment.
Aker Solutions' Manufacturing Strategy
The fabrication of the HVDC substructures will take place at Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway. The project is expected to employ over 500 people at its peak. Aker Solutions’ responsibilities include procurement, method engineering, and the construction of the offshore HVDC converter platform substructures.
Preparatory work, including procurement and method engineering, is set to begin immediately, while construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026. Deliveries for the BalWin 1 and BalWin 2 substructures are planned for 2028 and 2029, respectively.
