Aker Solutions, in partnership with Siemens Energy, has reached a significant milestone by receiving the full notice to proceed from RWE for the Norfolk Vanguard West and East offshore wind farms. Norfolk Vanguard West & East are the first phase of RWE’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone and will generate power for over 4 million homes once become fully operational.
Aker-Siemens Energy JV - Contract Scope and Details
The Norfolk Vanguard West & East projects will be delivered by the consortium of Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy. Aker Solutions is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract of the HVDC offshore platform, while Siemens Energy handles the onshore station and high voltage equipment within the offshore substations.
Apart from that, the joint venture between Aker Solutions and Drydocks World, which will oversee the delivery of two HVDC platforms. According to Aker Solutions, the fabrication of the platform topsides is being carried out by Drydocks World in Dubai, UAE, while Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway, is handling the fabrication of the substructures.
According to Aker, the contract for the Norfolk Vanguard West and East projects is structured with a balanced risk-reward profile, emphasizing long-term collaboration and aligned incentives to ensure efficient and safe delivery, appearing to include elements similar to alliance contracting.
Party | Scope of Works |
Aker Solutions | HVDC offshore platform (EPCI); fabrication of substructures at Verdal, Norway |
Siemens Energy | Onshore station and high voltage equipment within the offshore substations |
Joint Venture (Aker Solutions & Drydocks World) | Delivery of two HVDC platforms; fabrication of platform topsides in Dubai, UAE (by Drydocks World) |
The Final Notice to Proceed for Norfolk Vanguard West & East projects
Since November 2023, Aker Solutions has been engaged in the Norfolk Vanguard West and East projects under a limited notice to proceed. The transition to full notice to proceed reflects the consortium’s progress and highlights Aker Solutions’ commitment to driving the global energy transition.
“We are proud to be a key partner in this important energy project, which represents a significant source of renewable energy and a major step in Europe’s energy transformation,” stated Sturla Magnus, Executive Vice President for Aker Solutions’ New Build segment. “The project also aligns with Aker Solutions’ strategy to expand our activities in renewables and energy transition projects, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.”
What is a notice to proceed?
A Notice to Proceed (NTP) is a formal document issued by the project owner directing the contractor to commence the construction works. It is typically issued upon the Final Investment Decision by the owner and marks the transition from the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase to a construction/delivery phase.
Construction Program
Engineering and procurement activities for the platforms’ topsides and substructures are currently underway. Fabrication of the Norfolk Vanguard West platform commenced at Drydocks World in April 2024, with work on the Norfolk Vanguard East platform set to begin in the second quarter of 2025.
Once completed, the platforms will be transported to Aker Solutions’ Stord yard for final preparations, including the transition from transportation vessel to heavy lift vessel, before their installation offshore in 2027 and 2028.
Activity | Timeline |
Fabrication of Norfolk Vanguard West platform | Commenced in April 2024 |
Fabrication of Norfolk Vanguard East platform | Set to begin in Q2 2025 |
Installation offshore | Norfolk Vanguard West platform: 2027, Norfolk Vanguard East platform: 2028 |
