Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy Reach Milestone for Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Project

Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy Celebrate a Major Milestone

Aker Solutions, in partnership with Siemens Energy, has recently been awarded the full notice to proceed by RWE for the Norfolk Vanguard West and East offshore wind farms. This represents a significant advancement in the first phase of RWE's Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, a crucial initiative aiming to harness renewable energy in the region.

The Norfolk Vanguard project is set to play a pivotal role in the transition towards sustainable energy, as it is projected to produce enough electricity to power over four million homes. This initiative aligns with global goals of renewable energy adoption and signifies a commitment to addressing climate change. The full notice to proceed is a major achievement following a limited notice that was granted back in November 2023, allowing foundational work to commence on the projects.

Sturla Magnus, Executive Vice President for Aker Solutions' New Build segment, expressed pride in being a key contributor to this vital energy project. He stated, “This represents a significant source of renewable energy and a major step in Europe's energy transformation.” His remarks underscore Aker Solutions' ambition to lead the way in the global energy transition.

The proposed offshore wind farms will be constructed through a collaborative venture between Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy. Aker Solutions assumes the responsibility for engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) offshore platform. In conjunction, Siemens Energy will manage the onshore station and the high voltage equipment necessary for the offshore substations.

An essential aspect of this project is the strategic partnership with Drydocks World, which will support the delivery of two HVDC platforms. The fabrication of platform topsides will be conducted at the Drydocks World facility in Dubai, while Aker Solutions' yard in Verdal, Norway, will focus on constructing the substructures. This division of labor highlights the project's multinational collaboration, bringing together expertise from different regions.

Current activities have already kicked off, with engineering and procurement phases actively underway for both the platform topsides and substructures. Importantly, the fabrication for the Norfolk Vanguard West platform commenced in April 2025 at Drydocks World, while that for the Norfolk Vanguard East platform is scheduled to start during the second quarter of 2025. Both platforms are expected to be delivered and installed by 2027 and 2028 respectively.

Prior to installation offshore, the platforms will undergo final preparations at Aker Solutions' Stord yard. This step includes transferring the platforms from transportation vessels to heavy lift vessels, a critical phase in ensuring safe and efficient deployment.

To ensure shared goals and effective project execution, the contract between Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy is established on a balanced risk-reward profile with principles encouraging long-term collaboration. This alignment of incentives is crucial for maintaining efficiency and safety during project delivery.

This contract will be recorded as a significant order in Aker Solutions' portfolio, classified as major by their standards, with a value estimated between NOK 8.0 billion and NOK 12.0 billion. This milestone further solidifies Aker Solutions' commitment to renewable energy projects and their strategy of expanding their footprint in sustainable energy solutions.

In the coming months, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the project's developments as it not only represents a leap in offshore wind energy but also highlights the vital role of partnerships in achieving ambitious renewable energy targets on a global scale.