At 62 kilometres off the coast of IJmuiden, the IJmuiden Ver Beta wind farm will rise from the sea in the coming years. For this project, TenneT, high-voltage grid operator for the Netherlands, is developing an offshore transformer platform that will collect the energy generated by the wind turbines and deliver it to shore via high-voltage cables.
Engineering company VIRO is responsible for the engineering of the platform’s foundation: the so‑called jacket. This jacket is a crucial component within the overall offshore energy infrastructure. Its reliability, manufacturability and lifespan form the basis for the success of the projects.
Engineering on an exceptional scale
The jacket for IJmuiden Ver Beta is approximately 50 metres high and 107 by 56 metres wide ,comparable to a football field placed upright, and weighs roughly 9.2 million kilos of steel. The four steel footings on which the structure rests each measure about 36 by 15 metres, roughly the size of a city block.
Designing with a focus on manufacturability and efficiency
The jacket will be produced by Heerema Fabrication Group at its yard in Vlissingen. VIRO’s engineers translate the concept design into a detailed and executable design, focusing on maximum efficiency during fabrication and assembly. The structure is manufactured in 24 separate construction steps and ultimately installed offshore in a single lift operation. VIRO created a design in which:
- welding sequences and accessibility are optimised
- heavy welds (up to 80 mm thick and metres long) remain manageable
- assembly time and labour hours are minimised
- risks during the execution phase are eliminated early on
Reliability under extreme offshore conditions
In addition to manufacturability, structural reliability is a primary design requirement. As a result, the jacket is built to withstand around 40 years of:
- heavy storm loads
- wave and current forces
- corrosive marine conditions
- incidental collisions
Protective coatings, cathodic protection and structural overcapacity ensure that the foundation remains intact under all operational conditions.
A strategic link in the energy transition
What is currently being engineered in detail will later become the physical foundation of one of the largest offshore wind projects in the Netherlands. The IJmuiden Ver Beta wind farm is expected to deliver its first electricity in 2029. For VIRO, this project underlines the importance of integrated engineering: connecting design, manufacturability and long-term performance within large-scale industrial projects.
Conclusion: early involvement pays off
As with most industrial projects, the success of offshore energy projects is strongly influenced by the quality of the early-stage engineering. Design choices directly linked to executability, functionality and lifespan reduce risks and create value throughout the full lifecycle of the asset.
How do you balance innovation, manufacturability and operational reliability?
For questions, please contact:
Marco Knipscheer
Account Manager
m.knipscheer@viro-group.com
+31 06 53179842
