SPIE Global Services Energy, a subsidiary of the SPIE group, has formalised the signing of a second contract with maritime contractor Van Oord, consolidating its presence in the European offshore wind market. The agreement covers grid connection and testing for 21 inter-array cables of 66 kilovolts (kV) as part of the development of the Windanker offshore wind farm, which will have a total capacity of 315 megawatts (MW) and is located in German waters of the Baltic Sea.
A major project for German energy infrastructure
The project entrusted to SPIE Wind Connect, the entity specialising in high-voltage installations, is in line with the construction schedule for the Windanker wind farm. According to information provided by the companies, work is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2025, with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2026. The contract includes grid connection and final testing of the cables linking the wind turbines to the offshore substation.
Van Oord, a recognised player in maritime construction and offshore project development, plays a central role in delivering the project. Once completed, the Windanker wind farm is expected to have installed capacity sufficient to supply the equivalent of 315,000 households, according to figures released by the operators.
Strengthening partnerships in offshore wind
The offshore wind sector in the Baltic Sea continues to attract the attention of major industrial players. Sam Dowey, Managing Director of SPIE Wind Connect, stated that this new contract “strengthens our longstanding relationship with Van Oord”, while highlighting the importance of this partnership for the company’s commercial strategy. Collaboration between the two companies now extends to several projects in Northern Europe.
Investment in high-voltage electrical infrastructure remains a key issue for transmitting energy produced at sea to the national grid. This type of project contributes to the consolidation of Europe’s industrial base and illustrates the momentum of a market driven by growing demand for grid connection capacity.
Outlook for the energy value chain
The Windanker project is among the latest developments reflecting intensified activity in offshore wind operations in Germany. According to official statements, the delivery of 315 MW to the grid represents a major milestone for the sector. This deployment calls upon specialised expertise, particularly in the installation and securing of high-voltage subsea cables.
The execution of these operations, entrusted to SPIE Wind Connect, comes with rigorous technical oversight. Van Oord, for its part, is continuing its investments in maritime infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a key partner for energy service companies. The sector continues to attract investment in connection technology and associated services.
“The awarding of this contract strengthens our longstanding relationship with Van Oord, one of the most experienced offshore contractors in the world and a key commercial partner for our organisation,” said Sam Dowey, Managing Director of SPIE Wind Connect, quoted by Bloomberg on 17 July.
