Saipem is “committed to working” with local firms on a new giant Scottish wind project, its North Sea boss has said.
Paolo Formica, the Italian oil and gas contractor’s offshore area manager for the North Sea, claimed his firm is open to collaboration and will rely on the “experience” of those already operating in the area.
Saipem were announced yesterday as the main contractor on EDF’s planned £2 billion Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) Offshore Wind Farm off the east coast of Scotland.
Mr Formica described it as a “unique opportunity” for his company to fully establish itself in the UK offshore wind sector.
Saipem will provide engineering, procurement, construction and installation of 54 steel foundation jackets in a deal understood to be worth upwards of £350 million.
Local companies such as Burntisland Fabrication (BiFab), the Port of Dundee and Eyemouth Harbour have been brought in as sub-contractors.
Mr Formica said: “We are very excited to be part of the NnG wind farm project.
“It is a unique opportunity for us to further establish ourselves as a reliable partner in such a complex and large offshore wind project, not only in the UK, which is one of the most dynamic markets for these kind of developments, but also worldwide.
“We are looking forward to working with EDF, applying our unique delivery model which combines strong in-house engineering and design capabilities with distinctive execution skills.
“In doing so, we are committed to working and collaborating with local partners, relying on their competencies and experience in the area”.
Saipem worked on Equinor’s Hywind Scotland project in 2017, for which it lifted and installed the floating turbines using its huge Saipem 7000 crane vessel.
The Saipem 7000 will also work on the NnG project.
Mr Formica told Energy Voice last month that offshore wind was a “key market” for Saipem, with the UK North Sea “the most promising” market.
He added that Saipem will “harness” the skills of a local supply chain in Scotland to succeed.
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