Offshore Construction Start

Offshore construction at the Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm effectively began in July 2007 with the start of foundation-related works at the site. Following earlier development milestones, including Celtic Offshore Wind Limited (COWL) securing full consents in 2002 and the project’s acquisition by RWE/npower renewables in December 2002, extensive site investigations were undertaken in 2006 involving borehole drilling and seabed sampling from a jack-up barge. These preparatory activities set the stage for the transition from survey and planning into full offshore construction. In July 2007, the project moved into its main offshore construction phase when offshore foundation construction commenced, specifically through the installation of scour protection at turbine locations. Coflein records that construction of the offshore foundations began at this time with the installation of scour protection using vessels working from the Port of Mostyn, with rock material sourced from Penrhyn Slate Quarry near Bangor. The Tethys project timeline separately identifies “July 2007: Offshore Foundation Construction Start,” and contemporary reporting from the Daily Post describes offshore foundation construction beginning in July 2007 with rocks placed on the seabed around turbine positions to prevent erosion. This offshore mobilisation and installation of scour protection marks the formal start of offshore construction activities for Rhyl Flats, leading on to subsequent pile installation in April 2008, cabling works from July 2008, and eventual power generation from December 2009.