Modulift, a lifting equipment manufacturer, is facilitating the construction of a complex offshore energy project in the North Sea. Deemed to be the world’s first artificial energy island, “Princess Elisabeth” marks a milestone in renewable energy infrastructure development.
Situated 30 miles off the coast of Belgium, in the 3.5-GW Princess Elisabeth offshore wind zone, the island will act as an international energy hub to centralize all electricity produced by wind farms in the zone.
TM Edison, a joint venture between marine companies Jan De Nul and DEME Group NV, is responsible for the construction and installation of the energy island, which will contribute to the EU’s goal of 300 GW offshore wind capacity by 2050.
Assembling the infrastructure of the energy island requires lifting and maneuvering of large structural elements and equipment. The outer perimeter of the island will be made up of a series of concrete structures known as caissons. These are built onshore before being transported to their offshore location. Construction of the Princess Elisabeth Island is expected to last until the end of 2026.
“Modulift’s spreader beams have been integral to the construction of the concrete sections, with one formwork section weighing around 17 tons and 10 meters in length. We are using a 1-over-1 configuration, utilizing a MOD 34 spreader beam at the top and a MOD 24 on the bottom; Modulift spreader beams have been instrumental in safely hoisting the formwork into position,” said Ruben Verschueren, TM Edison’s site superintendent, civil works.
“Modulift is known for its iconic yellow spreader beams across the renewable and offshore energy sectors, and has set the precedent for safety, efficiency, and fast delivery in the global lifting industry,” said Sarah Spivey, managing director.
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