Floating offshore wind turbines are assembled in ports due to the movement of their buoyant foundations, requiring controlled conditions despite deployment in high-wind offshore areas. Increasing turbine size is adding complexity to port operations and driving demand for larger lifting equipment.
The Eoliennes flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project, developed by Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires, marks a further step towards large-scale deployment of floating wind technology.
Mammoet, contracted by Euroports, supported the marshalling and assembly of three turbines at Port-la-Nouvelle. The company was involved from the planning stage, advising on crane selection and logistics, and ensuring early delivery of components to reduce weather-related delays.
A CC8800-1 crawler crane, supported by mobile cranes, was used for installation. Port infrastructure was reinforced to handle heavy loads, and self-propelled modular transporters were used to move components within the site.
Assembly was carried out in sequence, with the 380-tonne nacelle as the heaviest lift. Operations were periodically paused due to wind conditions. After assembly, turbines were moved for final works before offshore installation.
Early planning and pre-delivery of components helped maintain safe and efficient operations in challenging weather conditions.
