EPCI gravity-based structure solution for an offshore wind market set to double
Quick information
- Available
- Europe
At a glance
- Complete EPCI model ensures cost-effective, high-quality project delivery
- Fully European supply chain removes import dependency
- Concrete foundations reduce CO₂ emissions and eliminate noise during installation
AF Gruppen, Multiconsult and DOF have joined forces to deliver complete EPCI solutions for gravity-based concrete foundations in offshore wind projects across Northern Europe. This well-established consortium combines over five decades of GBS design expertise with unmatched resources. Their turnkey GBS solution is market ready and designed to accelerate offshore wind deployment with reliability, scale and efficiency.
CHALLENGE
Tackling cost and carbon in offshore wind
Offshore wind developers face increasing pressure to reduce foundation costs and environmental impact in the form of carbon emissions and noise pollution. In Europe, there is also the pressing issue of avoiding dependency on imports.
SOLUTION
Innovative GBS solution and end-to-end delivery
AF Gruppen, Multiconsult and DOF offer a concrete gravity-based foundation (GBS) solution for offshore wind projects featuring innovative materials, fabrication and installation technology and utilising a fully European supply chain and fabrication process.
Their complete Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) model ensures end-to-end project delivery with consistent quality. It covers concept design, engineering, fabrication and installation to inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and decommissioning – all of which is handled inhouse.
Together, the partners also have the required execution capacity, with managers, engineers, a deepwater port and operational yard, a fleet of 77 offshore vessels and more than 900 skilled concrete specialists ready for mobilisation.
BENEFITS
GBS solution designed for sustainability and longevity
The fabrication setup is fast, scalable, easy to deploy and cost-efficient, delivering competitive capital expenditure.
The foundations are designed for an operational life of up to 80 years. Because they are made of concrete, overall CO₂ emissions are reduced by up to 80 per cent compared with steel.
Moreover, the use of gravity-based structures (GBS) eliminates the need for piling and thus also underwater noise pollution during installation.
MARKET POTENTIAL
Supplier to the European offshore wind market
According to DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2025, wind will make up 27 per cent of Europe’s electricity mix in 2040 – the highest regional share globally.
Offshore wind capacity specifically is projected to double in Europe from 2024-2030. Norwegian companies have an important role in providing solutions to this growing market.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
7. Affordable and clean energyBy reducing cost and complexity, the GBS solution enables realisation of more offshore wind projects, strengthening energy security and availability.
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructureThe GBS solution is the result of innovation in material use and scalable production and is designed for a long operational life.
14. Life below waterThe GBS solution eliminates the need for piling and thus the underwater noise that can harm marine life. It also acts as an artificial reef.
17. Partnerships for the goalsThe partnership between AF Gruppen, Multiconsult and DOF brings together expertise across disciplines and sectors, strengthening innovation and implementation.