DemoSATH floating unit launched on water

The next stage of a project to install a floating wind turbine that will connect to the mainland Spanish grid has been completed – with the launch of the DemoSATH platform on the water in the Port of Bilbao.

Saitec Offshore Technologies and energy firm RWE are working together to install the system this summer, with the submarine dynamic cable soon to be deployed and floater towed out to connect to that and mooring lines that were installed in April.

The DemoSATH unit was loaded onto a semisubmersible barge’s deck then ballasted down into the water until the unit was buoyant and could be towed off.

“The load-out and float-off operations were an important milestone to fulfill as they were the first of their kind executed for the SATH floating offshore wind turbine,” said Araceli Martinez, Chief of Engineering at Saitec. ”Once afloat, it took less than 45 minutes to safely berth the DemoSATH wind turbine at quay. Tthe demonstrator is ready to become the first floating wind turbine to be commissioned to the mainland Spanish grid during the next months.”