Major HVDC contract for Neptun Smulders

The platform, scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2034, will support the integration of North Sea wind energy into the European power grid through high-voltage direct current transmission technology.

“This is a good day for Rostock and the region,” said Malte Poelmann, managing director of NSORe.

“With this order, Neptun Smulders Offshore Renewables is taking an important next step in its development into a strong European provider of converter platforms.”

Project delivery

The project will be delivered through a consortium between NSORe and Siemens Energy, with marine civils and fabrication work split between facilities in Germany and the Netherlands.

NSORe said negotiations are also underway for a second converter platform project of a similar scale, potentially increasing the total contract value to around €2.5 billion.

Under the agreement, Neptun Werft, part of Meyer Werft, will manufacture the platform superstructure at its Rostock-Warnemünde shipyard, while Smulders will construct the jacket foundation at its Vlissingen facility.

Siemens Energy will provide key electrical systems including transformers, switchgear and converter technology.

The contract is expected to generate more than 500 long-term jobs across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including positions at NSORe, Neptun Werft and regional suppliers, reinforcing the role of European shipyards in offshore renewables and marine construction projects.

Stefan Kapferer, CEO of 50Hertz, said the award demonstrated that domestic shipyards can now submit competitive bids for large-scale offshore infrastructure projects within Europe’s energy transition sector.