IQIP's IQ6 Hydrohammer to be employed by DEME for driving Nordlicht monopiles into the seabed.
In the German North Sea, located 85 kilometres north of Borkum Island, the Nordlicht wind cluster is set to expand with the construction of the Nordlicht 1 offshore wind farm. This project, a part of the larger Nordlicht wind cluster, will have a capacity of 980 MW, contributing significantly to Germany's renewable energy capacity.
Vestas, a leading wind energy company, has secured a firm order for the Nordlicht 1 project, delivering 68 of its V2356-15.0 MW turbines. This marks a new collaboration between Vestas and the project's developers, Vattenfall.
DEME, the contractor executing the installation, will be using IQIP's Hydrohammer IQ6 spread combined with PULSE technology to drive 112 monopiles into the seabed. The Hydrohammer IQ6 is the world’s most powerful hydraulic hammer, while PULSE is an innovative noise mitigation system that reduces underwater noise at the source.
Bas Nekeman, Business Unit Director of DEME North Europe, expressed pride in partnering with IQIP on this project, citing the Hydrohammer IQ6's ability to install large monopiles with great precision and significantly reduced noise as a key benefit. This combination allows DEME to install the monopiles and transition pieces with high precision and environmental care, supporting Vattenfall’s goal of minimizing underwater noise impacts during construction.
EEW Special Pipe Constructions (EEW SPC) will manufacture the foundations for the wind farms, with production planned from the end of 2025 to mid-2027. CS Wind Offshore will supply the transition pieces for the wind farms.
Stefan Hansum, Director Europe at IQIP, commented on the collaboration, stating that their long-standing partnership with DEME and their shared track record of successful installations worldwide forms the foundation of this project.
Vattenfall reached the final investment decision on the Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms in March 2025. The net capacity of the Nordlicht wind cluster is more than 1.6 GW, making it a landmark project in the expansion of Germany's renewable energy sector.
[1] IQIP's Hydrohammer IQ6 spread with PULSE technology to be used in Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms. (Source: IQIP Press Release, [date]) [2] DEME to carry out installation of monopiles and transition pieces for Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms under contract with Vattenfall. (Source: DEME Press Release, [date]) [3] Vestas secures firm order for Nordlicht 1 offshore wind farm. (Source: Vestas Press Release, [date])
- The Hydrohammer IQ6 spread from IQIP, coupled with their PULSE technology, will be employed in both the Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms, aiming to minimize underwater noise during installation.
- DEME, in a contract with Vattenfall, is responsible for the installation of monopiles and transition pieces in both the Nordlicht 1 and 2 offshore wind farms, utilizing the precision and noise-reducing capabilities of the Hydrohammer IQ6.
- Vestas won a firm order for the Nordlicht 1 offshore wind farm, supplying 68 of their V2356-15.0 MW turbines, making it a significant contribution to the Nordlicht wind cluster's expansion in the German offshore wind energy industry.
