Sarens undertook a critical role in the development of the He Dreiht Offshore Wind Park in the Netherlands, partnering with BUSS Terminal Eemshaven to handle and marshal foundation components. This ambitious project, owned by EnBW, focuses on the logistics of transporting and positioning massive components required for the construction of offshore wind turbines, significantly contributing to Europe's renewable energy infrastructure.

The scope of Sarens' work included the load-in and load-out of Transition Pieces (TPs) and Monopiles (MPs)—both critical elements in wind turbine foundations. These components are colossal, with the TPs weighing approximately 655 tons each and measuring 32 meters in height. The MPs, even larger, range up to 71 meters long and weigh as much as 1.350 tons. Sarens managed the transportation of 64 of each type, lifting and moving them twice across the project site from initial load-in to storage, and from storage to final load-out.

A key challenge of this project laid in interface management, as our client BUSS Terminal Eemshaven and Sarens had to coordinate operations between the work scopes of three clients for the load in and load out. Aligning schedules and ensuring seamless transitions between different work scopes required precise coordination and flexibility.

Another significant challenge was the time-sensitive nature of the load-out phase. Sarens was required to mobilise personnel with just 12 hours’ notice, ensuring that the offshore installation vessel, Thialf, could continue with its installation work. This demanding schedule was met thanks to the dedication and readiness of Sarens’ operational team, which ran 24/7 shifts during this phase.

Sarens deployed a range of high-capacity cranes and specialised transport equipment, including the incredible “Straffen Hendrik” crane, our brand new LR12500-1.0, along with he mighty CC9800, and CC8800-1. These cranes were selected for their ability to handle large, heavy loads with precision and efficiency. Additionally, Sarens utilised SPMTs (Self-Propelled Modular Transporters), which were configured in specific combinations to optimise load-in operations for the MPs, and were able to place and pick up the MPs from the sand dunes with their hydraulic suspension. The TP Handler, developed by Sarens and upgraded to a 750-ton capacity, was particularly praised for its speed and versatility, ensuring the project proceeded smoothly and on schedule.

Despite the complexity of moving such large-scale equipment, the transport process was executed with remarkable efficiency. Over 350 trucks were required to bring all materials to the site, with an additional 220 trucks used to return equipment to Sarens' headquarters upon project completion. Even under challenging conditions, Sarens exceeded expectations, with client representatives highlighting the team’s performance as "unprecedented."

Beyond its technical challenges, the He Dreiht Offshore Wind Park has a substantial positive impact on society, contributing to sustainability goals by promoting greener energy solutions. Offshore wind farms like He Dreiht are pivotal in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thus minimising pollution and driving a transition towards cleaner energy.

Additionally, the project creates employment opportunities in the region, from construction to long-term maintenance roles. By successfully managing the marshalling of the wind park’s foundation components, Sarens is helping to lay the groundwork for a project that will support Europe’s renewable energy targets for years to come.

The success of Sarens' involvement in the He Dreiht project can largely be attributed to the dedication and professionalism of its team. Mart van Hoorn, the Project Manager, highlighted that although the site was home to some of the world’s largest crawler cranes, it was ultimately the people who made the project a success.

Client feedback was similarly enthusiastic, with Sarens' efforts described as “amazing” in a message of appreciation: “Sarens equipment and personnel outperformed our expectation. Your standards of maintenance and service mindset is unprecedented. The team on site was always available, even during difficult times.

Sarens’ work on the He Dreiht Offshore Wind Park demonstrates its unparalleled expertise in handling complex, large-scale infrastructure projects. The company’s commitment to operational excellence, combined with its innovative use of equipment and seamless project management, has helped to ensure the success of this crucial renewable energy project. As Europe and the World continues to embrace renewable energy, Sarens remains a key player in accelerating the energy transition to a more sustainable future.