23 Mar 2010

Keppel bags first major newbuild contract for German offshore wind farm

Keppel Verolme BV (Keppel Verolme) and consortium partner AREVA Energietechnik GmbH, a German subsidiary of French energy company AREVA, have secured a EUR 62 million (S$117.6 million) contract from Wetfeet Offshore Windenergy GmbH (Wetfeet Offshore) to build a Mobile Offshore Application Barge (MOAB) for a new offshore wind farm in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea.

This self-erecting floating platform will be deployed at the Global Tech I Wind Farm that is being built and operated by Wetfeet Offshore. Utilising the patent-pending solution of AREVA Offshore Platform, the MOAB will host the transformers and high voltage switchgears to collect and convert electricity generated by the wind turbines for delivery to Germany’s national power grid. It is also equipped with critical control systems to serve as a backup power supply for the wind farm in case of emergencies. This innovative and customised solution combines the well-proven and state-of-the-art technologies from the oil & gas and electro-technical businesses.

Mr Harold Linssen, Managing Director of Keppel Verolme in The Netherlands, said, “We are very pleased to participate in the prestigious Global Tech I wind farm. This latest contract marks Keppel’s successful entry into the offshore wind energy business, and affirms Wetfeet Offshore’s confidence in our ability with AREVA to deliver the best solution for the job.

“Germany aims to raise its percentage of electricity generated from renewable energy sources to at least 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2050. A major element in achieving this target is to further develop the capacity of its offshore wind sector.”

The Global Tech I wind farm will be located about 110km northwest of Cuxhaven (Germany) in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea consisting of 80 5-Megawatt (MW) class wind turbines. When fully operational in 2013, this wind farm will be capable to generate some 1.4 billion kilowatthours (kWh) of electrical energy annually, supplying one million people with clean energy. It is also expected to help cut some 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

MOAB will provide permanent accommodation for up to 32 personnel operating the wind farm. By serving both energy transmission and wind farm maintenance functions, MOAB helps to enhance the operational reliability and efficiency of Global Tech I, contributing overall to a greener environment.

Keppel Verolme will carry out the detailed engineering and construction work on this new platform designed by Overdick GmbH & Co, while AREVA designs, fabricates and installs the transformers and other high voltage equipment. The vessel is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“Our parent company, Keppel Offshore & Marine’s core competencies in technology and project execution allow us to respond swiftly with innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet the offshore industry’s demand for new products and services.

“Given our proximity to the European and North Sea markets, and synergy with 20 global yards, Keppel Verolme is in a strategic position to add value to the emerging offshore wind industry. The MOAB project will certainly benefit from as it augments our strong track record and expertise in delivering a variety of advanced offshore rigs and vessels on time, within budget and without incidents,” Mr Linssen added.

The above contract is not expected to have material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the current financial year.


About Keppel Verolme

Located in Netherlands, Keppel Verolme is a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. It reinforces Keppel O&M’s strategy to be near its markets and customers. Keppel O&M is a leader in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. Its near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions.


About AREVA

All over the world, AREVA provides its customers with solutions for carbon-free power generation and electricity transmission. With its knowledge and expertise in these fields, the group has a leading role to play in meeting the world’s energy needs.

Ranked first in the global nuclear power industry, AREVA's unique integrated offering covers every stage of the fuel cycle, reactor design and construction, and related services.
In addition, the group is developing a portfolio of operations in renewable energies. AREVA is also a world leader in electricity transmission and distribution* and offers its customers a complete range of solutions for greater grid stability and energy efficiency.
_{* Activity in the process of divestment}


About Wetfeet Offshore Windenergy GmbH

Founded in 2008, Wetfeet Offshore Windenergy GmbH is a project corporation to develop, construct and operate the wind farm Global Tech I in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea. The six shareholders of Wetfeet Offshore - two public utility companies, Stadtwerke München GmbH and HEAG Südhessische Energie AG ,an energy trading company EGL , two experienced players in the wind business, Windreich AG , Norderland Projekt GmbH and a private investment company (10%) - aim to contribute to European renewable targets.

For further information, please contact

Keppel Corporation Limited

Wong Chai Yueh
Tel : +65 6413 6450
Email : chaiyueh.wong@kepcorp.com

Keppel Verolme BV

Lucienne de Jong
Tel. +31 181 234316
Email: LdeJong@keppelverolme.nl

Attachments:

This Mobile Offshore Application Barge will be built for a new offshore wind farm in the German Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea.

Download - High res photo