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Van Oord’s Hybrid Vessel Begins Cable Installation at Sofia Offshore Wind Farm

Van Oord’s CLV Calypso begins work on RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm, marking its debut with cable installations.

Van Oord’s New, Hybrid Vessel Starts Installing Cables at Sofia Offshore Wind Farm

Van Oord’s advanced cable-laying vessel Calypso has commenced its first project by installing cables at an offshore wind farm.

The Calypso is currently working on RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm, located on Dogger Bank in the central North Sea, approximately 195 kilometers from the UK’s northeast coast. With a capacity of 1.4 GW, the wind farm is expected to power 1.2 million UK homes.

Under a contract signed in 2021, Van Oord is tasked with the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of monopile foundations and inter-array cables for the wind farm. The Calypso will lay approximately 360 kilometers of inter-array cables.

Other vessels, such as the installation vessel Aeolus and the special service support vessel Baltic Explorer, are also involved in the Sofia project.

The inter-array cable was shipped from Greece to the UK’s Port of Blyth.


Source: Van Oord

“With the Calypso now operational, we have significantly strengthened our cable installation fleet,” said Arnoud Kuis, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord. “This milestone reflects our commitment to sustainable technology.”

Calypso is Van Oord’s second cable-laying vessel, after Nexus. It features hybrid engines, a large battery pack, a shore supply connection, and an energy management system, making it ready for future e-fuels.

The vessel has two cable carousels with a total capacity of 8,000 tonnes and can lay dual HVDC cables simultaneously.

Van Oord received the vessel from VARD on 29 August 2023, with christening taking place ten days later in Rotterdam.

The Sofia wind farm will feature 100 SG 14-222 DD turbines, with 44 equipped with recyclable blades. Commissioning is set for 2026.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024