The Dogger Bank project in the UK North Sea has faced significant challenges during its construction phase, encountering difficulties from the outset of offshore installation. The reservation agreement with Seaway 7 raises questions about the severity of these delays. Despite Dogger Bank having already contracted installation vessels, it is uncommon to see new vessel agreements signed so late in the project’s development.

The likely explanation is that the delay threatens to exceed the timeline buffer of the currently contracted turbine installation vessel, which may need to vacate the project due to conflicting obligations. In response, Dogger Bank is ensuring the availability of a turbine installation vessel if needed. It appears Dogger Bank will require the Seaway Ventus in 2026, as turbine installation progress has been slow due to challenges in the turbine supply chain.

Dogger Bank A, B, and C will feature a total of 277 turbines. However, only 32 turbines have been installed over the last 18 months. For Dogger Bank A, which consists of 95 turbines, installation should hypothetically take 7–9 months with the current vessel. This means that Dogger Bank A should have been completed early this year, with Dogger Bank B (also comprising 95 turbines) well underway.

However, delays related to foundation installation at the start of the project resulted in a six-month knock-on delay for Dogger Bank A, B, and C. Compounding this issue, supply chain difficulties in turbine production have extended the delays further, creating an estimated two-year knock-on effect.

As a precaution, the reservation agreement ensures the project will not face a lack of vessels in 2026, safeguarding its ability to proceed with turbine installation.

Image Source: Seaway7