Keppel Verolme and consortium partner French energy company AREVA have secured a $117.6million contract from Wetfeet Offshore to build a mobile offshore application barge (MOAB) for a new windfarm in German waters.

This self-erecting floating platform will be deployed at the Global Tech I windfarm that is being built and operated by Wetfeet Offshore.

It is a pointer to further huge offshore service unit, transformer and construction/service vessel demand from the fast-growing European offshore renewables sector. The UK must not lose out.

The MOAB will host the transformers and high-volt age switchgears needed to collect and convert electricity generated by the wind turbines for delivery to Germany’s national power grid.

It will also be equipped with critical control systems to serve as a back-up power supply for the windfarm in case of emergencies.

MOAB will provide permanent accommodation for up to 32 personnel operating the windfarm.

Keppel Verolme will carry out the detailed engineering and construction work on this new platform, designed by Overdick GmbH & Co, while AREVA will design, fabricate and instal the transformers and other high-voltage equipment.

The vessel is targeted for completion in Q4 2011.

Keppel says this innovative and customised solution combines the well proven and state-of-the-art technologies from the oil&gas and electro-technical businesses.

The Global Tech I windfarm will be located about 110km north-west of Cuxhaven (Germany). It will comprise 80 five megawatt-class wind turbines.

When fully operational in 2013, this windfarm will be capable of generating some 1.4billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electrical energy.