Installation at Dogger Bank A resumes following probe into GE Haliade blade damage

The incident happened last week, prompting an investigation into what happened and a warning from marine authorities on 1 May to beware of potential floating debris in the area. 

The 2400MW Dogger Bank A & B  project is part of the 3.6GW Dogger Bank offshore wind cluster, and is being developed by UK developer SSE Renewables and Norwegian oil major Equinor. 

SSE confirmed the incident in a 9 May statement that read: “Last week, damage was sustained to a single blade on an installed turbine at Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm. In line with safety procedures, the surrounding marine area has been restricted and relevant authorities notified. No one was injured or in the vicinity at the time the damage was sustained.” 

A spokesperson for GE Vernova said a blade had been damaged in the incident and that they had investigating. 

“Last week, a single turbine at Dogger Bank A shut down due to an isolated blade event. No injuries occurred, and we are coordinating with our customer to safely continue the installation process,” the spokesperson said. 

A source with knowledge of GE Vernova’s investigation told Windpower Monthly the company’s wind fleet performance management team discovered the damage was related to an issue with the turbine’s lifting device that occurred during the installation of the first blade at the site.

Windpower Monthly understands the incident did not impact the installation of the other blades. 

The installation of GE Vernova’s Haliade-X 13 MW turbines at Dogger Bank A has resumed. 

The project has faced recent delays due to maintenance and vessel availability issues, and construction completion could be delayed to 2025.