AF preparing for growth in offshore wind

AF Environmental Base Vats is a modern industrial area of approximately 300,000 m2 that is used for recycling offshore structures and maintenance projects. The facility can currently receive all types of rigs and heavy-lift vessels. 

The area at AF Environmental Base Vats is favourably located in relation to offshore wind assembly with proximity to Utsira and the Southern North Sea. The depth of the fjord and the area’s natural wind protection make it very well suited for storing large structures. Vats also has a proud industrial history of producing the Troll A platform and several other installations in the North Sea. In the further development of the facility, emphasis will be placed on the reuse of existing infrastructure, the environment and value creation in the region.  

“AF Gruppen is already supplying solutions to the offshore wind industry. As one of Norway’s largest construction and industrial groups, we want to use our expertise and industrial experience to contribute actively to the development of the market for future offshore wind. We are starting the planning process in order to facilitate the cost-effective production of foundations and assembly of wind turbines at Vats and at other facilities. We will help develop a competitive value chain and contribute to achieving national targets within offshore wind”, says Lars Myhre Hjelmeset, Executive Vice President Offshore in AF Gruppen.

Adaptation of the facility will entail changes to the current zoning plan. The planning process is now underway and includes impact assessments, consultation rounds and political consideration.