Barrier Group businesses, specialist coatings provider Barrier Ltd, and rope access company, UK Total Solutions, have collaborated to complete a major remedial painting and maintenance contract on the London Array wind farm.
Operated by London Array Limited on behalf of a consortium of E.ON, DONG Energy, La Caisse and Masdar, London Array is located in the Thames Estuary and is the world’s largest offshore wind farm. The contract involved coating system repairs to two offshore substations, which transmit power from the wind farm, which is 20km off the Kent coast, to shore.
In addition, the scope of works included coating repairs on 13 wind turbine transitions pieces and bolt-tightness checks on the Array’s Meteorological survey mast.
The project was delivered by a ten-man site team made up of experienced Barrier Ltd specialist coating technicians, including a UK Total Solutions-trained team of rope access professionals to minimise the need for offshore scaffolding.
The team were based in the South East for the length of the contract and transferred to the offshore site daily from London Array Limited’s Operation and Maintenance base in the port of Ramsgate.
Secured through competitive tender, the combined workforce from the two companies undertook the 14-week programme, completing the project ahead of schedule, despite unseasonal weather delays during the early part of the summer.
To help complete the project in a timely manner, Barrier’s technicians used an innovative coating for elements of the repairs. Solvent-free and moisture tolerant, the coating epoxy enabled the technicians to work in more severe weather conditions than conventional coatings.
Paul Harriman, Managing Director of Barrier Ltd, said: “We are very proud to have completed our first offshore wind farm contract on such a high profile UK renewables installation.”
“Working closely with London Array Ltd’s teams to plan and execute the project, we have demonstrated the range of skills and competencies that exist across Barrier Group companies that can be combined and applied to deliver an effective and cost-efficient service.”
Tony Bourn, London Array Ltd Construction & Warranty Manager, said: “Barrier provided an experienced team who worked very effectively within the challenging environment at the London Array Wind Farm. Health, Safety and Quality were maintained, whilst working efficiently to ensure that the work was completed within the agreed programme and budget.”
Scott Marshall, A.P.I.S. (Client Inspector), said: “Barrier demonstrated a professional service and manner in understanding the requirements and executing the works to a high standard of quality and safety. I would not hesitate to recommend Barrier Group for future works.”