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Veja Mate is proud to announce the successful completion of its final project milestone: the receipt of the official project certificate. Since March 2015, SGS Germany has provided an extensive range of quality assurance and risk assessment certification services to Veja Mate, ensuring full compliance with the rigorous standards set by the BSH – German Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. This achievement marks the culmination of years of dedicated effort in constructing one of the most advanced offshore wind farms in the German North Sea.

A Milestone of Assurance and Compliance

The project certificate issued by SGS Germany represents far more than a simple document. It is the formal recognition that every phase of the Veja Mate offshore wind farm – from design and manufacturing to installation and commissioning – has met or exceeded the stringent requirements laid out by the BSH. This independent verification covers structural integrity, electrical systems, safety protocols, and environmental safeguards. For a project of this scale, involving 67 Siemens SWT-6.0-154 turbines and an offshore substation, such certification is essential to demonstrate reliability and long-term operational readiness.

Throughout the certification process, SGS Germany acted as a trusted third party, conducting audits, inspections, and technical reviews at multiple stages. Their involvement ensured that all components, including monopiles, transition pieces, inter-array cables, and the offshore substation, were manufactured and installed according to the highest industry standards. This level of scrutiny is critical in the offshore wind sector, where harsh marine conditions demand uncompromising quality.

The Role of SGS Germany in the Certification Journey

SGS Germany, part of the globally recognized SGS Group, brought decades of expertise in testing, inspection, and certification to the Veja Mate project. Their role began early in the construction phase, providing quality assurance services that helped identify and mitigate risks before they could impact the project timeline or budget. This proactive approach was instrumental in maintaining the project's ambitious schedule, which saw the first monopile installed in April 2016 and the final turbine erected in May 2017.

Key areas of SGS's involvement included welding inspections, coating assessments, and factory acceptance tests for major components. They also verified that the installation vessels and lifting equipment met all safety and performance criteria. By providing continuous oversight, SGS Germany helped Veja Mate navigate the complex regulatory landscape of German offshore wind, ensuring that every requirement of the BSH was addressed in a timely and thorough manner.

Certification Scope and Key Activities

• Design verification of monopiles and transition pieces against fatigue and extreme loads.
• Surveillance of manufacturing processes at multiple fabrication yards across Europe.
• Inspection of offshore installation activities, including piling and turbine erection.
• Commissioning support for electrical systems and the offshore substation.
• Final documentation review and issuance of the project certificate.

Why BSH Standards Matter for Offshore Wind

The BSH (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie) is the federal authority responsible for maritime safety and hydrographic services in Germany. For offshore wind farms, the BSH sets binding standards that cover everything from site investigation and foundation design to operational safety and decommissioning. Compliance with these standards is not optional; it is a legal requirement for any offshore wind project in the German Exclusive Economic Zone.

Veja Mate's adherence to BSH standards, as verified by SGS Germany, ensures that the wind farm operates safely and efficiently for its expected 25-year lifespan. It also provides confidence to investors, insurers, and grid operators that the project is built to withstand the extreme conditions of the North Sea. This certification is a testament to the project's commitment to excellence and its contribution to Germany's renewable energy transition.

Receiving the project certificate from SGS Germany is the final validation of our team's hard work and dedication. It confirms that Veja Mate meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance set by the BSH.

Reflecting on the Veja Mate Construction Journey

The road to certification was marked by several notable achievements. The groundwork for Veja Mate was launched in early 2016, setting the stage for a rapid construction phase. By June 2016, the project had already installed one third of its monopiles, demonstrating remarkable progress. The installation of the offshore substation in September 2016 was another critical step, enabling the eventual connection to the grid.

In December 2016, TenneT connected the offshore wind farm to the BorWin2 grid connection, allowing the first power to flow. These milestones, along with the final certification, underscore the project's efficient execution and the collaborative effort of all stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, and certification bodies.

Looking Ahead: Operations and Beyond

With the project certificate now in hand, Veja Mate transitions fully into its operational phase. The wind farm, located approximately 95 kilometers northwest of Borkum, has a total capacity of 402 megawatts, enough to power around 400,000 German households with clean energy. The certification ensures that the operational team can focus on maximizing energy production while maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards.

Veja Mate remains committed to transparency and excellence. For more information about the project and its achievements, please visit our Media section, where you can find additional press releases and updates. This final milestone is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter in sustainable energy generation for Germany and Europe.