Veja Mate receives SGS Project Certificate

Veja Mate is most pleased to announce the completion of its final milestone – receipt of the project certificate. Since March 2015, SGS Germany has provided Veja Mate an extensive range of quality assurance and risk assessment certification services to ensure compliance with standards of the BSH - German Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.

The Deputy Manager of Regulatory Environmental Certification & Quality (RECQ) clarified the scope and significance of this feat, “SGS Germany has examined literally thousands of documents involving steel construction and corrosion protection; geotechnical, electrical and mechanical engineering; occupational safety, transportation, installation and decommissioning concepts for the foundation, offshore substation, inter-array cables and wind turbine generators. Without this effort, finalization of the project certification would not have occurred swiftly.”

The CEO credits the hard work of the RECQ Team and acknowledges that Veja Mate’s success would not have been possible without the outstanding collaboration of SGS Germany. Veja Mate is gearing up for its operation and maintenance phase with the submission of its operational release documentation.

Veja Mate is a 402 MW, 1,9 bn EUR offshore wind project owned by the Highland Group Holdings Ltd, Siemens Financial Services and CI II managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. FC was completed on the 1st of July 2015. Construction started on the 4th of April 2016 and ended on the 31st of May 2017. The wind farm is located about 95 km NW from Borkum Island and will produce over 1,6 TWh of green, renewable electricity annually.

Background and Project Certification Process

The Veja Mate offshore wind farm, located approximately 95 km northwest of Borkum Island in the German North Sea, has been developed to contribute significantly to Germany's renewable energy targets. With a capacity of 402 MW, the project is capable of generating over 1.6 TWh of green electricity annually, enough to power hundreds of thousands of households. The receipt of the SGS Project Certificate marks the culmination of a rigorous certification process that began in March 2015, ensuring that every component of the wind farm meets the stringent requirements of the BSH (German Maritime and Hydrographic Agency).

Project certification for offshore wind farms is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary process that evaluates the design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of all major components. For Veja Mate, this included the foundations, offshore substation, inter-array cables, and wind turbine generators. SGS Germany, acting as an independent certification body, reviewed thousands of documents covering steel construction and corrosion protection, geotechnical engineering, electrical and mechanical systems, occupational safety, transportation logistics, installation procedures, and decommissioning concepts. This exhaustive review ensures that the wind farm is not only safe and reliable but also compliant with all applicable regulations and standards.

The certification process is critical for obtaining the necessary permits and insurance coverage, and it provides confidence to investors, lenders, and regulatory authorities. By completing this milestone, Veja Mate has demonstrated its commitment to quality and safety, paving the way for the transition from construction to operation and maintenance.

The Role of SGS Germany in Offshore Wind Certification

SGS Germany is a leading provider of inspection, verification, testing, and certification services, with extensive experience in the renewable energy sector. For the Veja Mate project, SGS deployed a team of experts across multiple disciplines to conduct a thorough assessment of the project's compliance with BSH standards. The certification process involved not only document review but also on-site inspections and audits during key phases of construction and installation.

One of the key challenges in offshore wind certification is the harsh marine environment, which demands exceptional durability and reliability from all components. SGS evaluated the corrosion protection systems for steel structures, the integrity of welded connections, the performance of electrical systems under high voltage, and the safety of personnel during installation and operation. The certification also addressed the decommissioning plan, ensuring that the wind farm can be safely dismantled at the end of its operational life without adverse environmental impact.

The collaboration between Veja Mate's Regulatory Environmental Certification & Quality (RECQ) team and SGS Germany was instrumental in achieving the project certificate efficiently. The Deputy Manager of RECQ at Veja Mate highlighted the scale of the effort, noting that SGS examined "literally thousands of documents" across a wide range of technical areas. This meticulous approach ensured that no detail was overlooked, contributing to the swift finalization of the certification.

Transition to Operation and Maintenance

With the project certificate in hand, Veja Mate is now focusing on the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase, which is expected to last for at least 25 years. The O&M phase involves the continuous monitoring of the wind farm's performance, routine maintenance of turbines and infrastructure, and rapid response to any technical issues. Veja Mate has already submitted its operational release documentation, a prerequisite for commencing commercial operations.

To support the O&M phase, Veja Mate has expanded its team with a new appointment that strengthens the existing regulatory and quality team. The O&M strategy includes a combination of scheduled maintenance, condition-based monitoring, and predictive analytics to maximize turbine availability and energy production. The wind farm's remote location, 95 km from shore, presents logistical challenges that require careful planning and the use of specialized service operation vessels (SOVs) and crew transfer vessels (CTVs).

Veja Mate's commitment to operational excellence is reflected in its investment in state-of-the-art monitoring systems and its partnership with experienced O&M service providers. The company aims to achieve high availability rates and to contribute to the stability of the German electricity grid by delivering predictable, renewable energy.

Project Milestones and Achievements

The Veja Mate offshore wind project has achieved several significant milestones since its inception. Financial close was completed on July 1, 2015, securing the 1.9 billion EUR investment required for construction. Construction began on April 4, 2016, with the installation of the first monopile foundations. By June 2016, the project had installed one third of its monopiles, a testament to the efficiency of the installation campaign. The offshore substation (OSS) was installed in September 2016, a critical component that collects and transforms the electricity generated by the turbines before transmission to shore.

The wind farm was connected to the grid via the BorWin2 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link, operated by TenneT, in December 2016. This connection enabled the first power exports from the wind farm, marking a major step toward full commissioning. Construction was completed on May 31, 2017, with all 67 Siemens SWT-6.0-154 turbines installed and commissioned. The final milestone, receipt of the SGS Project Certificate, confirms that the project meets all regulatory and technical requirements.

These achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of the project team, contractors, and partners. The successful execution of the project within the planned timeline and budget underscores Veja Mate's capability to deliver complex offshore wind projects. For more details on specific milestones, please refer to our Groundwork launched for Veja Mate and Veja Mate Offshore Project Installs One Third of its monopiles press releases.

Looking Ahead: Veja Mate's Contribution to Renewable Energy

Veja Mate is poised to play a significant role in Germany's Energiewende, the transition to a low-carbon, nuclear-free energy system. With an annual production of over 1.6 TWh, the wind farm will avoid approximately 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year compared to conventional fossil fuel generation. This contribution is vital for meeting Germany's climate targets and for ensuring a sustainable energy future.

The project is owned by a consortium comprising Highland Group Holdings Ltd, Siemens Financial Services, and CI II, managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. This partnership brings together financial strength, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to renewable energy. As Veja Mate enters its operational phase, the owners and management team remain focused on optimizing performance, maintaining the highest safety standards, and engaging with stakeholders, including local communities and regulatory authorities.

Veja Mate's success story serves as a model for future offshore wind developments, demonstrating that large-scale projects can be delivered on time and within budget while meeting rigorous certification requirements. The project's achievements will contribute to the continued growth of the offshore wind industry in Germany and beyond, supporting the global transition to clean energy.

Media and Further Information

For additional information about Veja Mate, including high-resolution images, videos, and technical specifications, please visit our Media section. Journalists and media professionals can find press kits, background materials, and contact details for our communications team. We welcome inquiries and are pleased to provide interviews with our management team and technical experts.

Stay updated on Veja Mate's latest news and developments by visiting our Press Releases page, where you can find announcements about project milestones, operational achievements, and industry insights. We are committed to transparency and open communication with all stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and the public.