Ramboll has secured a contract from Obayashi Corporation to perform the detailed foundation design for a new offshore wind farm in Japan.
Ramboll will perform the detailed foundation design for the entire offshore wind farm, which will be one of the largest in Japan.
Japan is planning major expansions in the years to come, and the brand-new order for Ramboll underlines that the Asian country is on its way to succeed with its ambition to install wind farms with an output of 4,000 MW by 2040.
“There is a giant potential for Ramboll in Japan. At the same time, however, the geographic location is very challenging for offshore wind turbines. The area has a reputation for both earthquakes and typhoons, which require certain foundation design standards to withstand the giant forces of nature,” said Søren Juel Petersen, global market director for Offshore Wind in Ramboll.
“Ramboll has designed foundations for over half of all offshore wind farms worldwide, so with their experience and expertise we feel completely confident with the long-service life of the offshore wind farm, even if the conditions are challenging in Japan,” said Taku Kurimoto, general manager, Obayashi Corporation.
There are both advantages and disadvantages of the late installation of offshore wind farms in Japan. The relatively new market for offshore wind is a giant potential for the players who will now contribute to the green energy transition in Japan. The disadvantage is that there are not yet any suppliers for all the services necessary to install an offshore wind farm.
The contract for detailed foundation design underlines Ramboll’s presence in Japan. The company also has a plan for setting up an office in Tokyo.