The wind farm will be built 10km north of Dunkirk, in water depths reaching 30m.
The project, situated off the northern coast of France, is expected to produce enough electricity to power nearly one million households. ABL’s French operation will oversee the safe execution of marine transportation and installation activities for the wind farm’s substation and export cables. Fabien Thomas, ABL France country manager, stated: “The AO3 Dunkirk offshore wind farm is projected to produce enough clean energy to power nearly one million households. We have a proud history of supporting the grid infrastructure development of France’s first offshore wind projects and collaborating with RTE. We look forward to continuing that important work on Dunkirk.”
ABL’s responsibilities include reviewing and approving marine engineering documentation, drawings, and procedures to ensure compliance with technical standards. The consultancy will also perform suitability surveys for the project’s fleet and provide on-site supervision to certify approvals and monitor operations. The scope covers the transportation and installation of the offshore substation, which includes a 2,200-tonne four-leg jacket and piles, as well as a 3,250-tonne topside. Additionally, ABL will support the cable pull-in, laying, and protection operations for two 16-kilometer submarine export cables.
This contract follows ABL’s recent involvement in another regional energy project. In July 2024, the consultancy secured a deal to provide marine warranty survey services for the Biscay interconnector project, a subsea cable linking France and Spain across the Biscay Gulf.
The Dunkirk project represents a significant step in France’s renewable energy development, contributing to the nation’s clean energy goals. ABL’s expertise ensures the reliable and safe installation of critical grid infrastructure, supporting the integration of offshore wind energy into the national power system.
