Vattenfall has begun construction on a new operations and maintenance (O&M) base that will support its upcoming offshore wind developments in German waters — a critical milestone in the delivery of one of Europe’s largest renewable energy projects.
The facility will serve the Nordlicht offshore wind farms, a major multi-gigawatt project located in the German sector of the North Sea, and will play a central role throughout both construction and long-term operations.
A strategic hub for offshore wind operations
The new O&M base is being developed at the Port of Eemshaven, a location chosen for its direct access to the North Sea and proximity to the Nordlicht wind farm sites north of Borkum.
During the build phase, the base will act as a logistics centre for construction teams, equipment and vessels. Once the wind farms are operational, it will transition into a permanent hub for turbine servicing, crew deployment and day-to-day asset management.
Supporting the Nordlicht offshore wind project
The Nordlicht project comprises two offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of more than 1.6 gigawatts, positioning it among the largest offshore wind developments currently underway in Europe.
Construction of the wind farms themselves is scheduled to begin in 2026, with full commissioning expected by 2028. Once operational, Nordlicht will generate enough renewable electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes, significantly strengthening Germany’s clean-energy supply.
Why O&M bases are essential to offshore wind
Operations and maintenance bases form the backbone of offshore wind performance. They provide:
- Berthing for service operation vessels and crew transfer vessels
- Workshops and storage for tools, spare parts and components
- Office space for project coordination and asset management
- Rapid access to turbines, reducing downtime and improving efficiency
By investing early in onshore infrastructure, Vattenfall is ensuring long-term reliability and cost-effective operation over the wind farms’ multi-decade lifespan.
Advancing Germany’s energy transition
The Nordlicht project aligns closely with Germany’s national and European climate ambitions, as offshore wind continues to play a growing role in decarbonising power generation and improving energy security.
Beyond clean electricity, the project is expected to support jobs across ports, shipyards and specialist marine services, reinforcing the North Sea’s position as a key hub for offshore renewable energy.
Building for the long term
The start of construction on the O&M base marks a decisive step from planning into delivery. It reflects the scale, complexity and long-term thinking required to develop offshore wind at industrial scale — where logistics, location and infrastructure are just as important as the turbines themselves.
As Europe accelerates its offshore wind rollout, projects like Nordlicht — and the facilities that support them — are shaping the future of the continent’s energy system.