As we look back on 2023, it's clear that it has been a successful year for SLPE. Marked by a range of project milestones and other exciting developments, this year has indeed raised the bar for excellence. We invite you to read on and discover some of the key moments that have defined SLPE in 2023.

Hollandse Kust (west Alpha) Topside Installation

We were proud to witness the successful installation of Hollandse Kust (west Alpha)’s topside substation platform back in September 2023. This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment in renewable energy development in the North Sea.

Following the completion of the substation jacket's installation in October 2022, this recent accomplishment is a reminder of SLPE's commitment to innovation in offshore wind energy. Our collaboration with Iemants (a subsidiary of Smulders) and EQUANS, under the direction of Dutch developer TenneT, has been a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in renewable energy.

Key Project Details:

• Location: Installed 50 kilometres off the coast of Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands.

• Jacket Specs: 49 meters high, weighing 2,200 tonnes, and installed in 28 meters of water.

• Topside Specs: Approximately 4,000 tonnes.

• Operational Date: The platform is set to be fully operational from 2024, connecting 700 MW of offshore wind capacity to the Dutch grid.

Sam Lawes, Head of OSS Substructures at SLPE, shared his thoughts: “We are delighted with the progress and look forward to continuing our contributions in innovative engineering design to sustainable energy initiatives. Hollandse Kust (west Alpha) represents a remarkable project in our portfolio, underscoring our significant role in advancing offshore wind energy globally”.

To find out more about our involvement in this project, please click here.

Marine Biodiversity: Biohuts Installed at Hollandse Kust (west Alpha)

In October, we were thrilled to witness another significant step in TenneT's journey to enhance marine biodiversity around offshore wind farms. The installation of artificial reefs at Hollandse Kust (west Alpha) marked this milestone, complementing our earlier contribution of biohuts at the same site.

Known affectionately at SLPE as 'fish hotels,' our biohuts stand as a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability and we are proud that they are making an impact across the Hollandse Kust infrastructure of offshore wind farms.

Read more about our biohuts.

Read more about TenneT’s artificial reef.

Our Expanding Team

We are thrilled to announce that 2023 has been a landmark year for our team's expansion. We have welcomed an unprecedented number of new staff, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to our already dynamic team. Joining us this year are Chris Russell, Varad Paliwal, Andrew Smitheman, Pin-Yu Chen, Vincent Charbonnel, and Sandra Fiano.

This influx of talent is not just a growth in numbers; it signifies our rising prominence and appeal in the field of offshore engineering. We're honoured that so many talented professionals are eager to join our ranks.

Joe Hilton, Managing Director of SLPE, expressed his excitement about this growth: “Watching our team expand year-on-year is incredibly rewarding. It’s heartening to see that our reputation as an excellent place to work continues to attract top talent. As our team's experience and expertise grow, so does the quality and impact of our work”.

Health and Wellbeing: A Key Focus

Finally, we would like to spotlight what we consider a pivotal date in our calendar: Mental Health Awareness Week. In 2023, SLPE marked this significant occasion by highlighting a range of initiatives aimed at promoting mental wellbeing among our team. These include:

• A reading corner providing mental health resources

• A wellness app encouraging breaks and physical activities

• Walk and talk sessions for open conversations in the local area

• Mental Health First Aiders: Trained staff equipped to assist colleagues

• Training courses from wellness specialists (like Aquarius and St John Ambulance)

• Cycle2Work scheme

As you can see, we are dedicated to continuously improving our mental health support and initiatives. To find out more about our innovative office culture, please click here.