Renewable EnergyOffshore WindAiles Marines, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, has installed the first offshore wind...

Ailes Marines, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, has installed the first offshore wind turbine in Brittany.

The installation of the first of the 62 wind turbines that will equip the Saint-Brieuc wind farm was carried out on May 11 by Ailes Marines’ contractor, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. The operation was carried out from the Norwegian company Fred Olsen’s jack-up vessel Brave Tern.

The first wind turbine of the Saint-Brieuc wind farm was installed on position number SB44 located on the northern part of the site. With this installation, Brittany has its first offshore wind turbine.

” This successful installation of the first offshore wind turbine at the Saint-Brieuc wind farm is a great day for Brittany and for the project. It means that we are entering the home stretch of the project, which will result in renewable and carbon-free energy production for the people of Brittany. After more than a decade of effort and commitment from the Brittany region, local stakeholders and Iberdrola teams, this first wind turbine manufactured in Le Havre and equipped in Brest is also the culmination of a great industrial adventure, of which we can be very proud,” says Emmanuel Rollin, Managing Director of Iberdrola France.

Starting point for the installation phase of the 62 wind turbines

The installation phase of the 62 wind turbines is now underway. This starting point is decisive because it is emblematic of the last phase of installation of the wind farm.

The installation ship Brave Tern will make several rotations from Le Havre in the coming months, each time carrying the components of 4 wind turbines.

The wind turbines for the Saint-Brieuc wind farm are manufactured in France, at the Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy industrial site located in the port of Le Havre (76). On this dedicated site, about 900 jobs are mobilized for their construction and assembly.

The masts of the 62 wind turbines are pre-equipped by the company Haizea Wind on the Brest polder. This new industrial activity continues to mobilize on the site about forty jobs for the mechanical and electrical assembly of all the internal elements of the masts.

An installation in several stages 

At sea, the 90 m high wind turbine mast is first lifted from the barge and then lowered by crane onto the transition piece of the “jacket” foundation, before being attached to it. Then the nacelle is lifted and installed on the mast. Finally, the 3 blades are attached to the rotor of the nacelle.

The structure installed at sea measures 209 meters at the tip of the blade and has a rotor of 167 meters in diameter. It is designed to best respond to the wind regime that characterizes the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.

For the first wind turbine, these operations were successfully carried out by the Brave Tern, a vessel specialized in the installation of offshore wind turbines. For each rotation from Le Havre to the Saint-Brieuc wind farm site, the Brave Tern carries 4 masts, 4 nacelles and 12 blades.

Latest News

Becker Marine Systems has successfully tested its Anti-Drift Daggerboard system aboard Spirit of Toulouse, a newly built RoRo cargo vessel designed to transport aircraft components for Airbus across the Atlantic.

Becker Daggerboard Boosts Wind-Assisted Propulsion

The Becker Marine Systems Anti-Drift Daggerboard system has successfully completed sea trials aboard the 168-metre Spirit of Toulouse, helping maximise the efficiency of its...
ExploMar Targets Larger Commercial Vessels with New 400HP Electric Outboard ExploMar, a technology company specialising in high-performance electric marine propulsion systems, will offer an early look at its upcoming 400HP electric outboard at METSTRADE 2026, taking place from 17–19 November at RAI Amsterdam (Booth 05.501). The new model signals the company's expansion into higher-power propulsion solutions for larger commercial vessels and more demanding marine operations. Designed to deliver greater power and performance, the 400HP electric outboard aims to extend the potential of electric propulsion across a wider range of commercial applications, including passenger transport, workboats and other vessel operations where performance and operational efficiency are key considerations. ExploMar's existing electric outboard range spans 100HP to 300HP and is already used across fishing boats, passenger ferries, tour boats, patrol boats and aquaculture support vessels. Experience gained from deploying these systems in diverse marine environments has helped establish the company's position in the commercial electric propulsion market and provides a platform for expanding into higher-powered applications. The 400HP model is scheduled to make its official debut at the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show (CIBS) in March 2027, following its preview at METSTRADE 2026. Its introduction will further broaden ExploMar's offering to vessel owners and operators exploring electric propulsion for larger and more demanding commercial fleets.

ExploMar Pushes Electric Outboard Power to 400HP

Building on its existing 100HP–300HP range, ExploMar is targeting larger vessels with a 400hp electric propulsion solution, ahead of its official launch in March...
LD Armateurs (LDA) is strengthening its subsea cable operations with the acquisition of three Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) for conversion into next-generation cable-laying vessels, alongside the launch of a new training initiative designed to develop the specialist skills required across its growing fleet.

LD Armateurs Invests in Three New Cable-Laying Vessels

Three new Platform Supply Vessels will be converted into next-generation cable-laying ships, with entry into service scheduled for early 2028 LD Armateurs (LDA) is strengthening...
Boluda Towage has completed its acquisition of full ownership of Dutch maritime services company Muller Dordrecht, strengthening its offshore towage and specialist marine project capabilities as part of its continued international expansion.

Boluda Towage Completes Acquisition of Muller Dordrecht

Founded in 1918, Muller Dordrecht joins Boluda Towage with a fleet of 16 tugs, including seven offshore tugs, and eight barges Boluda Towage has completed...

Related news