Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm has revealed the first of the suppliers for the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group are the partners behind AOWF. The EOWDC offshore wind farm will include 11 of MHI Vestas’ V164-8.0MW turbines.

J Murphy & Sons will deliver the onshore substation and the related cabling work and Boskalis is the preferred offshore balance of plant (BoP) contractor for the construction and installation of the offshore infrastructure which includes foundations and cabling.

Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy are of the opinion that these appointments keep the scheme on schedule ahead of an investment decision later this year and the construction operations are scheduled to begin in 2018.

The Aberdeen offshore wind farm will be located 3km off the coast of Aberdeen Bay in Grampion, Scotland in North Sea.

Initially, the offshore wind farm was supposed to have 33 wind turbines. However, due to maritime safety, maritime environment and helicopter issues, the number has been decreased to 11.

With a total estimated project cost of about £230m, it is estimated to provide electricity to about 60,000 UK households and prevent about 120,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Vattenfall EOWDC Adam Ezzamel project director said: “We are pleased to name the preferred tier one suppliers, all of which are leaders in their field. Their support delivers the project partners’ commitment to accelerating the development of wind energy and cost reduction through innovation and collaboration.

“Part of this vision for the EOWDC includes installing game-changing suction bucket jacket foundations.

“The first stage of the procurement process opens up the wider business opportunities that the EOWDC offers with the project partners aiming to maximise project supply chain content in the Aberdeen area, Scotland and the wider UK.”

AREG chairman and Aberdeen City Councillor Jean Morrison said: “The EOWDC is a crucial project for the region and for Scotland.

“Aberdeen is a world-class hub of innovation and this will place our region at the heart of the development of new technologies and contribute to improving the competitiveness of the offshore wind sector.

“It will add to our existing energy capability including the skills and infrastructure required to build a 21st Century energy industry.”