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Mobile network to be built for world-leading wind farm site - 55 miles out to sea

Ørsted appoints Vilicom to deliver on technical engineering challenge

Orsted and Vilicom representatives sign the contract for the 4G network to be installed 55 miles off the East Yorkshire coast on the Hornsea Two project.(Image: Vilicom)

A deal has been signed to ensure the next world-leading offshore wind project benefits from a robust mobile network - 55 miles off the East Yorkshire coast in the North Sea.

The technical engineering challenge has been awarded to º£½ÇÊÓÆµ wireless telecommunications provider, Vilicom, with the remoteness and the curvature of the earth over the 472 sq km it will span thrown into the mix.

The 4G solution is seen as vital to aiding the huge construction project, to be led from Humberside Airport, with the ports of Hull and Grimsby also playing vital roles.

Inter-team communications channels when out on the Ørsted project are also at the core, as well as the opportunity for those serving on the build-out to stay in touch with family.

Patrick Harnett, senior programme director for Hornsea Two, said: “Vilicom is a º£½ÇÊÓÆµ supplier who shares our vision on building a more sustainable future. In order to act on climate change, we need to make use of the best technologies available.

“As we build larger offshore wind farms, our colleagues are required to travel further distances. Not only is there a requirement for reliable communication to support our construction technology, but it’s also imperative that our teams are able to remain connected to their families back home.”

The construction team on Hornsea Two offshore wind farm, led by Jason Leddon, left, walk through the plan.(Image: Orsted)

Currently in final stage development ahead of physical offshore build out, the site will feature  165 8.4MW turbines, giving a combined total power output of 1.4GW, topping ‘little’ sister Hornsea One.

Sean Keating, chief executive of Reading-based Vilicom, said: “The 4G communications network will enhance vital communication during the construction phase and the longer lifecycle of the site. We will deploy a fully operational mobile network that spans the entire zone, allowing contractors and workers to have improved wireless access to data and information systems used during construction, as well as the ability to make regular cell calls using personal cell phone equipment.