Backed by experienced teams, a purpose-built production line and continued investment in advanced technologies, Lamprell is delivering complex offshore wind foundation structures at scale. We take a closer look at the latest developments across the production line and progress on the RWE Vanguard West and East offshore wind projects.
The production line and new technology
Commissioned in 2023, Lamprell’s serial production line enables efficient, factory-style fabrication of offshore wind structures. The facility supports a streamlined workflow from plate preparation through to assembly, coating and final outfitting, enabling consistent, high-volume output, including transition pieces (TPs).
According to Renewables Project Director Sachith Jagannath, “The production line has been a key enabler for Lamprell, allowing us to maintain consistency and quality while supporting the scale of delivery required on TP projects.”
As part of ongoing improvement works, a new Haeusler rolling machine and skirt assembly line have recently gone live and are now being utilised on the current TP project Lamprell is working on for client RWE. Sachith continues, “Building on previous project experience, advanced automated dimensional control techniques have been implemented, improving accuracy and efficiency across all stages of TP production.”
A further recent development is the introduction of advanced robotic solutions for blasting and painting, marking the next step in the evolution of Lamprell’s production line. “These systems are designed to handle complex geometries and deliver consistent coating quality while reducing manual intervention and improving overall efficiency”, says Sachith.
Installation of the blasting and coating robotic systems, including the paint-handling infrastructure, has now been completed, with commissioning and site acceptance testing scheduled as the next phase.
Supporting offshore wind delivery for RWE
Lamprell continues to make steady progress on the Vanguard West and East offshore wind projects, following the award of these contracts in 2024. The projects form part of the wider Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone and represent a significant contribution to the UK’s renewable energy ambitions. While both projects are being delivered through the same overall programme, they are at different stages of execution.
Since the contract was awarded, the focus has been on project setup, engineering, early procurement, mobilisation and preparation of the production line. For Vanguard West, fabrication works commenced following steel cutting in December 2025, marking the transition from planning into execution. For Vanguard East, the project remains in the early engineering and procurement phase, with steel cutting currently planned for Q3 2026.
A key recent milestone for Vanguard West was the release of the first black steel TP from the production line which took place at the beginning of March 2026.
Sachith comments, “This project is progressing well through the early fabrication stages, with teams focused on maintaining schedule alignment and readiness for increased production volumes in the coming months. There is strong momentum across the yard, with teams working closely together to keep the project moving safely and efficiently through each stage. A first batch of TPs has been released from the production line assembly pad for sequential installation of weld attachments, followed by black steel inspection, after which they will be released for coating. Fabrication of the secondary components is also progressing well.”
The project teams remain focused on maintaining high standards across safety, quality and execution, with monthly safety campaigns in full swing. Sachith continues, “The team has shown strong commitment across all disciplines, and that has helped us maintain good momentum on Vanguard West while also progressing the early phases of Vanguard East. Our client values the level of coordination and commitment being demonstrated.”
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, major milestones include the full commissioning of the production line’s new robotic paint and blast systems, the steel-cutting ceremony for Vanguard East, and the first load-out of completed TPs for Vanguard West, which is expected in the second half of the year.
The strong progress on the project demonstrates that continued investment in technology and yard capabilities is enabling Lamprell to deliver higher-quality products more efficiently, with a clear focus on staying aligned with industry advancements.
