ecological and energy transition, logistics : Le Havre supporting logistics operations for the Calvados offshore wind farm

Since June 2026, Osaka Quay has been serving as a logistics base for the transfer and load-out of monopile foundations destined for the Courseulles-sur-Mer offshore wind farm in Normandy. This large-scale operation forms part of a complex logistics chain, coordinated seamlessly among the various stakeholders within the Port of Le Havre community.

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Le navire poseur Seaway Strashnov s’accostera à couple du navire transporteur de lolis-lourds Yamatai pour embarquer les monopieux du champ éolien de Courseulles - Enlarge image, modal window
©HAROPA PORT / Nautilus

A transshipment operation at Osaka quay 

The wind turbines of the Courseulles offshore wind farm will be installed on monopile foundations - large steel tubular structures driven into the seabed at water depths ranging from 21 to 31 metres.

Loaded in Vlissingen (Netherlands) aboard the heavy-lift vessels Yamatai and CY Interocean I, which are carrying two and three units, the monopiles are being transported to the Osaka dock in Le Havre. Once there, each monopile is individually transferred onto the crane vessel Seaway Strashnov, moored alongside the transport vessel to ensure safe and efficient handling operations.

The operation follows a carefully planned sequence:

  •  loading of a monopile onto the installation vessel;
  • transit to the offshore site;
  • offshore installation;
  • return of the Seaway Strashnov to Le Havre for the next rotation. 

A coordinated and safe operation

The entire operation was prepared in close coordination between the Le Havre Harbour Master's Office - the host port for the transfer activities - and the marine services providers responsible for pilotage, mooring and towage operations.

Given the dimensions of the installation vessel - 183 metres long and 47 metres wide - and her manoeuvring constraints, enhanced safety measures have been implemented, including:

  •  systematic tug assistance during port entry and departure manoeuvres;
  • the use of a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer arrangement to maintain vessel stability throughout the loading operations. 

A key campaign supporting the energy transition

This operation is part of a broader installation campaign running until October 2026 for the Courseulles offshore wind farm, located between 10 and 16 kilometres off the Normandy coast. A total of 17 monopiles will be installed, with 10 already in place by the end of July 2026. 

Once fully operational, the wind farm will comprise 64 offshore wind turbines and generate enough renewable electricity to meet the annual power consumption of approximately 600,000 residents — equivalent to the population of the Calvados department.

Did you know? The turbine blades, nacelles and generators are manufactured by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy at Joannès Couvert Quay in Le Havre. 

By providing dedicated quay infrastructure, coordinating marine services such as pilotage, towage and mooring, and ensuring the safe execution of complex maritime operations, HAROPA PORT plays a vital role in the renewable energy supply chain and in supporting France's energy transition.