Acta Gemini Marine’s new Construction Construction Operation Vessel (CSOV) has begun operations at the Sofia offshore wind farm after completing its testing and mobilization period. The vessel will operate under a long-term charter agreement with RWE. It will play a supporting role during the commissioning and future operation and maintenance (O&M) activities of the 1.4 GW wind project. Sofia is located on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, approximately 195 kilometers off the northeast coast of the UK.
Acta Gemini will support RWE’s offshore operations
Under the agreement with RWE, the Gemini Act will provide accommodation offshore and access services to the facilities for the technicians and specialists working at the Sofia offshore wind farm. Thus, the CSOV will serve as a support platform for personnel during a key phase of the project. Once the wind farm is operational, its role will extend to the planned operation and maintenance tasks for the facility. The Acta Gemini operates from Grimsby, from where it supports the offshore activities.
A CSOV prepared to operate with methanol
Furthermore, Acta Marine equipped the vessel with dual-fuel main engines and prepared it to run on methanol. The CSOV has a capacity to accommodate up to 88 people. It also features an advanced offshore access system that facilitates the movement of personnel to the work sites.
In addition, the vessel features a helicopter landing platform and auxiliary craft, a configuration that allows for the concentration of various support capabilities within a single unit during offshore operations. The Acta Gemini was built by Tersan Shipyard in Turkey and delivered to Acta Marine in June 2026. It is the third vessel in a series of four new-generation (C)SOV units for the company.
Sofia completes the installation of its 100 wind turbines
While Acta Gemini begins its work on the project, Sofia is moving towards its commissioning, in June, the 100th and final wind turbine of the offshore wind farm was installed. The project utilizes turbinas SG-14 222 DD furthermore, half of the wind turbines have recyclable blades manufactured by Siemens Gamesa at its Hull plant. With 100 turbines installed, the arrival of the Gemini Act now shifts the focus to commissioning activities and subsequent maintenance of the infrastructure.
The Sofia wind farm will have a capacity of 1.4 GW
Finally, the Sofia offshore wind farm has a planned capacity of 1.4 GW and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026. According to its developer, once operational, it will be able to generate enough electricity to cover the equivalent of the consumption of approximately 1.2 million UK homes. The inclusion of the Gemini Act provides offshore hosting capacity, access, and support as Sofia progresses from turbine installation to its operational phase.
Source: Offshore Wind
Photo: Acta Marine
