LM Wind Power has completed the first 73.5-metre blade for GE Haliade

LM Wind Power has completed the first 73.5-metre blade for GE Haliade 150-6MW turbines destined for the 396MW Merkur offshore wind farm in the German North Sea.

The LM 73.5 P blade was manufactured at the company’s Castellón facility in Spain and has been transported 45km to Castellón port.

It is the largest such unit ever produced and transported through the country, LM Wind Power said.

GE offshore wind business project office leader Laurent Verdier said the onshore assembly hub for the Merkur turbines at Eemshaven in the Netherlands is open and ready to receive the main components, including the blades.

A total of 198 blades will be shipped to Eemshaven.

Turbine installation work is scheduled to start in February.

Castellón plant director Jose Luis Grau said: “This is a strong example of how the wind industry in Spain continues to play a significant role as a source of economic development and job creation.”

Merkur is being developed by a consortium featuring Partners Group, InfraRed Capital Partners, DEME Concessions and Coriolis.