Ørsted Installed Hornsea 3 Converter Stations

The energy company completed the installation of two offshore converter stations for the world’s largest wind farm.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Oil and Gas

Isometric editorial illustration of a massive offshore converter platform standing in the open ocean.
Ørsted has completed the installation of the offshore converter stations for the Hornsea 3 project, a critical milestone for the world's largest wind farm. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ørsted has successfully installed the converter stations for the Hornsea 3 project, a massive offshore wind farm. These critical components are responsible for transforming and transporting clean energy from the site.

Why it matters

The converter stations represent a vital infrastructure milestone, as they are essential for converting and managing the high-voltage power generated by the wind farm to be transmitted to the mainland.

The second converter station jacket stands at 60 meters in 37 meters of water, while the first sits in 32 meters of water. These structures were part of a 4.5-year design, transport, and installation project.

The players

Ørsted

A Danish multinational power company that is a global leader in the development and operation of offshore wind farms.

Heerema Marine Contractors

A Dutch marine contractor that specializes in offshore construction, transport, and installation services for the energy industry.

The details

Heerema Marine Contractors handled the transport and installation process for the massive structures. The topsides were constructed in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, and transported over 13,000 nautical miles to Haugesund, Norway, for final equipment commissioning.

Timeline

  1. September 2026: Ørsted finished installing the converter stations.

  2. Four and a half years: Total duration for the design, transport, and installation phase.

Market Landscape

The deployment of high-voltage direct current offshore converter stations signals a broader industry move toward scaling infrastructure for larger renewable energy sites. This progress allows Ørsted to consolidate its position as a lead developer in the competitive global offshore wind market.

The completion of this infrastructure supports the expansion of large-scale renewable energy capacity, which contributes to long-term grid stability. Consumers can expect cleaner electricity supply profiles as these major offshore projects come online.

The takeaway

Advanced logistical planning is required to transport massive energy components across thousands of miles of ocean to reach project sites. This successful installation highlights how specialized marine contracting enables the delivery of multi-year renewable energy developments.

Further reading

Learn more about evolving energy infrastructure in the Oil and Gas section.

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Do you believe the development of massive offshore wind farms is beneficial for the country?