Due to the recent COVID 19 development in Vietnam, the signing of the La Gan GeoTechnical Survey Campaign Contract was conducted virtually and witnessed by the Danish Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Kim Højlund Christensen.
Under this contract, Vietsovpetro will engage PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) and Fugro Singapore Ltd as sub-contractors to collect soil and rock samples deep under the seabed. The samples will be tested in sophisticated laboratories and used to build detailed ground models of the seabed under the wind farm area. These ground models are essential for designing the offshore foundation structures and subsea cables of the La Gan offshore wind farm.
Speaking at the virtual signing ceremony, Ambassador of Denmark in Vietnam, Mr. Kim Højlund Christensen said, "With the signing today, the investors of La Gan Offshore Wind Project, owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Asiapetro and Novasia, reaffirm their commitment to move the project steadily forward despite the difficulties and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic."
"As the government of Vietnam is on its way to finalize the Power Development Plan 8 (PDP 8) and establish relevant legal framework for offshore wind power projects, it is crucial that the authorities create an enabling environment for foreign investors, especially those who have a proven track record in the offshore wind power industry and serious determination to progress their projects, such as CIP," he continued. "We, therefore, hope and trust that the government of Vietnam and relevant local authorities will take swift actions and give the Project the necessary permits and approvals to start the physical work as soon as possible. This will not only help create a good starting momentum for the sector but also contribute to the realization of the government’s vision for a sustainable and green energy sector."
Ms. Maya Malik, Chief Executive Officer of the La Gan Wind Power Development Corporation added: ‘Geotechnical surveys are essential for offshore wind projects to understand the seabed condition and progress the development of ground models and foundation designs. We are very proud to be the one of the first large scale offshore wind farms in Vietnam to sign such a contract. As a responsible and experienced developer, the La Gan Wind Power Development Corporation is honored to partner with Vietsovpetro and its reputablesub-contractors, who will ensure that the surveys will be conducted to the highest safety, environmental and social standards. We are also proud to implement a structure that supports the local supply chain and facilitates knowledge transfer between international and local suppliers.’
According to an economic impact study made by international experts from BVG Associates (World Bank consultants), the project will contribute more than US$ 4.4 billion to the Vietnamese economy over the project lifetime. The project is also expected to create over 45,000 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) local jobs in Vietnam, where 1 FTE is 1 job for 1 year.
Once fully installed, the project is predicted to power more than 7 million households per year and avoid 130 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime.
