Waadrinner Inauguration

Jan De Nul, in collaboration with TenneT and ECE Offshore BV, inaugurated three connected shallow-drafted cable installation barges called ‘Waadrinner’ in Rotterdam.

The barges have been developed to support cable installation works in shallow and environmentally sensitive waters, notably for the Balwin 4 project in the Wadden Sea. This inauguration marks an important milestone and the result of a major contract secured on 6 November 2024, under which Jan De Nul, TenneT and ECE Offshore collaborate closely. ECE Offshore is responsible for engineering, procurement and execution of the Wadden Sea cable installation portion of TenneT’s 2 GW projects scheduled from 2026 to 2030.

The delivery of these assets was supported by several key subcontractors, including Rometal, Greenport, Dromec and De Heus, FMJ and Aggreko, who provide essential support throughout design, fabrication, mobilisation and commissioning. 

Reinier Nagtegaal, Managing Director at ECE Offshore BV, commented:

“This inauguration is the result of close collaboration and mutual trust between all partners involved. By communicating openly and actively engaging throughout the process, we have created assets that support safe, efficient and reliable project execution.”

Harold Heeffer, Project Director at Jan De Nul, added:

“Strong partnerships enable practical solutions in challenging environments. Transparency and a fair, solution-oriented mindset are essential when working in shallow waters such as the Wadden Sea.”

This milestone underlines the shared commitment of Jan De Nul, TenneT and ECE Offshore BV to safe execution, sustainable growth, and long-term collaboration within the offshore energy sector.