In 2017 an experimental set of wind turbines was constructed on the Tyne. They have a hollow concrete base which when filled with water sits directly on the sea bed. They were floated from the dry dock, ballasted with concrete before being towed offshore and sunk with the addition of seawater. Currently (2017) there are FIVE in situ with an option of ten more if successful.

Constructing the turbine bases at Neptune drydock Wallsend

Floating free

Ballasted and leaving with a flotilla of specialist vessels 

Platform crane Vole au Vent fitting the gearbox and turbine blades

Finally, all in a row