Transport, Float-Off of 2,500-Ton Structures Carried Out for EFGL Pilot Project
By Simon West
GEODIS has completed the transport and float-off of three 2,500-ton floating wind turbine foundations for the “Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion” (EFGL) pilot project, one of the world’s largest floating offshore wind farms.
Working alongside constructor Eiffage Metal, GEODIS carried out the complex operation at the Port of Marseille Fos between late April and early June 2025. The structures, designed by Principle Power, were moved from Eiffage’s Darsette site to the Carfos terminal in Fos-sur-Mer, southern France.
The project’s advanced engineering phase included grillage and sea fastening design, ballasting calculations and close coordination with local port authorities. High environmental standards were also applied throughout the process, GEODIS said.
To execute the float-offs, GEODIS deployed a semi-submersible barge, a process that required stable weather conditions and a precisely sequenced ballasting procedure to ground the barge and safely launch the floaters into the sea.
EFGL marks GEODIS’ first project in the floating offshore wind sector.
“The EFGL project, with 30 MW of capacity, represents nearly 10% of the operational floating wind turbines currently installed worldwide, so we are very proud to have contributed to its success,” said Nicolas Bonnier, global manager, offshore wind solution, Project Logistics at GEODIS.
“Also, GEODIS’ seamless execution of two consecutive float-offs within six days highlights the potential scalability and industrial feasibility of commercial size floating wind energy projects.”
The EFGL project, a partnership between Ocean Winds & Banque des Territoires, comprises three 10-MW turbines on floaters and is located some 16 kilometers from France’s Mediterranean coastline.
Read more: GEODIS, Dolfines to Develop Offshore Wind Lifting Device
