Providing Safe & Efficient Operations in Offshore Wind: Hornsea 3
Hornsea 3 is set to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, marking a significant step in the development of renewable energy in UK. Zenitel delivers critical communication infrastructure for two HVDC converter platforms, supporting safe and efficient operations.
Scaling Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Located in the North Sea, Hornsea 3 Is being developed by Ørsted, a global offshore wind developer. The project will include approximately 200 wind turbines, supplied by Siemens Gamesa. With a total capacity of up to approximately 2.852 GW, Hornsea 3 is expected to supply electricity to more than 3 million UK homes. The scale of the project reflects increasing demand for renewable energy wile contributing to broader environmental goals.
Hornsea 3 operates in sensitive marine and coastal environments, requiring a balanced approach to energy production and environmental protection. Ørsted’s strategy extends beyond minimizing environmental impact and includes initiatives aimed at enhancing ecosystems. The company aims for all new renewable energy projects commissioned from 2030 to deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact, implementing multiple environmental initiatives.
“We in Zenitel are especially proud to contribute to green energy projects for a better and cleaner world. The solution installed secures safe and reliable operation and optimized operational efficiency,” says Tor Kristian Lystad, Senior Vice President, Maritime & Energy.
Designed for Unmanned Offshore Operations
Hornsea 3 includes two offshore converter platforms: Link 1 and Link 2. Both are designed as unmanned installations and operated remotely.
Construction is distributed across multiple locations. The topsides were built in Thailand and later transported to Norway for final outfitting and installation of HVDC technology from Hitachi Energy. A key milestone was reached in 2025 when the Link 1 topside arrived in Norway. Offshore installation is scheduled for 2026, followed by commissioning ahead of operations.
With no permanent crew onboard, access is provided by Service Operation Vessels and helicopters. Maintenance is periodic rather than continuous, increasing the importance of system reliability and remote monitoring capabilities.
Communication in Remote and Harsh Environments
Unmanned offshore platforms introduce new communication requirements. Systems must operate autonomously, with monitoring and control handled from onshore locations. When maintenance teams are present, communication must be immediate, reliable, and clearly understood.
In emergency situations, clear and intelligible communication supports faster response time and compliance with offshore safety standards. The offshore environment adds further complexity. Equipment must withstand harsh weather conditions, salt exposure, and strict uptime requirements.
Critical needs include:
- Rapid distribution of emergency alarms
- Clear and intelligible voice announcements
- Integration with fire detection, safety, and control systems
- High availability, including operation during component failure
- Full remote visibility of system status
Centralized monitoring provides operators with a full overview of system status from shore, supporting early fault detection and reducing operational risk. Integration with other systems ensures communication functions as part of a broader safety ecosystem.
A Networked Approach to Critical Communication
To meet the communication requirements of Hornsea 3, Zenitel delivers a complete solution based on its EXIGO IP-based PAGA system. Which enables the distribution of emergency alarms and operational announcements across all platform areas.
The Zenitel solution includes:
- Network amplifiers
- Line connection modules
- Call panels
This system is fully IP-based and designed for complex, distributed installations. It uses Ethernet communication and supports centralized control with remote monitoring. It scales up to 250 PA zones and 150 IP access panels, making it suitable for large offshore platforms. The PAGA system integrates with intercom and talkback solutions, fire alarm systems, IPBX telephony, and external safety systems. It also supports analog interfaces for legacy equipment.
Reliability is ensured through dual AC and DC power supply and automatic switchover in the event of failure. The system is certified to DNV Cyber Secure (SP1) and complies with IACS UR E27 cybersecurity standards, as well as MED requirements. Hornsea 3 combines large-scale renewable energy generation with unmanned operations, and a focus on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
In this context, communication systems play a critical role in supporting safe and efficient operation, and enabling coordination across complex offshore environments. Zenitel provides a reliable and scalable communication foundation for offshore energy projects, supporting the integration of operational safety, environmental responsibility, and advanced infrastructure.
Click here to watch the video from the installation of Link 1