Sometimes at De Kemphaan, we are commissioned to realize such a spectacular project that we cannot zoom in on the details… but instead have to zoom out. Because this project is big. Gigantic, even. The size of 24 football fields to be precise.
We are talking about the Princess Elisabeth Island, the very first artificial energy island in the Belgian North Sea. A technical masterpiece under construction since early 2024, where everything revolves around renewable energy and international connectivity. And indeed — De Kemphaan is playing a role in this pioneering project.
Protective covers for steel giants
Our client TM Edison (the temporary construction consortium of DEME Group and Jan De Nul Group) is realizing the island on behalf of Elia Group. They engaged De Kemphaan to produce special protective covers for the so-called J-Tubes.
What are
J-Tubes?
- Length: 13.3 meters
- Width: 4.8 meters
- Diameter: 1 meter
- Weight: 11.5 tons
These colossal steel pipes will soon guide the electricity cables from offshore wind farms through the wall of the energy island, directly to the mainland. They protect the cables against water, shocks, corrosion, and other hazards in the salty seawater. In short: crucial components of a historic energy project.
Our task?
The production of high-quality, custom-made protective covers, in a striking blue, which keep the J-Tubes safe during transport and installation.
In our sewing workshop, work was carried out with extreme precision on a solution that seamlessly fits the complex shape of the steel structures, full of protrusions and curves. No simple task: the covers had to fit like a glove, be easy to put on and take off, but at the same time be sturdy and protective enough for every stage of the process.
We are incredibly proud of the work we delivered for TM Edison and grateful that we could contribute to this exceptional and beautiful project.
Watch the video here.
About the Princess Elisabeth Island
The island will be the first hub of an integrated European offshore electricity grid. It bundles the cables from offshore wind farms in the Princess Elisabeth zone and connects Belgium with other countries such as the UK and Denmark. A crucial step toward a fossil-free future for Europe.
More info: jandenul.com/en/projects/princess-elisabeth-island-belgium
Would you like to know more about our capabilities in technical customization, protective covers, or large-scale industrial applications?
