The offshore wind power industry is expanding rapidly, driven by the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. A critical task in offshore wind projects is to ensure the robustness and safety of joints in extreme marine environments. ERREKA, with over 60 years’ experience in bolting engineering and fasteners production, is a global benchmark in this area, developing innovative solutions to meet the industry’s most complex requirements.
The EA3 offshore project and M90 bolts: an industry milestone
For a new offshore project, ERREKA has been selected by Seaway7 to supply more than 13,000 M90 sensor bolts for the East Anglia THREE (EA3) project, under construction off the coast of England. A size that represents one of the largest gauge ever installed on offshore wind structures. This project will mark only the second time in history that bolts of this calibre have been used, a testament to ERREKA's technological leadership. The choice of the M90 bolt size not only addresses the structural needs of the project but also reflects advancements in load capacity and precision tightening in offshore environments.
Tightening strategy and EDB technology
One of the highlights of this project is the tightening strategy designed by ERREKA, developed through advanced simulations and precise calculations. The use of EDB (Erreka Digital Bolt) preload technology makes it possible to read and monitor the bolt preload both during and after the tensioning process, thus ensuring a reliable, fully optimised joint. This monitoring capability is essential in the offshore environment, where access and maintenance is costly and complex.
ERREKA’s technology will allow the end customer to install dataloggers to remotely monitor the status of the bolts, significantly reducing maintenance costs in the long term. This innovative approach reinforces ERREKA's vision as a supplier that goes beyond simply offering product solutions by developing the additional technological tools that optimise an installation’s life cycle.
Supervision and training: a holistic approach
ERREKA's role in this project is not limited to manufacturing and supplying the M90 bolts. The company will also supervise the TP-MP offshore assembly activities, ensuring that critical joints are constructed to the most rigorous standards. ERREKA will play a key role in training the client’s team on a 1:1 scale test rig, which the firm will install at its own facilities.
This comprehensive approach, ranging from the design of the tightening strategy to training and supervision, reinforces ERREKA's ability to offer comprehensive, tailor-made solutions in the offshore sector.
Technological investments and certifications
In order to be able to manufacture these bolts, ERREKA has made significant investments in facilities and technology, allowing it to improve both production processes and tightening times, critical in the offshore wind industry. The first bolts were delivered in January 2025 and will continue to be supplied throughout the year.
In addition, the bolt tightening and monitoring system has been validated with EDB (Erreka Digital Bolt) technology, which provides accurate information on the preload of each bolt. This technology, together with the DNV-Energy certification for the M90 joint, places ERREKA at the forefront of technological solutions for critical joints in the offshore wind power industry.
A promising future
ERREKA's participation in this offshore project reinforces its position as a key supplier of tightening solutions and sets the stage for future projects in the offshore wind industry.
With its innovative technology and focus on continuous improvement, ERREKA continues to lead in an industry that demands ever greater precision, efficiency and reliability.