Barrier Group has marked the beginning of construction on its work for the TenneT 2GW program with a steel cutting ceremony at its Haverton Hill Yard in Billingham, Teesside.
Held on Monday 20th July 2026, the ceremony marked the first steel for the LanWin 2 Modular Living Quarters and the transition from the project’s engineering and design phase into active fabrication.
The occasion drew on a long-standing maritime tradition that has been used for generations to formally recognise the start of a vessel’s physical construction.
For Barrier Group, the ceremony carried particular significance. It took place at a site with a strong shipbuilding and industrial heritage, where many of the skills involved in the project, including fabrication, outfitting and specialist engineering services, remain closely connected to the region’s maritime traditions.
Among those attending were Dave Alderson, Barrier Group Finance Director; Kevin Judson, Operations Director; and Tony Scott, Commercial Director. They were joined by members of the project delivery team: Paul Marley, Paul Martin, Chris Stephenson, Dave Oliver, Dave Henderson and Kevin Quinn.
Marking the start of construction
A steel cutting ceremony is traditionally the first major milestone in the construction of a vessel or large offshore structure.
Taking place once engineering work has progressed sufficiently for fabrication to begin, the ceremony marks the moment a project moves from plans and digital models into physical construction.
The cutting of the first steel is usually followed by further milestones throughout the build program, including assembly, load-out and the eventual naming or commissioning of the completed structure.
While modern technology has transformed the way major structures are designed and manufactured, the tradition remains an important moment for clients, project teams and the people responsible for delivering the work. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the collaboration, engineering and preparation required to reach the construction phase of a complex program.
Supporting Europe’s offshore wind ambitions
The TenneT 2GW program represents a major investment in Europe’s offshore energy infrastructure. Current plans include the installation of 14 offshore wind farms across the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
Barrier Group was awarded the contract in 2024 to supply the complete Modular Living Quarters for the LanWin 2, BalWin 3 and LanWin 4 offshore wind projects for Dragados Offshore.
Engineering began immediately following the contract award, with the steel cutting ceremony marking the next important stage in the delivery of the first module for LanWin 2.
Construction of BalWin 3 and LanWin 4 will follow, creating more than 30 months of continuous fabrication, outfitting and commissioning work at Barrier Group’s Haverton Hill yard. Once complete, the modules will be transported by sea to Dragados Offshore’s facilities in Cadiz or Campamento, Spain, where they will be integrated onto the wider high-voltage direct current substation topside.
The Modular Living Quarters will provide the accommodation and supporting facilities required by those working on the offshore platforms, bringing together structural fabrication, architectural outfitting, fire protection and a range of specialist building services within the Modular Living Quarter complex.
Building through collaboration
The milestone reflects the progress made by Barrier Group and Dragados Offshore since the contract was awarded, as well as the work undertaken by the wider project team to prepare the first module for construction.
Kevin Judson, Operations Director at Barrier Group, said: “The steel cutting ceremony is an important moment for everyone involved in the project. It marks the point where a significant period of engineering, planning and collaboration begins to take physical shape on the shop floor.”
“Our relationship with Dragados Offshore has been central to reaching this stage. Major offshore energy projects rely on strong collaboration, clear communication and a shared commitment to quality, and we are proud to be supporting the delivery of the TenneT 2GW program from our Haverton Hill yard.”
“The program also represents an important period of long-term work for Barrier Group and our Teesside operations. Delivering three complete Modular Living Quarters will support more than 30 months of fabrication, outfitting and commissioning activity, creating stability for our existing workforce while supporting continued investment in our equipment, facilities and technical capability.”
Investing in Haverton Hill
Barrier Group’s Haverton Hill yard was acquired in 2023 as a strategic quayside industrial facility, focused on structural fabrication, passive fire protection and modular construction.
Its location, facilities and access to established engineering skills make it well placed to support the manufacture and onward transportation of large modular structures for the offshore energy sector.
The TenneT 2GW program will be supported by continued investment in the site’s equipment and facilities, strengthening Barrier Group’s ability to manage increasingly complex and technically demanding projects.
A significant milestone for Barrier Group
The steel cutting ceremony represents more than the beginning of fabrication for LanWin 2 but marks the start of a long-term construction program at Haverton Hill. The program strengthens Barrier Group’s position within the offshore wind supply chain and demonstrates the continued importance of Teesside’s engineering and manufacturing capability to major international energy projects.
As work progresses on LanWin 2, followed by BalWin 3 and LanWin 4, the project will bring together the traditional skills associated with shipbuilding and offshore fabrication with the engineering and technology required to support the next generation of energy infrastructure.
For Barrier Group, it is a milestone that connects the industrial heritage with the company’s continued growth in offshore wind and modular construction.
