Le 04 December 2025
ON-THE-GROUND PERSPECTIVE : INTERVIEW WITH LAURENT L’HUILLIER – WILHELMSHAVEN
Mené dans un calendrier particulièrement serré, dans le contexte de la crise énergétique en Allemagne provoquée par l’arrêt des approvisionnements en gaz russe, le projet Wilhelmshaven a mobilisé des expertises pointues, un planning de mobilisation extrêmement ambitieux et une forte capacité d’adaptation.
Laurent Lhuillier, Construction Manager, talks to us about the Wilhelmshaven project
What was your role on the project?
My role involved defining the installation methods for the structure, as well as assisting the barge captains during the execution of the work. I also ensured the smooth coordination of the various vessels—the barge and the tugs—to ensure that the installation sequences proceeded correctly.
What made this project particularly memorable?
The design phase was very intense, as the installation methods were unprecedented. The main challenge was the timeframe allocated for design and execution: less than six months in total to complete the project, against a backdrop of urgency and energy independence in Germany.
What was day-to-day work like on site?
The project brought together several specialist companies commissioned by GEOCEAN, which involved complex overall coordination. In this context, we had to remain very rigorous, plan the work sequences carefully and ensure that all the teams were progressing in a coordinated manner.
What stood out to you on a personal level?
The mix of around ten nationalities! This required a real ability to adapt on a daily basis in order to foster effective collaboration between people from different cultures. But this diversity was a real asset, making life on board exciting.
What are you most proud of today?
My satisfaction came from successfully implementing an installation method that was both unusual and demanded all our expertise, whilst getting teams with very different profiles and cultural backgrounds to work together.
