The main claim related to the quality of up to 52 upper foundations (transition pieces) supporting turbines and the quality of up to 35 lower foundations supporting the same turbines.

GGOWL, 50% of which is owned by SSE, now says it is confident about the long-term structural integrity of the disputed foundations. “The agreement between GGOWL and Fluor is a positive development, bringing to an end the contractual dispute between the two parties,” said Iwan Tukalo, General Manager at GGOWL.

Both parties refused to disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but Fluor said there was no material financial impact to the company. The agreement concludes Fluor’s involvement in the project, it added. “Fluor designed and built a safe, fit-for-purpose facility, and we are pleased that the operating wind farm is meeting the owner’s operating expectations,” said David Seaton, Fluor's chairman and chief executive officer.

All 140 turbines at the Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm have been energised and operational since September 2012. In the six months to March 2013, the wind farm was operationally available to generate electricity for 87% of the time; this is forecast to increase to over 90% during 2013/14.