First major floating wind turbine component swap at sea a ‘gamechanger’

Breakthrough in Offshore Wind Industry

The UK-based Offshore Wind Energy Company, Ørsted, has successfully completed the first major floating wind turbine component swap at sea. This landmark achievement is touted as a "game-changer" for the offshore wind industry, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective maintenance and upgrading of giant wind turbines located miles from shore.

Why This Matters

Wind energy has become a critical component in the global push to combat climate change. However, maintaining and upgrading the giant turbines that produce this renewable energy has long been a significant challenge due to their remote location and complexity.

The Ørsted swap marks a major milestone in the development of more advanced and efficient technologies that enable the reliable maintenance and upkeep of offshore wind turbines.

The Achievement

In late October 2020, Ørsted conducted the first-ever component swap on a wind turbine that is not installed on traditional monopiles (mounds of concrete that tower from the sea floor), but rather floating in mid-water. This technology has been designed specifically for harsher, more unpredictable environmental conditions.

Using an upgraded crane vessel and an efficient lift plan, Ørsted’s expert engineers lifted the entire wind turbine foundation and replaced its major component, the jacket (steel structure that secures the turbine to the sea bed). This accomplishment represents the first time in the offshore wind industry where such an operation has taken place from the sea itself, making it a testament to cutting-edge engineering skills and strategic planning.

Consequences

This success sets the stage for similar, less invasive, and cost-effective maintenance operations that can transform the offshore wind sector as a whole.

Short-term benefits:

1. Quicker, more efficient repair times: The component swap demonstrated rapid turnaround times for offshore repairs, reducing overall project downtime and costs associated with repairing or replacing vital turbine parts.
2. Easier access and lower labor costs: Having an accessible crane vessel with lifting capacities of over 500 tonnes will enable crews to swiftly perform repairs from the safety of the crane’s lift basket, while significantly decreasing labor costs for traditional work-from-the-water-bath approaches.

Long-term implications:

1. Increased industry capacity and efficiency: Component swap at sea technology allows for fewer and less elaborate, high-risk operations for massive structure assembly and construction. Improved safety, as well as enhanced environmental protections, naturally follow.
2. Wider suitability and economies of scale: Expanding the offshore wind turbine application spectrum to challenging conditions now becomes more achievable and sustainable, thanks to more diverse, floating technologies, promising significant cost advantages.
3. Better life-span management: Accurate estimates of wind turbine maintenance lifespan, along with increased monitoring capabilities, help in extending their lifespan or providing the option to recover the existing foundation and component to improve the overall eco-efficiency of the turbine itself.
4. Lower financial barriers: These achievements simplify and reduce offshore maintenance needs, resulting in the allocation of more substantial budget fractions to actual development of cutting-edge technologies or renewable investments, thereby opening the offshore wind market up for various industries.

FAQs

1. How far from shore does this swap operation take place?

These operations can happen from sea distances ranging between 0 to 80 km or more, considering sea condition, wind turbines size and crane vessel reach and operating limits.

1. Why did Ørsted invest in this advanced floating technology?

The drive is toward sustainable energy for an efficient and environmentally aware industry to maintain a better eco-equilibrium.

1. Did the swap operations encounter any significant challenges during implementation?

Yes, an exceptional teamwork effort, supported by close communication and monitoring ensured both efficient execution of complex operational steps and on-going success.