A high-tech immersive training centre brought forward by Orsted has hosted a major construction rehearsal for the world’s largest offshore wind farm - somwhat differently to what was originally proposed.
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic front and centre of all that is happening, the team behind Hornsea Two had to go digital for the latest planning drill.
Using the Thrive Safety Leadership Centre at maritime training facility Modal in Immingham, when brought forward it was envisaged that around 100 people would meet to thrash out the best practice and iron out snags in the huge North Sea build out.
But Covid-19 has brought new ways of working - with the 180-degree laser projected screen being cast to virtual reality headsets sourced from the USA.
Avoiding unnecessary travel, teams joined remotely from across the UK, Europe and even Singapore to take part in the session - with only eight on site deploying the latest personal protection - including see-through face masks to enhance communication through body language and facial expressions and state-of-the-art social distancing wrist bands which buzz if two users come within a two-metre distance of each other.
Jason Ledden, senior project manager at Ørsted, said: “The rehearsal of concept drill is an imperative part of the construction process for a project of this size. We’ve had to adapt the way we work and implement new techniques to give our teams the best possible experience whilst connecting to our virtual event. The latest technology has been utilised so that the experience is as real to life as possible.”
With 20 per cent of the foundations now in place and the campaign having begun in October, turbine installation is set to commence in the second half of this year.
The export cable installation works are on schedule, with the onshore works having recently completed between Horseshoe Point on the Lincolnshire coast and the grid connection at North Killingholme.
Patrick Harnett, senior project director for Ørsted, said: “This drill explores the latter stages of construction for Hornsea Two, including the delivery of our onshore substation and reactive compensation station to site. Expected to take place around the final quarter of this year, it’s essential that we plan well ahead of schedule to ensure that everything is considered in terms of safety, logistics and clear communication.
“Reassuringly, the teams have already fed back that this new way of co-ordinating our drill is even better than before. I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to adapt our methods to provide a safer and more enjoyable work experience.”
Once complete in 2022, Hornsea Two, covering an area four times the size of Manchester, will be able to generate 1.4 GW of clean energy.
Hornsea Three will follow with consent granted on New Year's Eve. All will be operated and maintained from Grimsby, where Ørsted has established a £14 million East Coast Hub opposite the town's fish market.
