Offshore wind farm developer Orsted has bought into an innovative UK company as it looks to revolutionise how technicians access turbines.
A laser-guided motion compensated hoist offers game-changing access to the ever-larger super structures, doing away with the need to step from a moving vessel and then climb several metres.
It could see steel ladders removed from below future turbine bases, cutting costs and improving safety.
The Danish giant, which is leading the world in the sector, has bought a 22.5 per cent stake in Pict Offshore, the Scottish-based developer.
The Get Up Safe (GUS) system has been developed in partnership over the past three years, and removes the risk element, an also the climb that can sometimes be over 20 metres - repeated several times a day.
Instead they can clip onto the system and are safely and effortlessly hoisted, with the mechanism automatically adjusting to take account of the boats movements to avoid collision.
Mark Porter, senior vice president for offshore operations at Ørsted, said: “The offshore wind sector already has a proven track record of innovation and rapid cost reduction, and we’re continually looking at new technologies to enhance both the construction and maintenance of our projects. This game-changing new technology can provide a more efficient, safe and cost-effective way of transferring technicians onto offshore wind turbines.
“We’re excited to be working alongside an innovative small business in Pict Offshore to revolutionise the way our technicians get to work. As the global offshore wind industry continues to grow, the opportunities for this technology are huge.”
Other innovations have seen walk-to-work gantries installed larger vessels, but many of the transfers in the field are still made by smaller vessels.
The technology is patent-protected and in the final stages of development.
Philip Taylor, managing director at Pict Offshore, said: “We have hugely benefited from the experience and knowledge of Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer. Partnering with them has accelerated our ability to bring this new technology to market.
“The Get Up Safe motion compensated lifting system is an ambitious step forward for the whole offshore wind industry. It completely revolutionises the way technicians get to work, and we’re delighted to have reached the final stages of testing. We’ve also hugely enjoyed working alongside Ørsted and seeing first-hand the company’s passion for innovation.”
Pict Offshore is a spin off from height safety innovator Limpet Technology, and is headquartered in Fife.
It impressed the company by testing through the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
Orsted said it was unlikely to retro-fit to operational farms, but more than 1,600 successful hoists have already been conducted at Walney, on the west coast, with positive feedback. It could form part of the later Hornsea projects.
Beatrice d’Eufemia, senior technical project lead, said: “We are always looking out for new and emerging technologies. It has been really exciting and refreshing to work with a small company. We have carved a path in the company for keeping an eye out and investing in these companies. It is really, really good to promote small business and help these guys get into the industry.”
