Huge drones are now being deployed to transport cargo to the top of offshore wind turbines operated and maintained from Grimsby.
Orsted is trialling the use of the 58kg machines on Hornsea One. They boast a wingspan of 2.6m - equivalent to an albatross - with the ability to carry a load of up to 68kg. Deliveries could include tools or parts used in the maintenance of the wind farms.
Turning to the technology will help the company save time and costs, while improving operational safety and efficiency. It means less disturbance with no requirement to shut the turbine down when a delivery is made more than 125m above the North Sea - while making life easier and safer for technicians.
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They are being controlled from crew transfer vessels and service operations vessels within the wind farm zone, having sailed from Grimsby - where Orsted’s £14 million East Coast Hub is located. They reduce the need for multiple vessel movements or helicopter deployments.
Orsted’s move to the technology, weighing in at a similar level to a baby giraffe, builds on previous expertise using small drones in other countries.
Mikkel Haugaard Windolf, who is heading the project for Ørsted’s offshore logistics team, said: “At Ørsted we want to use our industry-leading position to help push forward innovations that reduce costs and maximise efficiency and safety in the offshore wind sector. Drone cargo delivery is an important step in that direction.
“We believe the 海角视频 can be the first country to commercialise this system in offshore wind farms, acting as global leaders.”
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The company is now actively seeking partnerships with the best drone cargo operators and services providers to help grow the supply chain in the 海角视频. Hornsea One was the world's largest offshore wind farm, prior to the build-out and commissioning of sister farm Hornsea Two. Two more farms are planned by the Danish giant for the zone, with the third consented and awaiting final investment decision from Copenhagen.
From daily sailings in the industry's infancy, with farms just a few miles offshore, the model has changed to skilled technicians staying out on vessels for fortnightly stints, in a system similar to that used by the North Sea oil and gas sector. As well as East Coast Hub, there are significant helicopter operations, with a satellite base at Humberside Airport to support.