The Offshore Wind Industry will enter the "Super League" of Marine Transfer Users

Offshore wind-farm developments are expected to provide a significant role in meeting European renewable energy targets. A critical issue for developers and operators is to ensure that safe and efficient access to installations is possible when most developments are now being located in more remote and hostile met ocean conditions.

The number of offshore installations is expected to increase significantly over the next decade.  In the UK sector, over 5000 new turbines may operate in areas where significant wave heights in excess of 1.5m Hs can be experienced year round. The offshore maintenance workforce is expected to provide turbine availabilities of greater than 90% - this will be a considerable challenge if access is restricted to only half the seasonal year.  We estimate that up to 120 thousand transfers per annum will be required to maintain these assets. Given this scale of transfers and the associated met-ocean conditions, the offshore wind industry will enter the ‘super-league’ of marine transfer users.  Access systems will need to provide reliable year round access, whilst maintaining the very highest levels of safety.

A third of all personnel access is in response to an unplanned event or mechanical failure. Unplanned events are also likely to have high economic impact and are more likely to occur during the autumn and winter seasons. Responding to these events requires access for both personnel and the associated equipment and spares. Any access method therefore needs to move both people and equipment safely in the harshest of environments.

There are a number of access options that are used and are being developed to meet this challenge.  The best solutions will be simple, robust, easy to operate and maintain and will maximise safe access to ensure the ongoing reliability of the offshore equipment. Reflex Marine is developing an access system to meet these industry challenges.