Logistics and O&M is one of five technical working groups of the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA), consisting of experts from each of the OWA’s partner organisations and the Carbon Trust.
It focuses on the challenge of reducing vessel emissions, encouraging the development of new vessel design, improving health and safety through technology and improving operational efficiency through planning, logistics and accessibility. In former stages of the OWA it was known as the vessel and access systems technical working group.
"The OWA Low Emission Vessels prize enables us to accelerate our HO-CTV project to support sustainable offshore wind operations and set a new benchmark in vessel efficiency, boosting our vision of a greener offshore supply chain unlocked by a holistic approach to vessel design."
Andy Page, Managing Director & Naval Architect - Chartwell Marine
Projects
Below are examples of key pieces of work from the logistics and O&M technical working group.
Low emission vessels competition
In 2019, the OWA launched the low emission vessels competition to accelerate the development of technologies with the potential to reduce vessel emissions and fuel consumption for the vessels that service offshore wind farms. Submissions were received from a range of single applicants and partnerships with proposals for a variety of technologies and alternative fuel sources. Four technologies were shortlisted for support:
- A hydrogen co-combustion crew transfer vessel from Windcat Workboats and CMB Technologies
- A diesel electric hybrid outboard crew transfer vessel from Chartwell Marine and Seaspeed Marine Consulting
- A diesel electric hybrid surface-effect-ship crew transfer vessel from CWind Limited
- A methanol fuelled crew transfer vessel from Robert Allan Limited
Performance plots (P-Plots)
In 2017 the OWA developed a performance evaluation methodology to better understand the performance of the vessels used in offshore wind farms, specifically crew transfer vessels and daughtercraft. These P-Plots allow greater understanding of vessel performance that can be used to improve the efficiency of offshore operations. A series of workshops were organised to engage with industry in order to explain the purpose and benefits of P-Plots and the methodology used.
Access innovation competition
In 2011, the OWA launched the access innovation competition to identify and support a new generation of technology to safely, cost effectively and reliably access and support wind farm operations. The competition attracted over 400 submissions. From these submissions, 13 finalists were chosen, including crew transfer vessels, access systems, and mothership solutions. Finalists were provided funding and support from developers to help bridge the gap between concept and commercialisation.
Innovator support
The OWA is open and interested in looking at new and innovative methods of accessing wind farm structures, reducing vessel emissions and improving logistics. We are currently supporting the following concepts:
- Suspension Catamaran from Nauti-craft - this technology separates a vessel’s hull from the deck and superstructure by a hydraulic system which provides increased levels of ride comfort, control and stability.
Tube Docking Device (TDD) from Offshore Transfer Devices - an innovative turbine access system that improves safety and increases the wave height of personnel transfers between a crew transfer vessel and offshore wind turbine.
In September 2024, the Offshore Transfer Devices (OTD) conducted a demonstration using its Tube Docking Device (TDD) at RWE’s Rhyl Flats wind farm in conditions that saw a maximum of 1.5m wave height. The demonstration was a culmination of an innovator support project delivered through the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) programme. The project provided support to OTD for the installation and testing of the TDD on board a 15m South Boat CTV as well as the design and installation of an integrated personnel access platform to allow for technician transfer.
- Sea Puffin daughter craft from ESNA/WindPartner- an innovative offshore wind vessel that uses surface-effect-ship technology to provide increased wave-height performance and improved ride motion.
Insight into Innovation vessel access solution tested.
Contact
For any questions relating to the logistics and O&M working group please contact owa@carbontrust.com.
