COMMUNICATION HUB FOR THE WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY
Hull & Humber Special Edition
Includes Hull & Humber Supply Chain Matrix
JULY/AUGUST 2014 | £7.50
INTRODUCTION
Hull & Humber Special Edition… and pull-out supply chain matrix As reported in our last edition which contained a Spotlight on South Humber, Siemens announced their decision on Focus on Edinburgh Magazine and website a £310 million investment in the Hull & We visit Edinburgh which is leading the way interaction – QR codes Humber while we were going to print. in Scotland in the renewable sector – not Yet another reminder that we have changed only this but it was my place of birth so it our pink and green flashes indicating more We have therefore devoted the vast was a very enjoyable experience meeting information online. QR codes have been majority of this edition to the Hull & so many in the industry who have made the substituted in the printed version which Humber area. Because of the positive city their home, as well as place of work. means that you can scan the code with response we have received for the your smart phone and it will direct you to the feature, drastic decisions had to be made Features – get involved featured company or organisation microsite on content. Some contributors may be The magazine continues to grow and it held within our website, so that you can learn disappointed not to see theirs contained is now commonplace to see separate much more in all sorts of formats. within our pages. If so, please do not features on all sorts of areas within the hesitate to get in touch again. industry. These features emanate from our These are very popular as they link the discussions with leading experts in the printed magazine in a very interactive To give the feature structure there are 6 industry during our visits to conferences way – a great marketing tool for our separate sections covering… and events, as well as our editorial team decision making readership to find out bringing up subject areas when looking at about products and services following the • Ports & Port Services the industry as a whole. reading of an interesting article. • Operations & Maintenance • Logistics Please feel free to contact us if there is • Professional Services any subject area which you think may be • Training of interest to our readership and we will • Support Services do the rest – there is never any charge for genuine editorial. This ‘Special Edition’ also includes a supplement which is a pull-out matrix of You will find our ‘Forthcoming Features’ tab the companies involved within the supply on our website in the magazine section. chain serving the needs of the industry in the Hull & Humber area.
Industry Lead article – Pegasus Planning Group We do on occasion meet with industry leaders who would like their voices to be heard – Paul Burrell from Pegasus Planning discusses planning issues. Duncan McGilvray Editor | Wind Energy Network
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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Scan/click this link to find out how to get involved in this magazine
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 3 WIND ENERGY NETWORK Humber Bridge AT HEIGHT Humber Access supplied us with a selection of images to grace this Hull & Humber Special Edition. The iconic Humber Bridge therefore was chosen to be our front cover – it is often seen from ground level however we thought you may like to see what it looks like from on high!
This area feature is the largest we have produced and contains some 55 pages covering the breadth of the supply chain companies as well as organisations and training establishments in the industry.
Focus on Edinburgh Edinburgh takes the lead in the wind industry in Scotland.
Emergency Response You will find some very interesting and helpful advice from the experts in the industry in this requested feature.
Ship Build & Design Seawork International 2014 took place recently in Southampton. The event is becoming more important to the offshore wind industry and so we took a quick look, as well as featuring some of the most important recent developments in the sector.
Duncan McGilvray Editor | Wind Energy Network
Wind Energy Network magazine is happy to accept unsolicited contributions for consideration. Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Green Energy Publishing Ltd and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising content. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for omissions or errors. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission. All image rights reserved to Humber Access Ltd ©
4 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk CONTENTS contents 6 Industry Lead Article – Pegasus Group on planning issues
8 Events page
9 SCORE – grant funding the easy way
10 Post Consent Support
16 Hull & Humber special edition feature
76 Ship Design & Build
82 Focus on Edinburgh
88 Emergency Response
94 Specialist Welding
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 5 INDUSTRY ARTICLE
Political
interference in Interventionist stance overriding the dynamics of localism planning gathers It is also interesting to see the Secretary of State’s interventionist stance playing out and overriding the dynamics of localism. It momentum is difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile the intervention of the Secretary of State calling – in a planning application which has had The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, the support of the Local Planning Authority continues his highly interventionist approach towards the planning system and who are minded to approve a scheme in order to send ‘signals’ over how he wishes to see planning policy and if Localism is to mean anything positive. guidance applied in key sectors, one of which is renewables and onshore Yet that is what happened in Peterborough, wind in particular. where four wind turbines were called in by Eric Pickles earlier this month. And that happened in Cumbria in March, where Greater scope Appalling success rate a three turbine scheme was called-in Having enabled powers to give him That appalling success rate of only 15% after it too had received a favourable greater scope to ‘call in’ or ‘recover’ is much worse than the average for all determination at the local level. renewable energy schemes in the forms of development considered at planning system, it will come of no appeal. Latest PINS statistics for 2012/13 This centralising interventionist approach surprise to learn that Mr Pickles has so indicate that overall, the success rate undermines the whole purpose of far recovered 36 onshore wind planning at appeal across England stood at over introducing the localism agenda into the applications over the past year. It will twice that being achieved by Mr Pickles planning system, and its supposedly also perhaps come of no surprise to for renewable schemes (at 35%), and if proactive and positive approach learn that of the 13 applications so far only public inquiries are considered, then whereby local communities have been determined by the Secretary of State, 11 the success rate for all appeals doubles empowered to take difficult decisions about have been dismissed whilst only 2 have again to a staggering 62%. The contrast accommodating new development and be been allowed. between success at appeal for all forms locally accountable. of development, and the dismal rate being allowed by Mr Pickles in his decision making on onshore wind recovered appeals could hardly be starker.
6 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY ARTICLE
A harder line Hope for a more even handed It is interesting too to see that Mr Pickles and consistent approach in has started to take a greater interest (and future a harder line) in respect of larger scale It seems highly unfortunate that planning greenfield solar schemes, by introducing decisions are being taken at the whim a sequential test that notwithstanding Frustrating aspect of the Secretary of State, one who is that there is no need to prove a need for And this is perhaps the most frustrating prepared to overule all in front of him, a renewable energy scheme under the aspect of the intervention by the Secretary when matters as important as delivering policy enshrined in the National Planning of State of all. He is not only overruling the a coherent and robust energy strategy Framework, the supporting new Planning opinions of local communities who have is at stake. Practice Guidance requires precisely that been in support of onshore wind, local before greenfield land can be brought planning authorities who have balanced the Perhaps once the General Election forward, and that poorer quality agricultural issues and determined that the balance lies is past us, a more even handed and land be used too. This hardening of in favour, but even his own independent consistent approach will once again planning policy against greenfield solar inspectors who have heard the detailed become evident in bringing forward bears many similarities with the approach evidence and concluded that permission renewable energy schemes through the being adopted by Mr Pickles in applying should be granted. English planning system. And with it, a the planning balance for onshore wind more attractive environment for investors schemes too. Of the onshore wind appeals he has to make long term decisions on whether recovered and dismissed, he has to invest in this sector in the future. The intervention of the Courts in the widely overruled the Inspector in 5 instances. reported Barnwell Manor Court of Appeal This proportion represents a far higher judgement which was handed down earlier propensity to impose his will over an Paul Burrell in 2014 has not helped the cause either. Inspector than is evident across all types Director This case established in effect that full of recovered decisions, where in the Pegasus Group consideration and weight needs to given to majority of cases he accepts his Inspectors’ any harm to the setting of heritage assets, recommendations. Click to view more info and Mr Pickles seized on this in a recent dismissal of a recovered decision in the East Riding of Yorkshire. In dismissing the appeal, Mr Pickles considered that the Inspector had "placed too much weight on the benefits and not enough weight on the harm that would be caused".
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 7 WHAT’S NEW Events and what’s new
Brazil Windpower 2014 When 26 – 28 Aug 2014 Where Rio de Janerio, Brazil CONTACT www.brazilwindpower.org
WindEnergy Hamburg 2014 When 23 – 26 Sep 2014 Where Hamburg, Germany CONTACT www.windenergyhamburg.com
IWEA Autumn Conference 2014 When 8 – 9 Oct 2014 Where Kilkenny, Ireland CONTACT www.iwea.com
CanWEA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2014 When 27 – 30 Oct 2014 Where Québec, Canada CONTACT www.canwea.ca
To advertise your course or event for only £100 contact: [email protected]
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Theory) Click to When 4 - 8 August 2014 view more Where Whitby, UK, info CONTACT www.whitbyfishingschool.co.uk
STCW 95 Click to When 8 - 12 September 2014 view more Where Whitby, UK, info CONTACT www.whitbyfishingschool.co.uk
T 01765 644224 E [email protected] W www.windenergynetwork.co.uk For more info on Forthcoming
features Click to view more SEPT/OCT 14 ISSUE 24 info
8 FUNDING Topscore!!! Interview with Richard Salmon, Project Manager and Business Advisor for SCORE.
A Gentle Nudge… SCORE funding is available to SMEs across The Hub For many this short scribe may be manna East Anglia. Just to clarify an SME is a Since opening its doors in 2008, from heaven, for others it may be a thought company with fewer than 250 employees OrbisEnergy has become the region’s prompted, but even if just a few may read and net assets of less than €50 million. flagship innovation and incubation centre for this and have an epiphany - then it will be the offshore renewable energy sector. worthwhile! Daunting process normally – Situated at Britain’s most easterly point not now! in Lowestoft, OrbisEnergy has supported Many companies are often dissuaded from growth of more than 120 businesses and pursuing such grant opportunities as they has created in excess of 500 local jobs. are perceived as being somewhat of an As the region’s main hub for offshore administrative headache. SCORE is not renewables, many of the region’s leading the norm where traditional applications are companies are tenants, including, East concerned as the scheme is supported by Anglian Offshore Wind, SSE, 4C Offshore specialists within the industry who work and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier. closely with applicants, undertaking much ‘hand-holding’ and guidance, from agreeing Ever-aware of opportunities to further a company’s eligibility to grant application assist the sector, OrbisEnergy hosts submission – without the headache! numerous prestigious conferences, such as Renewable UK, and works closely with Project Management EEEGR, providing networking opportunities, Enter Richard! and bringing awareness of the sector and its potential to larger audiences. Richard and his team of industry specialists are on hand to support companies and In a nutshell start-ups through the process by finding out In a nutshell, SCORE provides a welcome more about their innovative ideas, evaluating win/win scenario, assisting SMEs fund new I have pleasure introducing my next guest funding viability and then assisting with the business ideas, as well as bringing exciting Richard Salmon based at the state-of- development of a funding business case. innovative products and services to the the-art Renewables Hub at OrbisEnergy, Twelve hours of business advice is also fore, all of which will benefit the offshore Lowestoft. A former business advisor for 7 available to help SMEs with the development renewable supply chain. years and now Project Manager for NWES, of their new product or service, and further some may call him a ‘Business Angel’, for enhance the viability of their application. Success his knowledge and expertise may be just So far 15 SCORE grants have been what your company could be looking for. Once the application has been presented awarded to companies across East Anglia, at the monthly panel meeting and funding with a further 40 still pending. Did you Know? has been agreed, SCORE’s responsibility SCORE is an exciting opportunity for East does not just end. Going forward, the team By the end of our discussions, I had Anglian SME’s to access funds to assist will meet on a monthly basis to discuss successfully absorbed; by osmosis, his and drive innovative products/services and progress and other important issues to sheer enthusiasm for the projects, his processes to boost the region’s exciting further assist the success of the company passion for the sector and his thirst for renewable offshore energy sector. and ensure all is proceeding to plan. assisting and helping develop SMEs across East Anglia. Supply Chain innovation for Forward-thinking service Offshore Renewable Energy For many companies this forward-thinking If you feel your company would benefit from The grant funding programme is known service provided by SCORE is invaluable, SCORE funding Richard looks forward to as Supply Chain innovation for Offshore as effectively Richard and his team have the hearing from you…. Renewable Energy, or in short, yet another ‘ear of the offshore renewables sector’ and acronym to add to the long line: SCORE. are able to provide insights and first-hand To contact SCORE’s business advisers, knowledge to SMEs applying for funding. please call 01502 563368 or email The funding programme delivers £2.5 million Richard happily confirms many companies [email protected] investment through the European Regional within the region are already benefiting Development Fund, with grants ranging from the opportunities SCORE funding Interview by Fliss Chaffer from £2,500 up to a maximum of 30% offers. Those having successfully secured Wind Energy Network of the project’s eligible costs, or £50,000 grants to progress projects include Norcom (whichever is lower). Technology, 4COffshore, Scour Prevention, Click to view more info Tidal Transit and PWE Recruitment Group Ltd to name but a few.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 9 post consent support feature sponsor Post consent support • Clarifying, defining or amending advice from the leaders in the industry compliance and discharge registers • Agreeing licence variations if required Achieving consent is a major milestone Due to the long lead times between initial • Preparation of Environmental in the offshore wind farm development planning leading to construction and then Management Plans process. on to operation, the detail of many of the • Designing, managing, undertaking and requirements of licences are deferred reporting onshore and offshore surveys Royal HaskoningDHV has a 100% track into the post-consent period. It is in this • Reviewing contractor Method record of achieving consent on offshore period when detailed design is undertaken Statements renewable energy projects. However, the and environmental mitigation measures real work of meeting the environmental and can be embedded into the construction All of these tasks require close liaison associated technical, engineering and risk and operational design and installation and negotiation with regulators and management challenges continue are faced methodologies. relevant authorities such as the MMO, after consent has been granted. Marine Scotland, local authorities or the In addition, given the pace of change and Environment Agency. Offshore wind sector innovation in available technologies project Offshore wind is a young industry and has designs have the potential to develop Longer term requirements faced many challenges. As wind farms and be refined from that consented, even There is also a requirement to agree longer move further offshore and get bigger these allowing for the flexibility allowed for within term requirements such as operational challenges have increased. In addition, the the ‘Rochdale Envelope’. There is therefore monitoring and management plans and onshore electrical transmission aspects a great deal of work to be done with the sustainable and effective decommissioning of projects involve long cable routes and relevant authorities and environmental plans. construction of large converter stations to regulators to take licence conditions and connect with the national grid turn them into operational plans. A key requirement with such a wide range of environmental plans and methodologies Services required Survey and monitoring to be agreed is to ensure join-up between A large range of environmental, technical programmes different specialisms and look for and engineering services are required to Survey and monitoring programmes need opportunities for efficiencies and savings. support offshore wind farm developers to be designed to be robust, proportionate This is particularly important offshore through the post consent, design and meaningful. Preconstruction activities where boat time is expensive and weather development, risk review and procurement include…: windows may be short. stages.
10 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor post consent support
Onshore challenges Although the challenges offshore are perhaps the most obvious, long onshore cable routes, raise a number of specific challenges… It is however the onshore cable route where • Archaeology – limited survey for some of the technical challenges lie and consent application, potential for finds our teams are advising on access and during pre-construction and geotechnical investigations. construction, pre agreed investigation works (WSI) and stakeholder liaison Significant changes • Traffic and transport – is a key In the 15 years that Royal HaskoningDHV stakeholder concern particularly in rural have been providing support services to areas where infrastructure may already the offshore renewables industry we have be under pressure. It is important seen very significant changes in the nature to keep the number of movements to of the wind farms being developed and the the minimum required and optimise the consenting issues that must be addressed. design to reduce materials as well as look for innovative and sustainable Larger sites further offshore raise challenges solutions for worker travel. There could but we are also no longer working on also be an impact on air quality and noise Our team advised on the necessary surveys projects in isolation. The southern North • Reactive – in a dynamic environment and subsequent re-siting of turbines and Sea has over 30 projects in various stages things can change quickly and cables and the creation of exclusion zones, of development and it is these cumulative there is a need for quick response which enabled construction to go ahead interactions between sites where the really times to unexpected events especially without delay. We are delighted that the tricky consenting issues are that are now during construction, whether a result wind farm is in the operational phase, we featuring in consent conditions for UK and of unexpected environmental conditions continue our commitment to the project European offshore wind farms. or equipment/infrastructure providing post construction consent breakdowns. Marine licence variations management and survey work. Ensuring long term operation can take time and good relationships and maintenance with stakeholders and regulators Dudgeon offshore wind farm We are very quickly moving towards having are essential to speed up the process Royal HaskoningDHV is also the lead multi GW scale offshore wind developments. of paperwork environmental consultant on the 400MW The challenges of ensuring the long term • Data management a key requirement – Dudgeon offshore wind farm since its operation and maintenance of the offshore need to ensure that information is inception in 2007. We are currently wind sector is safe effective and sustainable available and provided in format to help preparing for the construction phase with are significant, but we believe it is an exciting operators, contractors or stakeholders Statoil and Statkraft and are assisting road ahead and Royal HaskoningDHV is with the design and management of determined to be a major part of it. Current post consent projects pre-construction and construction work RHDHV is currently providing post consent packages offshore and onshore including Alistair Davison services for 3 offshore wind farms, each one the 48km onshore cable route It is vital that Development Director – Renewable has thrown up different challenges. These all onshore and offshore consent conditions Energy challenges are varied, technical and always are met and we are ensuring the pre- Royal HaskoningDHV breaking new ground, which is why our construction survey program is proceeding teams enjoy this type of work so much. well with adequate consultation with local stakeholders. Click to view more info Thanet Offshore Windfarm Finding ways of being able to predict and avoid protected Annex I reef habitat at Thanet Offshore Windfarm required accurate survey and mapping data coupled with clear understanding and engagement with the engineers and contractors.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 11 post consent support feature sponsor When can you tick archaeology off the list? Brandon Mason, Business Development Manager for Maritime Archaeology Ltd looks at the role of archaeology in post consent monitoring
Adverse impacts on marine archaeology and Policy does recognise that the construction, cultural heritage from offshore renewables operation and de-commissioning of projects are likely to be permanent as there offshore energy infrastructure can affect is no capacity for recovery from impacts on waves, tides and scour so a specialist this finite resource. Despite this, with the maritime archaeologist is required to application of appropriate mitigation, such provide accurate forecasts for the impact of effects can be avoided entirely, or reduced new structures on the historic environment. to acceptable levels in environmental impact Phew, problem solved. (EIA) terms. In reality, however, recognising that archaeological EIA consent the indirect impact and mitigation is only the start and that of turbines on tidal heritage and corporate image work well flows can only be hand in hand. measured accurately after installation. This Example means that heritage For example, the principles of co-operation curators can never and pro-active biennial monitoring of confidently place submerged cultural heritage brought into archaeology in the the marine aggregates industry more than file marked ‘done’ - a decade ago [BMPAPA EH GUIDANCE and therefore neither 2003] highlight the relationships that can be can developers – no reached between industry, English Heritage matter how temping and other stakeholders. to do so. From this, other monitoring initiatives have Present developed, such as the BMAPA Protocol situation for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Today, the National Interest (revised 2011), as well as a wealth Policy Statements for of quantitative data that has enabled Overarching Energy more fully contextualised responses to and Renewable marine planning, licensing processes and Energy Infrastructure, development proposals. combined with the April 2014 Marine Perhaps this is the start of a similar Management movement for OWFs? Organisation (MMO) guidance means that Development at sea we now live in a post With the pressures of more development consenting world. at sea, I believe we will see movement toward more industry collaboration; moving And this is something away from project development to zonal Consenting process that marine archaeologists are increasingly developments, balanced both for industry The consenting process dictates that being asked to support. and to record and preserve our historic developers have an obligation to produce maritime seascapes – all of which will need an environmental statement featuring a The importance of cultural ongoing archaeological support. detailed archaeological baseline, EIA, desk- heritage based assessment and technical data to Post consent monitoring requirements are Brandon Mason inform these mitigation strategies. But is often thought of as solely applicable to Business Development Manager this where heritage should end? wildlife, fisheries and environmental licence Maritime Archaeology Ltd conditions but the importance of cultural heritage is now ever more recognised. Indeed, in a bumper year of historical commemorations many organisations are
12 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor post consent support
Post consent support begins at the due diligence stage
Last year we reported on moves to protect peatland which is among the most degraded and at-risk habitats in Britain, but the fact that onshore wind developers are obliged to preserve and rehabilitate these landscapes is something to be embraced. No planning application in these areas will succeed without a sound peat management plan – and work on fulfilling the plan will be continuous throughout the life of the development.
Knowledge bank The tool is in the public domain and now Experience gained is now helping Armed with the knowledge bank that has in general use; so peat management plans to inform the current round of been built up over recent years, we have have a carbon benchmark against which to developments a clearer picture of what is best practice measure their success. The peat management plans that have during the construction and operating been prepared in recent years and the phases of a development. Planners will Key message experience that consultancies like Atmos always look for a credible carbon balance A key message that I’d like to get across have gained both in preparing plans and (often referred to as payback) analysis and is that, for a development with a 25 year acting as Ecological Clerk of Works to the development of the Carbon Calculator life span, rehabilitation is a 25 year project. verify that they are fulfilled, are also now at Aberdeen University, a project I have Planning for post consent work starts on helping to inform the current round of been involved in from the outset, helps the day you first look at a site. Fulfilling the developments. developers to submit robust planning plan will call for action from day 1 after applications and, in turn, gives planners a consent is won. In practice, owners who are taking a background against which to assess them. responsible approach to construction Of key importance is what is done and restoration work will reap the with the peat that is removed during benefits as they look to the next phase of the construction process and how it is development. managed during the operational life of the windfarm and subsequently restored. Dr Geeta Puri Developers need to work with ecologists Principal Consultant and environmental consultants to create a Atmos Consulting plan that will satisfy the regulatory bodies: SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) and SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and ultimately lead to a successful outcome for both developer and peatland habitat.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 13 post consent support feature sponsor
If it was Site value engineering It may also be appropriate to undertake value engineering of the site, evaluating only as easy the layout of roads and hardstandings or repositioning of turbines due to further wind analysis.
as getting All require sign off by consenting authorities and incorporation into contracts with consent suppliers for BOP, Grid and Wind Turbines. Berryburn – case study Nevis Environmental has just finished assisting in the construction of the Key preconstruction activities were carried 66.7MW Berryburn wind farm in Morayshire, Scotland alongside its parent out alongside the Wind Prospect project company Wind Prospect and client Statkraft UK. management team and undertook…:
The company’s involvement continues into the magnitude and depth of information • Planning consent for an offsite borrow pit the operational phase for the next 3 years needed to discharge planning conditions • Discharge of 42 planning conditions from the initial call from Statkraft UK back in and seek permissions from other statutory • Preconstruction ecology surveys 2009 looking for support on the project after bodies to achieve full consent. including... it was consented by Scottish Ministers. • Ornithology Surveys including Demand focus extensive monitoring for Hen Client contact In recent years, more focus is placed Harriers and Waders “My normal calls from clients follow one on the detailed design of the permanent • NVC survey of Groundwater of two options,‘I have consent and need works and more accountable mitigation dependant terrestrial ecosystem help to get it ready to construct it’, or ‘I measures is demanded from councils and • Mammal Surveys am selling my project but they want all the counsultees to ensure the development is • Modification of the site layout to avoid consents in place before, what do I need not in breach of its consent. deep peat and extensive earthworks to do?” Colin Aimers, General Manager, • Modification of 9 of the wind turbine Nevis Environmental. Moreover the detailed design, permissions locations due to instability of the ground and supporting documents need to address at consented locations Realisation issues found on the site following the The company has found in the past 10 consent including; considering the ground Nevis Environmental years, clients celebrate the success of conditions, requirements of the grid operator planning consent and suddenly realise and the final selected wind turbine.
14 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor post consent support
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 15 T ON HUll & HUMBER introduction UMBER
SPOTLIGH ULL & H H SPECIAL EDITIon: Spotlight ON...
Siemens announcement Hull & Humber Special Edition Personal thanks Just as the last editionof this magazine You will read all the details of the proposed May I personally take this opportunity to was hitting desks we were informed of Siemens development throughout this thank everyone who has contributed – from the Siemens announcement. Although major spotlight feature (the most expansive government officials, both local and national, confidently expected by the leaders in the yet covering some 50+ pages); however, to the many companies/organisations, both industry, both in the UK and farther afield, broadly speaking, not only have Siemens large and small, and of course the advice it was nevertheless fantastic to hear that committed to an assembly plant in the which we have received from the leaders in it is actually going to happen after all the area but also a manufacturing plant for the the industry. It is greatly appreciated – we background work from everyone involved. industry as well – the knock-on effect of this could not have produced this feature without decision has yet to be realised but it will be you. Regulars to our magazine will note that we unprecedented in the UK. have visited this important area of the UK I have got to know many personalities in to our industry on more than one occasion We have therefore decided to name this the area over the past 5 years and can over the past 5 years – in the last edition in issue of Wind Energy Network ‘The Hull & confidently state that the region boasts, fact we ran a feature on the South Humber Humber Special Edition’. without doubt, the most enthusiastic, and in particular the AbleUK developments. professional and enlightened individuals I have had the pleasure to meet. HUll & Humber supply chain matrix You will also find within this edition a pull- Duncan McGilvray out-and-keep supplement which is a matrix Editor | Wind Energy Network of 100 supply chain companies and the services that they offer, specifically to the wind energy industry working in the Hull & Humber area.
All image rights reserved to Humber Access Ltd ©
16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H HUll & HUMBER introduction UMBERT ON
Contents
20 Ports & Port services
30 Logistics
38 Training
48 Professional Services
54 Operations & Maintenance
62 Support Services
Please enjoy finding out for yourself what the region offers by reading this most interesting substantial feature.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 T ON siemens interview UMBER
SPOTLIGH ULL & H H for this. In May this year it was announced that 8 projects would go ahead under the Final Investment Decision Enabling for Renewables (FID-ER) process and 5 of these are offshore wind, with around 3GW Siemens of capacity supported. Most significantly, the outcomes of EMR were enough for Siemens to give a green on the Humber light to its investment plans in Yorkshire. SIEMENS announcement When Siemens announced in March this year that it was investing £160 million in a new wind turbine blade factory in Paull, East Yorkshire and related assembly and logistics facilities at Green Port Hull, it was a clear signal to the UK offshore wind industry. This long-awaited decision was widely heralded in political and industry circles as a 'game-changer' that could help unlock other 'green' investments and possibly also usher in a new period of growth for the renewables sector.
Whatever the long-term shape of the industry there is no doubt that Siemens’ investment and the related £150 million investment of its partner Associated British Ports in harbour development at Green Port Hull, has boosted industry confidence and given a new lease of life to the Humber region’s aspirations to become a renewable energy hub.
Wind Energy Network takes a detailed look at Green Port Hull and what it could mean for the region.
The windiest corner of Europe The UK is blessed with an abundance of wind and is currently the largest market for offshore wind in Europe having grown significantly from 1GW in 2010 to its current figure of 3.6 GW of installed offshore capacity (UK total is 10GW). Just over the same amount (3.8 GW) is either in construction or has planning approval and a further 7.8 GW is in the planning system. Estimates for installed capacity by 2020 range between 10-14GW which means that the UK is well on the way to achieving its renewables targets.
Despite this growth, it has not been an This long and complex process created A seminal investment easy ride for wind over the last few years. much uncertainty along the way. Siemens announcement of its decision The industry has just emerged from a four to go ahead was a seminal moment for year long process of energy market reform, However, at the end of the process the the UK wind industry, for the region and which has transformed government support industry is still in good shape, albeit trimmer for Siemens. The investment helps boost mechanisms from Renewable Obligation than anticipated in the heady days of 2010 the UK’s credentials as a major market Certificates (ROCs) to Contracts for when the original Round 3 offshore wind and investment arena for offshore wind, Difference (CfD). programme was announced. The new provides confidence to the wind industry support mechanisms may even make and gives hope to a region keen to become non-balance sheet financing easier and a hub for renewables development. For more attractive. There is some evidence Siemens the investment enhances its
18 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H
siemens interview UMBERT ON
leadership in offshore wind and underpins its Next generation technology here commitment to UK manufacturing and the in the region UK renewables industry. Siemens will develop the first rotor blade in the UK, creating highly skilled jobs and manufacturing plant for its next-generation investing in the supply chain.” 6MW wind turbines at the Paull site in the East Riding of Yorkshire. This brings leading The Alexandra Dock operation will employ edge blade technology to the UK and high- about 450 people. At the Paull site, there will end manufacturing and skilled jobs to the be about another 550 people. These will be region. full-time long-term jobs. The jobs created during construction will peak at about 350. The SWT- 6.0-154 turbines (part of Siemens D6 platfom) incorporate the latest in blade “There are many facets to this project – a technology using the patented IntegralBlade pre-construction phase including planning process. The B75 blade is manufactured and design, then the actual preparation of from glass fibre-reinforced epoxy resin and the sites by ABP to allow us to construct balsa wood. It has no seams or glued joints our facilities, followed by the fitting out and no adhesive, all of which saves weight. of those facilities. In parallel there will be This makes the 75m long blade the world’s a recruitment process. This process will largest fibre glass component cast in one kick in at various stages over the coming piece and also one of the longest blades months and years, and of course the size Finbarr in the world with a total rotor diameter of and scope of that recruitment will vary in Dowling 154m. The rotor sweeps an area of 18,600 line with where we are with the readiness m2 - the size of 2½ football pitches. of our facilities.”
Siemens, with a heritage of over 170 years in the UK already has a significant “This investment is going to create lots of manufacturing footprint with 13 factories and businesses employing 13,760 people. Over new jobs and opportunities, meaning more a third of these work in Siemens energy businesses, which includes almost 2,000 financial security and peace of mind for employees in renewables; developing and installing the latest wind turbine technology, families and a more resilient economy for designing and engineering offshore transmission solutions and providing service our country.” and logistics operations to wind farm developers. The new factory at Paull and Prime Minister, David Cameron related developments at Green Port Hull will add around 1,000 new colleagues to the Siemens family. These larger more efficient gearless turbines “In addition and in parallel with the are produced using serial production aforementioned programme we’ll also be The new manufacturing and service facilities techniques. Serial production and turbine engaging with our external stakeholders, in Green Port Hull and Paull will be key and blade design are key elements in the including the local communities, local and additions to Siemens already extensive industry’s cost reduction programme and its national government, local educational renewables portfolio in the UK. Around commitment to reducing the cost of energy. institutions and potential local and national 50% (5GW) of the UK’s total onshore suppliers,” comments Finbarr. and offshore wind generating capacity Industrialising the servicing process and is delivered and serviced by Siemens. ensuring it works in an optimum way is also In summary there is a lot to do and many Siemens has delivered technology, grid and important in reducing the running costs and elements to consider, this is a complex service solutions to 13 offshore wind farms therefore lowering the LCOE (Levelised Cost project and time spent now, up front, around the UK’s coast, which includes of Energy). Service and logistics operations getting the planning right is critical to the many of the world’s biggest developments, are also integral parts of the new facility in future operation of Siemens businesses such as London Array (175 turbines), Yorkshire. There will be a logistics centre based in Hull. Gwynt-y-Môr (160), Greater Gabbard (140). at the Hull site for housing spare parts and Siemens has also invested in Research and shipping them out to the North Sea and a “My team and I look forward to kick-starting Development centres in the UK (Sheffield, network of centres throughout the UK. the process later this year and helping Keele, and Manchester) dedicated to wind the region develop and contribute to this power and grid research. It also has an Green Port Hull and Paull exciting industry that is so important to the impressive renewables training infrastructure. Commenting on the project, Finbarr UK’s low carbon future,” says Finbarr. Siemens has invested £9m in its Energy Dowling, Siemens Project Director for the Service Training Centre in Newcastle which Green Port Hull and Paull Developments Seimens boasts a dedicated wind power training said: “With respect to UK offshore wind school for wind service technicians. Siemens farms supplying energy to UK customers, has pioneered new apprenticeships for wind it follows that we have as high UK content service and installation technicians. as possible – so we’ll be spending money
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H
Ports & port services a vital ingredient for offshore wind
ABP Humber… • Manages four ports in the Humber We welcome Associated British Ports region as our sponsors for the Port & Port • The £310 million Green Port Hull project The Humber Ports – Key Facts services section within our Hull & is now confirmed • The Humber Estuary is Britain’s busiest Humber spotlight. • Is a key transport link trading seaway • Contributes £2.2 billion to the UK • The Estuary is home to four ABP ports – With roots dating back as a far as 1962 economy each year Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Immingham when it was founded as the British Transport • These four ports handle approximately Docks Board (BTDB), Associated British At the forefront of renewable 65 million tonnes of cargo between them Ports (ABP) has grown to manage 21 ports energy on the Humber each year across the UK, including four ports within the ABP is celebrating a recent surge in growth • Grimsby and Immingham form the UK’s Humber region. across its Humber ports – Grimsby, biggest ocean gateway and move more Immingham, Hull and Goole. The key to than 54 million tonnes of cargo per Grimsby, Immingham, Hull and Goole delivering this has been ABP’s continuing annum together process around 65 million tonnes of commitment to innovation and its ability to • Goole is situated 50 miles upriver and is cargo per year meaning the ports managed respond within a changing market. the UK’s premier inland port within the Humber are an increasingly vital link between the UK economy, Europe and Investment Offshore wind industry the rest of the world. In the last decade ABP’s Humber ports have It’s widely known that Siemens has chosen seen £250 million of investment, which has the Port of Hull to develop a new offshore been vital in supporting 23,000 direct and wind turbine assembly and export terminal. indirect jobs within the Humber region. This £310 million development will include a facility for the assembly of wind turbines, ABP’s Humber Ports are crucial to the UK component storage areas and offices, as with the Port of Immingham handling almost well as a new 600m riverside berth which will one third of the nation’s coal.Recently there handle the fully assembled wind turbines. has been a shift towards renewable energy and ABP Humber is again leading the way The Siemens facility alone will create over 1,000 jobs and more will be generated by supply-chain industries.
Viking Odessa at Port of Grimsby
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Investment Siemens is investing £160 million across the two locations and ABP is investing a further £150 million in the project.
This is one of the biggest inward investments the city of Hull has ever seen. It promises regeneration and the creation of many hundreds of new jobs and new skills. It is a welcome boost to the regional economy and to Hull, which will be City of Culture in 2017 when the factory will be up and running.
In fact, such is the importance of the project that at the time of Siemens announcement, Prime Minister David Cameron stated: “This Hull key facts is a massive vote of confidence in our • The Port of Hull handles approx. 10 Green Port Hull long-term economic plan. This investment million tonnes of cargo annually In a prime location on the north bank of is going to create lots of new jobs and • The port is a primary gateway to the River Humber, the Port of Hull is one of opportunities, meaning more financial Northern Europe and Scandinavia the UK’s leading foreign-trading ports. It is security and peace of mind for families and • Port area: 1,214 ha currently at the centre of what is possibly the a more resilient economy for our country.” • The port is the focal point for the planned UK's largest transformational port project, development of the UK’s largest offshore Green Port Hull. UK Energy needs – critical role wind turbine manufacturing facility, which James Cooper, ABP chief executive will be located on the Port’s Alexandra Siemens has chosen Hull’s Alexandra Dock, added: “The announcement by Siemens Dock as the location of its new offshore wind underlines the critical role the Humber • Total investment in the project is turbine assembly and export facility. region plays in servicing the UK’s energy estimated to be worth £310 million needs, both today and in the future. • The planned facilities are expected to Siemens production & installation employ upto 1000 people facilities “Our investment in Green Port Hull will • The Hull All-Weather Terminal offers Further to its announcement in 2011 that ensure the supply chain supporting this constant working for vessels carrying Hull was its first choice for the location of a exciting new industry can be centred climate-sensitive cargoes and wind turbine facility, in March 2014 Siemens on the Humber. We are delighted that over 10,000 sq m of covered storage confirmed its decision to invest £160 million Siemens has chosen to partner with us to • The port estate offers 230,000 sq m of in wind turbine production and installation realise this exciting project.” covered storage and a further 65 ha of facilities across two sites in Yorkshire - open storage Alexandra Dock and a new rotor blade • The Port of Hull is located just 22 miles manufacturing facility near Paull in the East from the North Sea Riding. Continued...
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H
Simon Brett “It will be hard work but the exciting opportunities which present Head of Projects themselves for everyone involved are tremendous – it will be an initial 3-5 year project but will no doubt resonate in the area for for AB Ports decades to come.” Simon concluded. Humber Goole We met up with ABP Humber’s Head of Projects, Simon Brett, who As the UK's most inland port, Goole is ideally situated for access to held previous roles as Interim Port Manager for Hull & Goole as well the country's transport infrastructure. Located on the River Ouse, as Port Manager at Grimsby & Immingham and was appointed Head some 50 miles from the North Sea and less than two miles from of Projects, Humber in July. the M62, Goole is only 30 minutes' drive from the industrial areas of West and South Yorkshire. Simon has now worked for some 23 years for ABP starting way back in 1991 as a graduate trainee at Southampton and Kings Lynn The North Midlands and the Northwest are no more than an having achieved a degree in Maritime Geography at the University of hour's drive away. The port also has rail connections to many Cardiff. berths and well-used inland waterway connections to West and South Yorkshire. The 310-acre Capitol Park distribution centre is One of Simon’s most interesting personal achievements is that he is conveniently located close by. a qualified football referee and has been for 30 years! He still helps out local clubs if needs be but finds little time with his hands full, with Goole key facts his role at ABP and a wife and three children aged 16, 19 and 21 to • UK’s premier inland port – 50 miles from open sea take care of! • Port area: 40ha • Goole lies at the heart of national road, rail and waterway Aims and ambitions? networks providing convenient penetration of Britain’s key Without hesitation Simon’s immediate response was to mention the industrial regions Siemens decision and the project which is now well underway; “the • Two million tonnes of cargo handled annually Green Port Hull project delivery is one the most exciting things that • The Port of Goole can accommodate vessels with a length of has happened to this area in living memory and to be an important 100m, a beam of 24m and a maximum draft of 6m part of that project is an excellent opportunity for myself and for ABP. • Goole boasts storage facilities of approximately 100,00 sq m
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“Business development is my key role and that is why the Siemens Mike Sellers decision is so important to the ports and the area as a whole – this Grimsby & is a major achievement and will bring big changes to this area for Immingham’s Port the better. I will do my bit to ensure that happens.” Mike enthused. Continued focus manager ABP’s Humber ports will continue to focus on completing the infrastructure developments that are currently underway while looking We met up with Grimsby & Immingham’s Port manager who arrived for further opportunities down the line. With the current activity in just 6 months ago to take on this extremely important role. Mike has renewable energy and the resurgence of the UK economy ABP is been with ABP for 12 years spending a great deal of his earlier career confident of strong performance over the coming years. in East Anglia, mainly at Lowestoft. As the UK’s busiest port complex the Humber keeps Britain trading. Mike spent five years as Port Manager at Hull & Goole prior to his This creates jobs and prosperity to the whole region and it is vital that present position, having originally hailed from the Hull area. Mike ABP continue building on the existing position as a key gateway for is in fact a 3rd generation dock worker following his father and meeting the UK's energy needs today and in the future. grandfather before him. Grimsby When asked about his ‘average day’ he commented “There is no The developments in the Port of Grimsby are already having a such thing as an average day! – that is what makes the job so knock-on effect by sparking a green revival in the town and acting interesting. as a springboard for further investment with local businesses and suppliers reaping the benefits. Located five nautical miles from the “There are no 2 days the same and see myself as someone who North Sea, the Port of Grimsby is perfectly positioned for offshore has to be there – getting out and about, liaising with customers wind Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities. and ensuring things run smoothly.” By 2018 there are likely to be 690 turbines off the East Coast of Aims and ambitions? England close to the Humber Estuary. Six companies including DONG Mike stated that he has a very good relationship with his employers Energy, Centrica, Siemens and E.On have already chosen Grimsby as and agrees with their policy of meeting with colleagues throughout their base for their O&M activities, with more expected to follow. the UK to share thoughts and concerns in the best interests of the business as a whole and also meeting others in the industry at Grimsby key facts selected events and conferences. • Located just six miles from the open sea • Port area: 200ha • Cargos are handled in ships of up to 6000 deadweight tonnes • Leading vehicle handling centre for the north • £26 million has been invested in the Grimsby River Terminal – a facility which will allow vessels carrying in excess of 3,000 vehicles to berth in deeper water outside the enclosed docks
Immingham While the ports of Hull and Goole continue to grow in importance Aquaseal have a vast an varied product range to the overall success of ABP, Immingham is ABP’s powerhouse covering products of many materials, shapes and and the UK’s busiest port by tonnage. The port of Immingham has sizes for many different types of applications. received considerable investment and the proposed Immingham Western Deepwater Jetty will create a new riverside terminal vital in servicing the changing needs of the UK’s energy supply industry in Neoprene Lined J-Tube Guides the future. CUSTOMER SPECIFICATION: Sea Water Resistance Immingham key facts Flame Retardant Grade • Port area: 498 ha Long Life Ozone Resistance • With its sister port of Grimsby, Immingham handles over 54 million tonnes of cargo each year • 48 million tonnes represents 10% of all UK seaborne freight • Immingham provides access to major international trade routes including North and South America, Africa, Australia, the Middle and the Far East Chloroprene Rubber Coated with 1mm Thick Tefl on • The port also provides access to the European market, which represents 170 million people and is less than 24 hours away • Immingham’s Humber International Terminal receives vessels regularly carrying more than 100,000 tonnes of coal • These large vessels are handled by mobile harbour cranes which can discharge at a rate of 700 tonnes per hour Caisson Guides before and after Neoprene Rubber Lining • HIT boasts 520m of berthing Click to view more www.aquasealrubber.co.uk Associated British Ports info
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Foreseeing the future significant diversification at Port of Grimsby East
Supporting the offshore wind industry, Increase in its dock based Infrastructure development located on the south bank of the operations 2013 saw a significant infrastructure country’s busiest trading estuary, Port Grimsby is still a significant player within the development in the way of a conversion of Grimsby East, formerly known as fishing industry with 17,000 tonnes of fish to the existing lock gates. This increased Grimsby Fish Docks, has long been an coming through the market but over the last 8 the capacity for movement of vessels in established marine base. years there has been a significant increase in and out of the port, also extending its its dock based operations. capabilities for the movement of longer, Marine history larger vessels which provide essential Ever since it’s completion in 1856 Grimsby Wind energy industry maintenance to the wind farms being Fish Dock No. 1 and subsequently No. Port of Grimsby East has developed Grimsby constructed off the East Coast. The project 2 Fish Dock finished in 1877, has kept a as a renewable hub providing excellent was delivered in partnership with North huge marine presence at sea, even during O&M facilities for several windfarm operators East Lincolnshire Council. the war years. including Siemens, Centrica, Eon and Dong.
In 1936 Grimsby was the largest fishing With the ability to provide bespoke Bright future anticipated port in the world with 180,000 tonnes of pontoons, fuel bunkering, slipway Grimsby has a long standing engineering fish landed from vessels. It maintained facilities for vessels up to 800 tonnes background and with its excellent road and the largest fishing fleet the world has ever and office and storage facilities, and with rail networks and an airport 15 minutes’ known having over 500 craft regularly sailing the advantage of its location as the first drive away, it has the infrastructure to in and out of the port. Throughout the years port on the River Humber, there is no compete in this developing industry. So as Grimsby has amassed vast amounts of doubt Port of Grimsby East is an ideal the numbers of windfarms in the North Sea experience with a history of flexibility readily operational base. increase, further development at Grimsby is embracing new working methods and anticipated. technology. Port of Grimsby East
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Proven expertise in contracts large or small
Pearson Electrical/Pearson Marine is a local company with proven expertise in Particular challenges of the small and large contracts, with over 30 years of expertise in the marine, industrial marine environment include… and hazardous area sectors. • Design, install & commission wiring systems Expanding business Services include… • Batteries/chargers The company recently moved into larger • Custom build LV switchboards • Electrical refits & repair premises situated within easy access to • Motor control centres • Shore supply all the docks in Hull with the anticipation • Consoles • Wiring fault diagnosis of considerable work in the supply chain • Control panels and starters • Invertors serving the ever growing renewables sector. • Control system design, build and • Engine instruments installation • DC & AC power sockets Quality services • Electrical testing and commissioning • Starters/alternators They have a dedicated staff offering the primary & secondary current injection • Cabin & deck lighting highest quality in the design build and • Portable appliance testing • Isolation switches installation of all services to the specialist • Periodic inspections • Distribution panels marine environment along with all industrial • Industrial and marine electrical and hazardous areas. installations and repairs The company’s latest project is the electrical build, design and testing of all Renewable energy sector equipment for a newly designed high speed Currently the company is growing and support vessel for the wind farm industry maintaining a network of customers within taking place at the MMs shipyard in Hull. the renewable energy sector offering technical expertise on all installations and Pearson Electrical/Marine Engineers maintenance of HSSV to minimise any downtime.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Local company with a 180 year track record! The John Good Group was established in 1833 Port of Grimsby east is the first port of call on the Humber in Hull as a ship chandler, agent and broker – offering diverse dock facilities to offshore wind farm the company has been a key player in the local operators. It is centrally located to major road and rail market for over 180 years. network systems and has the ability to provide many facilities including bespoke pontoons and berthing options, fuel bunkering and office & storage facilities. www.portofgrimsby.com | 01472 350023
Star Japan at Port of Corpus Christi, Texas
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Operating across a range of different industries By working in a varied range of industries, the company has been able to effectively Global service weather the recent economic storm, and Aside from vessel agency services, the this versatility has been a large factor in the John Good Group can also manage the group’s recent success. importing of containers, vehicles and many other cargoes both locally and further afield Recent growth Family business from a range of destinations worldwide. More recently, the John Good Group The John Good Group remains under has grown as a business to include the ownership of the Good family and Furthermore, if an international business eleven different subsidiaries and over continues to grow and develop, preparing has a requirement for members of their 260 staff, thanks to successes in for the next 180 years. company to travel overseas, Good Travel building its customer base across each Management can support the business of its companies and through targeted Energy sector with a complete travel management service acquisitions of companies in similar sectors In relation to the energy sector the to save time and reduce costs. and with similar values to those of the company, through its subsidiary DAN business and family. Shipping & Chartering, provides high quality So, if your business is importing cargo from port agency services and handles in excess China, storing and distributing it locally or to Shipping & Logistics of 10m tons of coal and biomass each year the wider UK market, the company has the Today the group’s main activities are on behalf of some of the region’s largest experience and skills to ensure a smooth shipping and logistics, warehousing power stations. operation. and distribution and corporate travel, each individual business operating Renewables sector John Good Group independently, but working together DAN Shipping ensures the safe arrival and wherever possible. departure of vessels coming in and out of the local ports in Hull and Immingham; ED's NOTE: Click to crucial in minimising unnecessary additional See Hull & Humber view more port charges and is looking forward to supply chain matrix. info continuing to serve the needs of the burgeoning renewable sector.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Pushing the limits of platform cranes Seasight Davits is a supplier of platform cranes and service provider for the offshore wind industry. Seasight Davits aims at being a company, which pushes the limit for what you can expect from a platform crane.
Customer value is key The design is optimised for easy service Experience – case study Plug and play installation, high functionality, and maintenance, and is produced in high The company delivered 73 platform reliability, service availability and fast quality with focus on low maintenance cranes for the Humber Gateway Offshore handling are all important focus areas, costs in the life of the platform crane. Windfarm and 73 platform cranes for the because it saves time and value, and in the Northwind Offshore Windfarm. end, creates value for the customers. Working with local service providers Humber Gateway Plug & play installation The company is a service provider with The platform cranes for the Humber By focusing on the Plug and play the philosophy of following best practice in Gateway Offshore Windfarm are installation we can now add value for the order to ensure that the service personnel characterised by the following key points… costumer already in the installation period. are able to perform the services in a safe manner and with the highest level of quality. • All components are pre-mounted inside Tailor made solution Seasight Davits prefers to co-operate with the structure on the crane and all loose Seasight Davits designs and develops the local service providers, where the wind farm components are included in the delivery platform crane in co-operation with the is established, to secure a fast mobilisation ensuring an easy and fast installation customer, to fulfil the customers’ demands and a local knowledge of the area. • The crane jib can be lowered down to and wishes. This gives the customer give better access service personnel. the advantage of a tailor-made solution • The crane is designed in modules to designed exactly to the location of the ensure easy maintenance and service, offshore wind farm and to conditions on the which lowers down time particular site. • Components can be exchanged saving time on complicated trouble shooting
Seasight Davits
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The company also established its latest things we could bring to the industry. subsidiary, Rix Sea Shuttle, to work in the As the offshore industry attracts more new industry, which adds to its other marine companies to the Humber we have created Keeping businesses Rix Shipping and Maritime warehousing facilities for those companies. Bunkering. If they need temperature controlled storage, ahead of we can supply it. If they need workshops A lot to offer to service or develop technical equipment, James Doyle, Managing Director of Rix again, we can supply it. the game in Sea Shuttle, said: “We always intended on being ahead of the game with renewables “It is about offering support that starts renewables because we felt our expertise in the onshore at the port and goes right the way shipping industry gave us a lot to offer the through to when the engineers step off the Seimens’ announcement that it intends industry. boat to work on the turbines.” to build a wind turbine manufacturing plant in Hull has been given a Supplying fuel resounding thumbs up by businesses The other major aspect of the across the city. Rix group is fuel – ranging from residential heating oil to marine After months of waiting and with the rumour gas oil to commercial diesel and mill running riot, the eleventh-hour deal could lubricants – and that makes not have come soon enough to a region that up an important part of the has been waiting on tenterhooks for the news company’s service provision on the development. also.
Rix Cheetah on the Humber
Rix tanker with Maritime Bunkering
J.R. Rix & Sons “We have worked boats in the Humber Further investment One firm that welcomed the announcement for more than a century and, as a Last year Maritime Bunkering Ltd invested is J.R. Rix & Sons which has operated ships business, know it better than most and £100,000 in installing a second double- on the Humber for more than 100 years that knowledge will always be useful to skinned 100 m3 fuel tank on the Port of and has been a well known name in East companies coming into the region that Grimsby East, in a joint venture with Grimsby Yorkshire for 140 years. need to negotiate the estuary.” Fish Dock Enterprises.
Early investment Diverse business Nikki Jessop, Director of Maritime The fifth generation, family owned business But the company’s involvement with Bunkering, said: “The tank was installed to was one of the first in the region to invest renewables isn’t restricted to operating crew accommodate a growth in boats serving heavily in the renewables sector by placing transfer vessels. the offshore industry from the port, which is a £7.5m order for five crew transfer vessels used by Siemens and Centrica. designed to transport engineers and Rix has for many years supplied a host of equipment to and from wind turbines. services both on and off shore to the maritime “Maritime Bunkering’s barges are also industry which are as relevant now as at any being called upon to refuel more vessels point during its past. associated with the wind farm industry in the Humber.” James said: “J.R. & Sons is a diverse business so we felt there were other J.R. Rix & Sons
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H 4 divisions and 100 trailers. But scratch below this More recently the company has been set heavy surface of blue and white trucks Giant into 4 closely run divisions to reflect the and you find a company with engineering diverse nature of the business and the and technical ability and a taste for capital oaks clients it serves. These 4 divisions are fully investment in specialist hydraulic lifting, integrated to help serve each other which transport and shipping equipment. allows the company to offer a truly ‘one from stop shop’ service. Managing strategic demand – 3 UK depots They are… This has resulted in Collett operating from little • Transport three depots that have been positioned Undertaking the general transport and strategically to meet demand for the future acorns warehousing operations growth in what they believe to be their key markets. • Heavy Lift & Projects grow Carrying out heavy transport and heavy Halifax lifting operations, engineering and Halifax is a 5 acre site and home of the Collett & Sons Ltd is a successful project management services head office where the company originated. family owned Company, and can trace With on-site maintenance and testing its roots back to 1928, where founder • Marine facilities, Collett are able to cope with the Richard Collett (Grandfather to the Undertaking the ship chartering stringent testing, lifting and operational current Directors of the company) operations, stevedoring, terminal regulations that the industry have to adhere was collecting milk churns from handling, port and ships agency services to, which adds flexibility to the 'day to day' farmers and delivering to the dairies operations. with a horse and cart. • Consulting Providing route surveying and site Additionally, indoor warehousing and heavy 86 years later! access studies, technical and specialist lift storage is available with overhead gantry Step forward 86 years and we find a reporting cranes upto 32 tonnes capacity. specialist multi-modal operator that serves the power generation, oil & gas, heavy Getting the job done Goole engineering, civil & infrastructure, and As a logistics provider, the company’s In 2008, Collett saw the opportunity to renewables industries. ethos is to serve markets with a quality expand the services and operations by service and a focus on investment in adding a 10 acre site at the port town of specialist hardware to ‘get the job done’. Goole. Notably, Goole is the most in-land This means that on the surface, Collett port in the UK and at the head of the owns a modern fleet of over 60 vehicles Humber estuary. These reasons alone were the significant drive to invest in the area.
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Investment The 3.4 megawatt turbines consisted of This meant significant investment in heavy tower sections being upwards of 70 tonnes, duty lifting and handling equipment such nacelle components of 80 tonnes and rotor as the 110 tonne capacity straddle carrier, blades being 54.0 metres in length. 45 tonne capacity ‘toplift’ container handler and various heavy duty FLT’s up to a 15 For the future, a number of Scottish wind tonne capacity. farm projects are already earmarked to come through the Grangemouth facility Significantly, the Straddle carrier has for 2014 and 2015 consisting of over 80 allowed cost effective handling of heavy turbines and counting. and out-of-gauge cargoes to be stored and handled efficiently. Due to its dimensions Accreditation and in-house and narrow foot print, this allows order training picking of wind turbine components and Needless to say, with the pedigree that efficient storage control. Collett have and the diverse operations that they offer, quality and service are of The Goole facility has successfully handled paramount importance in the company over 300 wind turbines through the depot principles. This is clearly demonstrated in Due to the Highways Agency policy for the since 2008, demonstrating the efficiency the ISO9001, 14001, 18001 accreditations transport of abnormal loads, by importing and expertise that has been created. that the company have. Furthermore the or exporting to or from the Port of Goole, latest development of a registered in-house in many cases, reduced the road mileage Grangemouth training centre at the Halifax depot mean for heavy and out of gauge cargoes and More recently, due to logistical requirements that all employees are kept up to a high therefore enabled the necessary road and local demand a new depot has been level of accreditation. transport permits to be issued. added to serve Scotland. The port of Grangemouth was selected due to its East From a logistical position, Goole being coast location, to assist with shortest shipping Specifically geared up for centrally positioned for the UK and routes for mainland Europe and proximity to the wind energy industry excellent access to the motorway network, Scotland’s main strategic road network. Never more have the qualities and Collett can serve the three main ports of expertise of Collett been required in a the Humber estuary, being Hull Green Port, The philosophy and structure of the cross-discipline environment such as Immingham / Grimsby and Goole itself with Grangemouth depot has been developed to the offshore wind energy market. ease. mirror the success of the Goole operation. A heavy lift straddle carrier with 110 tonne Collett have the skill and ‘know how’ Since 2008, besides being the natural capacity is now in place and functioning to handle large turbine components export point for many out-of-gauge alongside heavy duty FLT’s and specialist and with the new megawatt cargoes, Collett invested in the Goole trailer equipment, with the first wind farm generation of offshore turbines depot to act as a strategic import point for project being carried out in February currently being developed, their use on-shore wind turbines. 2014. This saw the largest onshore wind of heavy lift cranes, SMPT’s (self turbines being shipped through the Port of propelled modular transporters) and Grangemouth and delivered by road to the project management mean that the Muirhall 2 wind farm in Lanarkshire. Humber estuary have ‘local expertise and content’ readily available.
Furthermore the Collett Marine divisions capabilities of ship husbandry, port handling, stevedoring and ship chartering experience, means that joined up thinking is a natural approach to logistical problems.
Collett & Sons Ltd
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H The power to deliver Established in 1988, Danbrit Shipping chartered vessels for some of the first onshore wind turbines to come in to the UK. Over a quarter of a century later and Danbrit is still at the forefront of the industry playing a major role within the renewable energy sector.
Location committed team, whose wealth of knowledge and industry With representation along the banks of the Humber and partners experience gained over the years is unrivalled in the region. throughout Europe, Danbrit are as committed as ever to providing a whole range of reliable and responsive services. Vessels, terminals & Ports – direct involvement Through their associated company, Danbrit have direct access The company combines the latest innovative techniques and to two of the Humber region’s major ports including covered specialist handling equipment with a highly motivated and steel and container terminals where, irrespective of the weather, highly sensitive cargoes can be loaded or discharged at no risk of the elements.
In addition, having fostered great relationships over time with all the major ship owners, Danbrit have an extensive fleet of vessels at their disposal.
Team Strength With the recent increased activity within the Humber region, Danbrit Shipping has moved to strengthen the team.
• A Cargo Superintendant to go on board vessels, check the cargo is loaded and discharged correctly and most importantly with minimum delays, fuss and associated cost, a must when dealing with all manner of time sensitive, abnormal and out-of-gauge cargoes.
• A dedicated Project Cargo Manager completes Danbrit’s chain, ensuring that the manufacturer or end user can enjoy a seamless transportation service either to or from the docks and our renewable energy team are busy looking after all other aspects of the supply chain, arranging crew changes and transfers, port agency, port logistical services, not to mention stevedoring and cargo handling, craneage and cargo surveys.
Peter Aarosin – Managing Director of Danbrit Shipping Limited says “The Humber developments will ensure that the Humber truly will be the UK’s main offshore wind hub it is of crucial importance that the Humber will be able to offer sufficient and vast land area for production whilst having the necessary berth capacity to be able to accept wider and wider new generation installers.”
Danbrit Shipping Limited
32 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Logistics UMBERT ON
Tailor-made logistical packages Van der Vlist UK Ltd, based on Burma Process Comprehensive route surveys Drive in Hull, specialise in providing The process starts from manufacturing site, As part of the transport service they logistical packages to suit their where their hydraulic 4 point lifting system conduct full route surveys, particularly with clients. can be used to lift all sections, either for the length of blades to make sure that maintenance or pre-delivery inspection, or sites are accessible for the land owners, Wind energy experience lifting onto their trailers for transport. and provide solutions where there may be In the wind energy industry Van der challenges. Vlist have over 20 years of experience From here specific wind energy trailers are working with all of the largest wind used to transport each piece; modular low Van der Vlist UK Ltd energy manufacturers, and providing bed trailers are specifically made to cope specific solutions tailored to each client’s with the concentrated weight and size of requirements. nacelles and rotors, extendable trailers ED's NOTE: Click to with supports or clamp trailers designed See Hull & Humber view more for tower sections, and trailers extendible supply chain matrix. info up to 75m to cope with the length of rotor blades. With a fleet of over 200 trucks, large projects are not a problem.
European sites If any items need to be stored before delivery, they have sites across Europe where this is available, and for shipment into Holland, they have their own Port at Moerdijk.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H At the forefront of logistics support Since its UK formation in 1986 LV They acted as ships agents for the The company will also assist the client Shipping has been at the forefront mobilisation of the vessel MPI Resolution, when collecting the foundation product of providing logistics support for currently working in the HGW field installing from TAG, who were awarded part of many of the North Sea oil and gas foundations. During this mobilisation the the monopole contract for HGW; this will developments. agency department advised that the piling involve various barge movements on and hammer could be shipped assembled and around the Humber River. Wind industry upended. In more recent years the skills and Additional services efficiencies developed in oil and gas have The client agreed that this would be a good In addition to the above they remain very been transferred to the burgeoning UK idea as this would save deck space during busy supplying the project with equipment wind farm logistics sector, with particularly the mobilisation meaning that other work (grease, plant, tools etc) by workboat from focus on the Humber and Tees. could be carried out. Therefore, the time Grimsby. used to complete the mobilisation would be The company counts facilities at less, thus saving the client hire days for the As well as the HGW project the company Immingham and Middlesbrough amongst vessel. LV chartered, loaded and controlled has been active on Westermost Rough it’s eleven UK bases and has been ideally river movements resulting in smooth and where they mobilised the vessel placed to assist various operators in many cost effective delivery of this integral piece INNOVATION on behalf of Geosea, part of of the recent wind farm developments. of equipment. their involvement; including supply of site welfare, security and layout. Humber Gateway windfarm (HGW) MPI Adventure mobilisation – case study agents Current work The LV Shipping Agency Department on LV is currently also acting as agents for the The company’s Immingham office is the Humber and Tees have assisted in vessel MPI Adventure mobilisation which is currently working with the vessel Toisa general agency, purchasing, and chartering mobilising for the installation of sub-stations Voyager supplying equipment for their client for multiple stages of the HGW installation. for the HGW. on board; the vessel is currently involved on Westermost Rough carrying out cabling In addition to its involvement on the Tees operations. and Humber, LV will also act as agents for the vessel whilst she is in Sunderland LV Shipping collecting the sub-station, as well as supplying site welfare. The company will also provide various plant for the site in Teesside whilst the vessel collects the substation jackets from Belfast.
34 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Logistics UMBERT ON New era blows in company spearheading development of jib cranes specifically for the industry Heavy lifting specialist, Sheffield- Industry specific based Mechan, is spearheading Richard Carr, Mechan’s development of jib cranes, designed Managing Director, said: specifically for use on offshore wind “Although we have turbines. produced jib cranes for many hazardous University of Sheffield applications and – 2 year project environments, finding a The manufacturer is a world leader in the design that would work creation of standard and bespoke handling with vessels moving equipment and with help from the University unpredictably presented of Sheffield, it has devised a platform crane additional technical that can transfer goods to and from supply issues. We knew the vessels in high seas. University of Sheffield would have the research The University’s Mechanical Engineer, Tom skills to overcome these Iverson, has been working with Mechan on challenges and we are very pleased to the two year project, which comes to an finish the design within the development end in September. He has helped devise a window.” crane with a three metre outreach that can be attached to the base of a wind turbine Knowledge Transfer Partnership to load/off load materials and maintenance Tom’s project at Mechan has been equipment from boats. facilitated by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which offers businesses access to collaborative funding and academic expertise, to design Specifications Tom Iverson working on new products, improve processes, The crane is suitable for operation in Sea the crane’s design introduce new systems and discover State Three, in accordance with the Lloyds new markets. Register Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment. The jib has a 1300kg Rapid industry growth safe working load, 20m/min hoisting speed, Richard added: “Rapid growth in 270-degree manual geared slew and will be offshore wind farms has brought given a marine specification paint finish. the logistical needs of these developments to the attention of Impressive client list suppliers such as Mechan. We are Mechan is one of the UK’s leading now looking forward to producing manufacturers of cranes and hoists, a prototype that will enable us supplying clients from across the power to showcase our new crane and generation industry, including Areva demonstrate how it will improve the Transmissions, Siemens and Rolls Royce. efficiency and safety of construction at sea.” Mechan
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Vestas vessel PAC ALNATH at Coega Harbour, Port Elizabeth, South Africa in June 2014. 60 blades offloading in near gale force winds WWL ALS overseeing ops as attending Marine Surveyor for the client.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen closing the network gap The creation of WWL ALS closes an Logistics acquiring a important network gap in terms of offering high-quality, consistent and competitive majority stake in Abnormal transport and distribution solutions for high and heavy wheeled and tracked equipment Load Services such as agricultural and construction machinery. In October 2012 Wallenius Wilhelmsen integrated multi-modal solutions Logistics, the global provider of Specialising in global out-of-gauge supply Erik Noeklebye, WWL Head of Region outbound logistics solutions, joined chain solutions, WWL ALS’ competence Europe, elaborates: “Today OEM’s are forces with WWL ALS Holding B.V, the complements the global network, forced to look at the supply chain in specialist in out-of-gauge transport advanced equipment and tailor-made a fragmented fashion due to a lack of and supply chain solutions, through vessels of WWL. integrated service providers. the acquisition of a 60% stake in the company. The combined WWL ALS possesses a “Ocean transport, land transport, strong knowledge of the global heavy lift technical services, plant handling, etc An improved product market, and will be able to offer technical are often contracted separately, forcing With this investment in WWL ALS Holding and supply chain expertise, a unique the OEM to involve a lot of resources B.V, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) worldwide network of suppliers and agents, to manage a fragmented supply chain, will be able to offer an improved product as well as land and ocean transport driving costs up and quality down. to existing and new customers. WWL resources to customers across a broad ALS will become an integrated part of the range of industry sectors. “Through WWL ALS, we will be able WWL product offering, adopting the name to offer these customers seamless WWL ALS (Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Excellent prospects finished vehicle logistics solutions with Abnormal Load Services) with WWL ALS WWL ALS’ CEO René Van De Vin believes one customer interface and a global global headquarters located close to the the prospects for the company are presence.” Humber Ports in Hull. excellent. WWL ALS “This opportunity makes perfect sense as both companies serve a global client base. By combining our skills and resources we will open up further opportunities for WWL and WWL ALS’ customers, prospective clients, suppliers and employees.”
36 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Logistics UMBERT ON
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H a momentous
day for Hull After a hiatus of more than three years, global giant Siemens pressed the green button on not one, but two, offshore wind manufacturing facilities on the and the north bank of the Humber. First UK wind turbine production facilities The plants, on the dockside in Hull and just Humber beyond the city’s eastern boundary, will be the first wind turbine production facilities in the UK, bringing manufacturing bedrock to the world’s largest offshore wind market.
The heart of a huge new industry The decision confirmed the Humber as the heart of what will be a huge new industry, reinforcing a rapidly developing reputation as the country’s renewables region. The scenario has been likened to Aberdeen becoming the centre of employment, skills and expertise for the North Sea oil and gas industry. Like Aberdeen, the Humber has the opportunity to become a world centre of excellence for a vast industry.
38 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Training UMBERT ON
“UK Plc is a world leader in engineering construction. We punch well above our weight and, within that, Yorkshire and the Humber is a powerhouse of engineering construction activity.” he said. Employment The Siemens facilities alone will create 1,000 “What we are now seeing is the jobs. Conservative estimates are that at least emergence of another sector to three times as many jobs will be created complement the already strong and well- deployment of turbines to the enormous in the immediate supply chain, supporting established sectors within this region.” round three wind farms in the North Sea the construction, assembly, deployment, has begun.” maintenance and operation of the largest wind turbines the world has ever seen. He added: “The workforce and skills for the offshore wind market are already here, Able Marine Energy Park (AMEP) in industries around the Humber. It’s just Meanwhile, on the Humber’s south bank, a question of capacity – are there enough the sprawling proposed Able Marine Energy companies with enough trained people? Park, could generate a further 4,000 jobs, The requirement for numbers of people with many more resulting from the ripple with these skills will grow, but companies effect. like ours have highly-trained, highly-skilled Adrian Wookey people who are very adaptable and already Golden opportunity work across many sectors.” It’s a golden opportunity, but also one that presents challenges to supply the skilled Relevance, versatility and Transferable skills workforce to meet this new industry’s transferability Barry said the transferability of skills gained demands. Adrian says a key factor is the relevance, from ECITB training was demonstrated by a versatility and transferability of ECITB former Blackrow approved electrician who No-one is under-estimating that challenge. skills and qualifications to engineering was now a Siemens Level 7 offshore wind Indeed, the Humber Local Enterprise construction roles on land and out at sea. technician having required just nine days Partnership has identified skills as the training in sea survival and working at height. number one priority to realise the full “We have a versatile, highly-trained and potential of the UK’s 'Energy Estuary'. competent workforce in the various sectors “The ECITB can most definitely deliver But training providers and employers in the engineering construction industry in the training that is required for the are encouraged by the Humber’s strong the Humber area,” he said. “These people offshore wind industry, ranging from employment and skills base in related are equipped to transition comfortably into apprenticeships right up to support for sectors. new sectors, such as offshore wind, and masters degrees,” he said. we also have the resources and training The Engineering Construction supply chain to ensure there is a facility UNFOLDING STORY Industry Training Board (ECITB) for engineering construction employers to Charlie Spencer, Chairman of Hull-based The ECITB works closely with the maintain a healthy pipeline of new entrants specialist engineering business Spencer Government and employers to attract, to be equipped to work in the industry and Group, which has substantial renewable develop and qualify engineering all of its sectors. energy activities, says the scale of the construction personnel with precisely opportunity was 'huge' for the Humber. the skills required by the offshore wind “Furthermore, we have the facility industry. It has a regionally-based network for the contextualisation of skills and “There are clearly engineering and of over 200 specialist ECITB-accredited competencies to meet the needs of each engineering construction challenges course providers and uses best-in-class sector while still conforming to common as well as supply chain and service training facilities such as CATCH in North industry standards.” opportunities. There are huge logistical and East Lincolnshire to equip engineering engineering challenges in deploying and construction workers with a 'toolbox' of Employers within the region who are servicing these giant structures many miles transferrable skills and competencies. exploring opportunities within the offshore offshore. wind sector share that confidence. Complimentary SKILLS “As a business we see the whole sector as Adrian Wookey, ECITB Regional Account Profiting from offshore wind an opportunity, but it is an unfolding story as Manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, investments to exactly what those opportunities are.” sees the burgeoning offshore wind industry Barry Taylor, Commercial Director of as complementary to the Humber’s existing Grimsby-based engineering services strong employment and skills base in provider Blackrow Engineering, says “While sectors such as process engineering and there are already success stories of local petrochemicals. companies profiting from offshore wind investments, the industry will really take off from late 2016 or early 2017 when the Siemens plants are operational and
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Crew transfer Perfect location with a long history vessel training Charlie said: The Humber was the “perfect location” for the offshore wind industry because of its geographical The process of transporting personnel back and forth position and “long history of working in various to windfarm operation areas is still a relatively new and sectors such as petrochemicals, shipbuilding and quickly expanding industry. Using specially constructed engineering which employ people with skills that are fast craft, CTV masters need an array of navigation skills easily transferable to the offshore wind market, not to and watercraft to operate the vessel in a safe and efficient mention the marine, shipping and fishing industries manner. Whilst the industry has been pro-active in producing that have evolved on the Humber.” courses that focused on the hazards of personnel transfer operations there was a For Adrian Wookey the emergence of the Humber as the perceived lack of focus UK heart of offshore renewables further underlines the on the actual navigational attractiveness of the engineering construction industry to transit between the apprentices beginning their careers and mature workers operational base and switching from industries such as aerospace or leaving windfarm and vice versa. the armed forces. High speed collision He said: “The engineering construction industry is a investigation dynamic, high-paced, highly-skilled industry which Following a recent MAIB presents many interesting and varied challenges. It investigation into 2 incidents in offers the opportunity for career development and which CTVs had high speed provides attractive rewards for those who strive to collisions with stationary achieve. objects a number of concerns were highlighted regarding the crewing, navigation practices and qualifications on such vessels.
These concerns had already been identified by marine operations personnel working at DONG Westermost Rough Project who in accordance with the company commitment to the highest standards of Health & Safety commissioned Extremis Marine to produce a bespoke training course for their CTV crews to tackle the issues identified by MAIB.
Training programme The result is a 2 day comprehensive training programme that provided instruction in; Marine Radar, it’s effective use and best practice…
ECITB pipefitting apprentices • Electronic chart systems and their dangers undergoing training • Basic vessel stability • Communication • The impact of stress and fatigue “It’s also a sustainable career because there is the • International rules to prevent collisions at sea ability to migrate from one sector to another. So, as a • Buoyage new sector – such as offshore wind – blossoms, the gifted workforce we have within the industry can move With a combination of classroom delivery, computer simulation over to it very comfortably.” and practical demonstration the course aims to ensure all crews contracted to the WMR project have a defined standard of The Engineering Construction Industry Training operational knowledge to ensure the passage from their safe Board (ECITB) haven to the field can be conducted in the safest and most efficient manner, consistent with the best practice of seamanship and the DONG safety ethos. Click to view more info Popular The training course has proved very popular with organisations throughout the construction and O&M sector and has been picked up by other companies keen to emulate the success at WMR and ensure the highest standards across the industry.
Extremis Marine
40 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Training UMBERT ON
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Apprenticeships engineering the future of wind industry
The South Bank of the Humber region Potential growth has huge potential to become the HETA Business Development & Marketing UK Hub of Renewable Energy and Manager James McIntosh said: in particular the centre of Offshore Operations & Maintenance. “We are excited with the potential growth and developments of the Wind Energy HETA (Humberside Engineering Industry on the South Bank of the Humber. Training Association) The companies that we are currently HETA are perfectly based to help with this working with are trailblazers because growth by training and supplying offshore they are looking to train engineers for wind turbine maintenance apprentices and the futures for what will be a sought after also upskilling existing workforce for the skills set. We welcome any enquiries from wind industry. companies across the UK who would like to train wind energy apprentices both on Impressive client list and offshore at our Stallingborough site.” The training company have 2 South Bank Adam Barnard, sites, one based at the CATCH facility in Additional training Apprentice Stallingborough and one in Scunthorpe. From In addition to having the Wind Turbine these sites they have been able to train Wind apprentices in training from September Turbine Maintenance Technicians for RES HETA will also have around 90 apprentices Offshore, Ecotricty and Centrica. They are split between the Stallingborough and now also approved to deliver the City & Guilds Scunthorpe for companies such as Knauf, Wind Turbine Technician apprenticeship and ABP, Phillips 66, Total LOR and many more. will be training apprentices for SSE next year who will then go to work offshore to complete HETA (Humberside Engineering their NVQ Level 3. Training Association)
42 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Training UMBERT ON Enabling businesses and communities to be safer every day HFR Solutions is a community interest company that uses the experience and expertise of the Fire and Rescue Service to bring exceptional levels of safety and professionalism to established and emerging industries.
Training and rescue facility This is achieved through the delivery In summer 2014 HFR Solutions and of quality fire, rescue and health and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service safety risk management, mitigation and launched a 45 metre high working at height intervention services, utilising the models and confined space training and rescue and standards already established by the facility at its Hull base. Fire and Rescue Service.
These new facilities will form part of an Profit re-investment offering in partnership with Humberside The company is monitored by the CIC Offshore Training Association Ltd (HOTA) Regulator to ensure that any profits are to provide all training facets required to re-invested into the community. This is work in the wind industry, both on and achieved by supporting Humberside Fire offshore, all situated in Hull. The facilities and Rescue Service with its non-statutory have been specifically designed to meet the activities so that profits provide benefits requirements and standards of Renewable to communities through protection and UK and the Global Wind Organisation. development schemes with safety and quality as HFR Solutions primary focus. Strategic aims HFR Solutions was developed to help HFR Solutions Humberside Fire and Rescue Service meet its strategic aims, and generate revenue to help sustain and support community prevention and protection services and organisational development.
Community support It also helps to support other community groups and projects that share similar social values that help save lives, prevent accidents and protect local businesses and communities.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Partnership to provide It is therefore especially exciting that we can announce this joint venture with HCF wind energy safety CATCH which will enable us to become a key part of the supply chain for wind training to the Humber technician training and development in this rapidly region growing sector.” Dr Tony Flinn, Leading safety training CEO at CATCH provider to the renewable commented “We industry, Safety Technology are delighted Ltd, has announced a joint that Safety venture with HCF CATCH Technology is (Centre for the Assessment our partner in of Technical Competence) – this venture as Humber. they have an outstanding Accredited training reputation in the provider Aerial view of the field. We expect The RenewableUK and Global HCF Catch facility in to become the Wind Organisation (GWO) Stallingborough number one accredited training provider, facility for wind Safety Technology, will be working energy training in closely with Grimsby based HCF the UK.” CATCH, to offer industry required safety training to wind energy This news comes companies in the Humber region. shortly after Training & assessment solutions announcements of new training operations £12 million facilities CATCH is an authentic competence for the South Wales headquartered safety Through the use of HCF CATCH’s £12 assessment facility, offering industry firm, Safety Technology, in North Wales million facilities, Safety Technology will be authentic training and assessment and Germany. able to deliver an extensive range of training solutions for the power & energy, process, including; Global Wind Organisation (GWO) renewable and utility sectors. With the Wind energy hotspots and RenewableUK accredited safety main aim of developing and improving the This new partnership means that Safety courses for work on onshore wind farms. competency of surrounding workforces, as Technology can now offer their accredited well as providing a first rate solution to skill wind energy training programmes from HCF growth shortages. some of the UK’s most active wind energy Over the last 11 years, HCF has grown hotspots, with locations in the North, South, into one of the Humber region’s premier Joint venture East and West of the United Kingdom, as membership and network based Managing Director of Safety Technology well as Ireland, Germany and the USA. organisations. HCF is a not-for-profit, Bob Dickens, said on the new partnership industry led partnership which supports “The recent announcements by Siemens Safety Technology will be training the Process, Energy, Engineering and and Able Marine clearly demonstrate that candidates from this new location from the Renewables Industries in the Humber the Humberside and North Lincs region beginning of June. region, and runs the CATCH facility located will be vitally important in the future for in Stallingborough. offshore wind energy. Safety Technology Ltd
T: +44 (0) 1995 643 210 F: +44 (0) 1995 643 211
Bode Positioners Ltd Sales / Service / Parts / Hire. Unit 1, Stubbins Lane Claughton On Brock Positioners - Rotators - Turntables Preston, England Seam Welders - Head & Tailstocks PR3 OQH Column & Booms - Lathe Types Turnkey Applications Specialised Machinery.
44 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Training UMBERT ON Modern marine co-ordination training to save hard cash and time at sea
Marine co-ordinators can save millions of pounds at sea. A pro-active approach is essential. Training is vital.
On-the-job skills development Constantly improving efficiency Thornton Bank windfarm package Alex Harrison leads GMS’ marine – an example Green Marine Solutions (GMS) delivers its co-ordination programme. This shows At present, GMS channels MC training to own unique on-the-job skills development candidates how to constantly boost its own service delivery teams. However, package. This combines the many modern efficiency while managing out losses it also delivers training to clients’ own skills and disciplines marine co-ordinators and delays. Alex believes that MCs must teams – an example being on C-Power’s (MC) today have to bring to one of the wind be able to identify conflicts and predict Thornton Bank wind farm operating off the industry’s most responsible jobs. problems before they happen, saving Belgian coast. clients money they didn’t even know they The offshore environment is evolving were in danger of losing. The training is vocationally-based quickly. MCs must be able to sequence, and follows a fixed and measureable monitor, meet moving deadlines and “With crew transfer vessels costing programme. MC training covers respond positively to incidents as many thousands of pounds a day, and nine key competencies – operational technology advances. The day of the construction vessels tens of thousands, communication, emergency response, experienced seafarer equipped with only a there is plenty of work for active MCs to chartwork, general maritime, meteorology, radio is over. tackle” he says. seamanship, plus IMO, IMDG and SOLAS.
The management matrix is now too Many trainees already have a core complex for guesswork. Potential liabilities knowledge. Training is designed to refine are high. Downtime is expensive. this further.
Green Marine Solutions
Click to view more info
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Courses that will be available at New specialist Leeds include… • Full range of Global Wind Organisation/ height safety centre Renewable UK work at height & rescue courses Work at height specialist heightec Training facilities • Rope Access – IRATA and ISO are proud to announce the opening This new Height Safety Centre boasts nearly standards of their latest Height Safety Centre 8,000 square feet of training facilities and • Roof Safety in Leeds. This new facility has been classrooms, with comprehensive range of • Industrial Rescue (RescuePack) purpose designed to meet increasing training structures including a wind turbine • Tower Climbing, Rescue & RF demand for specialist training in height simulator, elevated platforms, scaffolding, Awareness safety rescue and across the East of suspended steelwork, a large range of • PPE Inspection, Managing Work at England. ladders and internal and external towers. Height and First Aid
Accredited training “The addition of this latest Height Safety Global training organisation The Leeds centre will focus on the delivery Centre to our national network is a heightec offers the most diverse and of training for the onshore and offshore response to requests from clients and comprehensive training facilities in the world renewable sector, offering RenewableUK continually increasing demand for our for work at height and rescue through (RUK), Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and services” said Keith Jones, Managing venues in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Kendal, Industrial Rope Access Trade Association Director. “We’re very excited about our London and Leeds. (IRATA) accredited training. It will also serve latest expansion. This new venue allows telecoms, construction, and emergency us to further support our client base in Clients include multi-national corporations, services, as well as more general work at the east of the country, with more readily government departments, emergency height sectors. accessible specialist training, a reduction services, small businesses, private in staff travel time and a consequent companies and individuals. reduction in overall costs.” heightec
46 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor Training UMBERT ON
facilities, on-site healthcare and gym the basic as the average age of skilled operators is Skills capacity infrastructure is in place. over 50 and, tough economic conditions had played havoc with succession planning. building for There is land available for development between the Freedom Centre and the Humber Skills Capacity Building the energy Sentamu Academy, a state-of-the-art High Centre (HSCBC) School next door. The training facility will be A Humber based Energy Skills Capacity sector across developed in phases with employability and Building Centre (HSCBC) makes sense and the Humber assessment services launched within the a Northern Gateways catchment area as well existing framework and capacity increased to as a mobile solution opens these centres up In Rotterdam, STC (Skills Training meet stringent industry sector standards as to a 17 million catchment area across the Centre) was launched to pull together needed over time. North of England. fragmented training provision for the The HSCBC is a facility and not a training Harbour and Maritime operations Business model organisation. It provides leading edge sector across a Region. In Ilford near The business model will be to open up the simulators for any other training organisation London, the TUCA (Tunnelling and facilities and the equipment to be used by a (school, college, private training company, Underground Construction Academy) number of qualified and committed training business, etc.) to use to assist the delivery of was set up to support the key skills providers giving them a chance to compete their programmes. required to work in tunnel excavation, with and learn from the best-in-class. underground construction and Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) infrastructure projects. Tom Bremer of Oil Tech Solutions has been Like the soon to be completed C4DI (Centre a frequent visitor to the area: “We develop for Digital Innovation), this facility will act and supply high tech energy sector training as a hub to harness global expertise and equipment to training providers all over experience to grow local capacity and the world and have our own centres in opportunity. Simulation is the proven best Stavanger, Norway and Houston, Texas. way to assess, train and provide advanced We work with other OEMs and training training. It is the key training tool for: providers like Kongsberg and Maersk commercial pilots; for military operations; for Training. F1 drivers.
“We are impressed by this focus on There are many case studies proving the communities across the Humber – it is the cost effectiveness of simulator based training. way to go. First you answer local needs It has not yet broken into the UK market and then, you can generate surplus from due to the perceived high capital cost of the Key role providing mandatory courses for projects all simulators. The HSCBC will allow these costs Both of these training centres play a key over the world. After all, the Humber is well to be converted from a capital cost into a role in the development of qualifications located and local costs for transport and variable cost – pay for what you use. and setting performance, Health & Safety accommodation are significantly lower than standards across their core sectors. These for Aberdeen and Norway making training Skills Capacity Building are amongst the key benchmark models we courses cost effective.” Programme – beyond the UK have used to develop a model for a Skills The SCBC can be a catalyst beyond the UK. Capacity Building Centre to support the Northern Gateways project Working with Northern Gateways – a drive energy industry in the Humber. The Skills Capacity Building Centre is a to develop a trade route from the Humber project that has been featured in the Northern to the Mersey and use this expertise to Skills Capacity Building Gateways project geared to developing the support trade corridors in places like Ghana; Programme (SCBC) Humber Mersey trade corridor as a catalyst Kurdistan and elsewhere. The idea is to establish a Skills Capacity for inward investment, business and job Building Programme across the Humber with opportunities and sustainable communities. The Humber SCBC can build the capability one centre located a walk away from Green to train the trainers in these emerging markets Port, Hull and the other close by the fast Launched last November, Northern and use digital technology to support skills developing offshore services in Grimsby. Gateways has strong backing from Lords development and the whole enterprise could Prescott and Heseltine as well as support help to build multiple trade links across the As Geoff Groom of Hull Freedom Centre puts from David Higgins, the CEO of HS2 trade corridors. it: “These centres are located in the heart and many more businesses from Atlantic of communities; they are more accessible Gateway on Merseyside all the away cross Rob Bell | Archomai and can make a tangible difference to an country to the Humber. understanding of jobs and skills in areas where long term unemployment has been a Top of the agenda Ed’s Note reality and work experience in short supply. Skills needs are top of the agenda and a We will be featuring the SCBC/ Our vision is for local people to have the mobile concept is being developed to make Northern Gateways in more detail skills to match the jobs on offer.” state-of-the-art equipment available across in future editions. the corridor. Hull Freedom Centre The Hull Freedom Centre is a £50 million Research from employers operating in the community centre that has become the UK’s energy and utility markets will need to hub for the local community of over 10,000 attract a further 200,000 workers over the households. With cafeteria, conference coming nine years. This is a huge requirement
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H A solution to the problem finding the right offices for your needs
Our focus is to make the customer’s job Innovative solutions Founded in easier by providing professional expertise With new clients discovering the company’s 1980 to supply working in tandem to create an office capabilities every year, their continuing environment that is well designed safe and success stems from a combination of commercial productive. excellent customer service and providing office products innovative solutions to growing companies Challenges and queries such as Associated British Ports along with across the When planning a new office there are many many other well known names. UK, Custom challenges and questions. The need to consider practical issues such as… From the initial meeting to the final Business installation, the company take care of every Equipment • Spatial needs detail, allowing the customer to focus on • Proximity relations the big picture. The service doesn’t end has earned • IT infrastructure when the project does. They will guide you a reputation • Office concept and design through the evolution of your space as your needs and business requirements change, of quality, Also a strategic issue, such as effectiveness keeping your people productive and your of the working environment and impacts on space dynamic. efficiency and environment comes into the equation. individuality. As a business CBE are committed to supplying superior products whilst minimising any adverse impacts on the environment – whenever possible they try very hard to source product from local suppliers who share their values.
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CasE study – Neil Hudgell Solicitors A leading firm of UK solicitors with their headquarters located in Kingston upon Hull, who specialise in a range of personal injury legal services, found it necessary to bring the operations of four locations under one roof improving operations, efficiency and productivity.
Furniture systems were required that would enable employee productivity and contribute to an environment that helps staff and customers feel at ease and complement an established well respected legal firm.
Challenge Office concept Achieving a complete installation of a new One of the most fundamental questions work environment for the four offices into during the briefing stage concerns the one location under an aggressive timeline office concept: what kind of office design was the challenge – Hudgell’s relied on best suits the working processes and CBE’s experience and ability to deliver a culture of the organisation? Should all project quickly from concept to completion. employees have their own workstation or are they going to share desks? Would Improving communication enclosed offices or a more open working through design environment be better? Embracing the core elements of quality and reliability that characterise Hudgells, CBE Through using the previously listed created a stunning ‘cutting-edge’ design, questions CBE were able to produce a reflecting the client’s vision throughout the bespoke design to serve the company’s space. exacting needs.
Furniture for all areas was selected that improves communication within the Custom Business Equipment company while supporting up to date technology without sacrificing aesthetics or exceeding the budget. Click to view more ED's NOTE: Click to info See Hull & Humber view more supply chain matrix. info
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Investment in Wind This article looks at the historic and forecast investment trends in UK offshore wind and is drawn from analysis prepared as part of the recent Renewable Energy Association Wilkin Chapman LLP is a full service law firm operating out (REA) publication on investment in renewable energy for their of Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. The firm delivers an 2014 publication REview – Renewable Energy View. unparalleled range of legal services to corporate and private clients who are locally, nationally and internationally based. Analysis One of its nine branches is located in the Humber region Our analysis in figure 1 below shows that offshore wind dominates which has become a specialist hub for the renewables sector. both historical and forecast investment in UK offshore wind. In the period between 2010 and 2013, £7.7bn was invested in offshore www.wilkinchapman.co.uk | 01472 262626 wind which represented over 50% of total wind investment in the period and over 25% of all renewable electricity investment. In capacity terms, over 2.5GW of capacity was added.
Recognised potential Are you looking for a specialist Given the long lead times in developing and constructing offshore wind projects, there is good visibility on the investment and capacity service supplier with experience additions through the next few years. The long expected dip in in the wind energy industry? projects coming on materialises in the next few years. The potential for this was recognised by industry some years ago, with Round 1.5 With 1300+ companies listed, it is the and Round 2.5 leases launched to bridge this gap and the potential website to find an expert from Round 3 due on later in the decade. Important features There are a number of important features worth highlighting regarding Click to investment levels and capacity additions later in the decade… view more info • Projects due to commission after March 2017 will be required to bid into the new Contracts for Difference market, due to be launched later this year. There is still uncertainty around how this will work in practice, although with more projects in development than money in the Levy Control Framework (LCF) pot, the outcome of the auction is likely to be competitive • We have seen some developers, shelve or abandon plans for Round 3 projects, in part as a response to the gap between LCF funding and the number of projects in development • Investment drops off at the back end of the decade and we expect that much of this will be capacity that received early CfDs (3.2GW in total) • Investment is constrained to the governments reference scenario for offshore wind which expects 8.0 GW of installed capacity by 2020 and 9.6GW by 2021
Fig 1 – Investment and capacity in offshore wind power, 2010-2020 (£bn, GW)
Net effect The net effect is that offshore wind is still expected to remain the most invested technology in the UK with an additional £12m of investment between now and 2020. The analysis also highlights the importance for the industry to have greater certainty regarding the post 2020 market both in terms of available LCF funding and some government set volume ambition for offshore wind. Click to view more Ronan O’Regan - PwC info
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Transfer and It is essential that advice is taken well in advance of the terms of the build contract being agreed and signed, and that any bank that may be called upon to finance the build is also comfortable with the terms survey vessels of the build contract. Hints & tips Repair and Conversion Again, a contract is essential to any repair and conversion project As the Hull and the Humber Port seems set for ever and should set out the scope of the work. The most frequent increasing transfer and survey vessel activity, solicitor disputes which arise relate to additional works; there should be a Andrew Oliver sets out his hints and tips for those building, clear procedure for agreeing to such works including provisions as repairing and operating such vessels based on anonymised to the related cost and their impact on the timing of the vessel’s real life experience. redelivery. They should also stipulate as to whether the additional works should be paid for at the time they are incurred or as part of New Builds the final payment for the vessel. Ensuring the build contract is watertight is essential. It is important for the buyer, the bankers and the yard. The contract should also agree who is responsible for issues such as health and safety and vessel security. This is especially the case Generally, there are two models of contracts which are distinguished when the owners may have their own crew remaining on board by how ownership of the vessel under construction is dealt with. during the works. In the first model, ownership of the vessel and its constituent parts becomes the buyer’s on signing of the contracts and payments of Additionally, if any of the works are being subcontracted then how the first stage payment. The advantage here is that should the yard are the liabilities of those subcontractors dealt with? Will the owner experience financial difficulties its administrators cannot claim the part have a right of action directly with the subcontractor or will they have built hull as an asset of the yard. The contract should also provide an action against the yard? The general rule is that a person can for the buyer having power to enter the yard and either complete the only sue somebody who he has contracted with, although there are vessel themselves and/or remove it for completion elsewhere. The exceptions that allow this general rule to be broken. If warranties yard is generally protected by it having a lien over the vessel for any are issued by subcontractors or the supplies of components, for unpaid proportion of the works. example an engine manufacturer, there should be provision in the contract for these to be assigned in favour of the owner. Similarly, such issues as intellectual property rights in designs and drawings should also be dealt with in the contract. Many of these issues also apply to build contracts.
Operation Perhaps the most important tip here is to ensure that any safety management system operated by owners is robust, simple to operate and accepted by all. It is also essential that it is regularly reviewed.
If there is an incident, then the investigating authorities will also be keen to ensure that the owners have regularly audited the safety management system’s operation and effectiveness. It is inevitable that accidents will happen, but it may be that the prosecution that arises is not actually from the facts of the incident but from the investigating authority’s investigation relating to the operation of that system. Certainly, we have experience of prosecutions arising from such issues as the owner’s poor auditing and review of their safety The alternative model is where the title to the vessel passes to the management system, and not the facts of the accident. buyer on delivery - advantageous to the yard if using the vessel as security for their business. Many yards, especially those overseas, As always, time and money spent insuring contracts and systems will mortgage the part built hull to raise funds to build the vessel. In are legally sound and operating correctly may seem a waste of such circumstances the buyer’s position is protected by a refund resources at the time. However, the writer has assisted many clients guarantee from the yard’s bank guaranteeing repayment of stage who dearly wish they had contacted him earlier, and before things payments made should the yard experience difficulties. had gone seriously wrong.
With either form of contract it is also advisable that a term is included Andrew Oliver that allows for the buyer to be able to assign the benefit of the Andrew Jackson Solicitors contract to its bank. The buyer's bank cannot take a mortgage over the ship until it is built so must fund alternative security if it is Click to view more info advancing monies for stage payments. Allowing the assignment of the build contract effectively gives the bank a mortgage over the contract and allows the bank to take over the contract should the buyer become insolvent.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Transferable skills In the rapidly growing renewable energy market companies can often feel that finding talented staff is almost impossible. However, they may not have considered that the vast majority of the skills gained in conventional power or energy market can readily be transferred.
Offshore Oil and Gas sector Take for example the recent sharp increase in offshore wind jobs. Many of the wind energy firms will accept applications from engineers and technicians that have been working in the offshore oil and gas sector. These individuals already have the understanding of what it takes to work in the exacting conditions of the North Sea along with the subsea technical aspect gives them the transferable knowledge and skill sets that are required in the offshore wind industry.
Expanding gap The consistently expanding gap between the people required to work in the new energy sector and the personnel available is set to increase further as more offshore arrays are added. This will undoubtedly increase the need for similarly experienced personnel.
By adapting their CV, and truthfully highlighting the areas of work that relate directly to offshore or onshore wind generation, candidates can enhance their chances of securing a position.
For example an electrical engineer or technician that already has some experience working offshore on the oil and gas platforms may already have experience in control systems such as Allen Bradley, Rockwell or Siemens S7. These are transferable skills and need including on their CV so that when companies and technical recruiters are searching for candidates their CV will appear at the top of the search results.
The same goes for onshore wind and other areas of the renewable energy market such as wnergy from waste, biofuel, anaerobic digestion or biomass. Candidates have to be sure that the person reading the CV can easily see their transferable skills.
RoS International success The company are currently placing people with transferable skills such as Planning Engineers, Project Managers and Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Commissioning Engineers and Graduate Engineers into companies specialising in renewable energy projects such as Eon, Vivergo, HZI, Centrica, Veolia, Forum Energy Technology, SITA, Cofely GDF-Suez, CG Power solutions.
Carl Burgar FIRP Managing Director RoS International Ltd
52 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H SECTION sponsor Professional Services UMBERT ON Sustaining, renewing and investing in the future of renewables Wilkin Chapman LLP established their specialist renewable energy division in 2011 to meet a new, growing demand in the renewable energy source market. The firm has a number of its branches located in the Humber region which has become a specialist hub for the renewables sector.
Specialist team The team of ten multi-disciplinary specialists from the agriculture, corporate, construction and commercial property departments have a proven track record of realised renewable energy projects. Steven Savage and James Lloyd, partners responsible for turbine work have supported in excess of 50 land based wind turbine projects, from single turbines to multi-landowner wind farms and have a solid understanding of the requirements from the perspective of landowners, developers and investors and the ability to respond to evolving legislation.
Strength in the Humber The firm is well established in the region having a number of offices throughout Lincolnshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
Support to the Wind Energy sector includes providing advice on all legal aspects relating to the purchase and installation of commercial wind turbines whether a single turbine installation or multi- turbine installation. The firm works with clients from conception to commissioning and beyond, delivering comprehensive and effective solutions.
Sector developments Commenting on developments in the sector, James Lloyd said: “As traditional energy sources are becoming more expensive, organisations are increasingly looking to invest in renewable energy sources, especially those that being encouraged by government subsidies. Renewable energy projects, however, are often complex and require legal advice across a wide range of areas.”
They have an in-depth understanding of the requirements from the perspective of landowners, developers and investors and are able to respond to evolving legislation.
Wilkin Chapman LLP
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H
Freedom to respond High wind industry costs mean that modern O&M is increasingly being delivered through O&M versatile modules built around weekly, monthly and annual calendars. Flexibility comes of age means that tasks can be executed to high quality levels for a guaranteed fixed lump- Millions of pounds can be saved How these packages are delivered is sum price. All risks lie with the confident through intelligent operations and important. To maximise savings, skilled supplier. maintenance contracts designed to O&M implementation teams are trained to reduce downtime to a minimum. eliminate costly duplications and disruption As a confident supplier, GMS puts a before they happen. powerful combination of extra O&M skills Major savings into its work packages. These include O&M is now an expanding frontier for wind However, because offshore conditions extensive marine coordination and vessel innovation and efficiency – where potential change rapidly, rescheduling individual management expertise gained on large offshore downtime costs can be cut by up tasks swiftly around moving weather UK and European offshore wind farm to 30%, and often more. windows, equipment failures, accidents projects. It also adds competencies in and supply delays is vital if expensive auditing, inspection, specialist repair The starting point is a series of probing vessel, men and machinery stand-by time and maintenance work, compliance and questions. These are designed to show is to be minimised. essential documentation. how many traditional time-inefficient work scopes can be delivered better together. Green Marine Solutions (GMS) is a pioneer The company’s introduction of four-man The result is 12 modern cost-efficient O&M in this critical area where it is helping to O&M teams who can switch over instantly packages. make major in-roads into multimillion- to have emergency and rescue operations pound downtime losses. The net benefit up and running very quickly in a tough for managers is unprecedented levels of environment if things do go wrong is further financial and technical control over valuable added value that helps to cut critical risks assets that can be measured on the and losses. bottom-line. Health, safety, environmental and quality performance are rising in Vessel downtime losses parallel. The scope for O&M savings is illustrated clearly by recent vessel utilisation data. By With crew transfer vessels costing one reliable estimate, work and transfer many thousands of pounds a day, and boats are typically effective for a little over construction vessels tens of thousands, this 55% of their charter time averaged out is critical stuff. annually. Because vessels are usually chartered for a year, this means that only some 190 days annually may be really productive.
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This philosophy was developed during the successful construction phases of several east coast offshore wind farms, including Greater Gabbard. GMS is currently applying it to increase O&M efficiency on C-Power’s Thornton Bank wind farm operating off the Belgian coast. “We welcome searching questions from Ben Colbrandt, of C-Power HSE, believes clients, just as we ask many fundamental GMS’ O&M thinking brings a crucial new Richard Pargeter questions ourselves. A lot of what we QHSE and commercial perspective. This offer may sound new but is a very logical commercial emphasis is proving to be the development whose time has come. correct route for reducing risks, costs and The corollary is that without active Asking the right questions is the key to ultimately giving C-Power invaluable project intervention, 170 days are easily lost, often unlocking serious potential. But each control that benefits everyone, he says. at an unacceptably high price. project is different.” Lump-sum payments However, real losses may not end there. Wind of change A key benefit is the payment structure. When vessel time is lost, the activities GMS’ strategic O&M reappraisal has turned Because it routinely minimises lost work they support are lost too. In the case of what used to be a Cinderella activity into time, the company confidently offers a neglected maintenance and repair work, major opportunities for greater productivity lump-sum payment system to replace the knock-on risks of failure or poor in an industry that urgently needs to cut costly day-rates. performance can multiply up quickly. costs. Its innovation is a holistic view of GMS’ response has been to manage what is really needed to keep wind farms From a client perspective, this removes the cost of not only weather but all other running at peak efficiency. many risks and uncertainty. planned and unplanned delays out of the It also means that no vessel trips are equation, a popular development with With client approval, the company replaces wasted. Where previously three, four or five contractors. old rigid scheduling systems with an costly turbine shutdowns were needed, extremely versatile approach that puts these are often replaced by one single well- “As wind operators, we understand the prioritised tasks, vessel availability data and planned downtime period. Everyone wins. capabilities of vessels, the state of the manpower skills into a moving matrix which sea and where vessels can and cannot is constantly matched against forecasts, GMS starts projects with a detailed desk operate safely,” explains GMS Operations incidents, accidents and unforeseen review, followed by a comprehensive Director, Richard Pargeter. “We use this events. on-site audit. All data goes into the O&M knowledge, coupled with the skills of our solutions matrix. Twelve different work expert teams in all areas of O&M, to save When conditions do then change, O&M packages with interlocking scopes are then clients time and money,” he adds. teams are ideally-positioned to move matched carefully to the results. quickly onto other jobs, boats, locations, and even to other clients and contracts, Green Marine Solutions to make productive use of lost time. The company believes that extra business value Click to view more info can always be created somewhere.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS • HIRE H MH Group We make it happen • Diesel, LPG, Electric Forklift Trucks Under • Supplying New & used Forklift Trucks • Area distributor for NEXEN Forklift Trucks • Long term contract rental & short term rental • Service, planned maintenance & breakdown support water T 01482 300 682 E [email protected] services for offshore wind Northern Divers (Eng) Ltd, was originally founded in 1963 to provide a wide range of underwater services to the civil engineering and marine industries, public utilities and harbour authorities.
The company has been involved with many national and international projects, in addition to providing inspection, repair and maintenance services to a wide range of clients.
Hull based Based in Hull, East Yorkshire the company is perfectly placed to be able to provide local resource and personnel to the local developing wind industry.
Recent investment The company has always maintained a lead in underwater technology and is equipped with the most up-to-date diving, inspection, maintenance and repair equipment. Craig Engineering Total Access Systems Ltd. • Safe Working at Height Specialists. The most recent investment being a single 20ft fully • Wind Turbine Access. Building Façade Access. contained nitrox’s diving spread and decompression • Supply & Install Temporary Suspended Access Platforms. chamber to enable cost effective and immediate • Design, Manufacture, Install, Test Commission & Maintain. response to the wind industry. The container has been • Permanent Access Equipment. designed to enable minimum deck space to be taken www.craigeng.co.uk | 01482 821262 | [email protected] allowing operations to be carried out from the smallest of work vessels.
Experience and innovative thinking Northern Divers (Eng) Ltd has worked on a wide variety of marine projects. They always prioritise customer Read the series satisfaction and cost-effectiveness and are also lateral thinkers, who are able to help develop projects in a of oil/lubricant variety of practical ways enabling large cost savings to technical their clients. Utilising their skills, they have collaborated with some articles here... renowned companies across the globe in marine salvage, offshore wind, cable installation, shipping and Click to pipeline construction. view more info Northern Divers (Eng) Ltd
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Product range Tata Steel The company’s wide range of products supplied to the power generation industry includes plate, hot rolled coil, large tubular, electrical steels and speciality supports the UK steels for turbine gearing and bearings. They use their expertise in steel to work in partnership with customers – identifying supply chain and supplying the best steel products to meet required performance levels and Wind power has become the world’s Challenges and opportunities helping them to achieve manufacturing fastest growing renewable energy The rise of wind energy, including the growth efficiencies. source and rapid development is of offshore wind, presents both challenges expected to continue. Businesses and opportunities. Providers of wind power Commitment and investment operating in this market need reliable infrastructure need to be confident that their The company is committed to the long- suppliers who can work with them to supply chain can perform. To respond swiftly term development of their products and meet industry challenges and make and efficiently to the demand for wind power, services. They are investing to supply the most of long-term opportunities. they need a reliable and guaranteed source of steel components for nacelles, towers equipment components that can help and foundations and ongoing investment deliver effective performance. includes the creation of a wind tower hub in Scunthorpe, to process and distribute up Experience to 200,000 tonnes per year of steel plate Tata Steel has been working for wind tower manufacture. successfully with customers in the energy and power markets for several On top of this they have a multi-million decades. Their steel products are pound project to install a new plate leveller in service across the world – from to increase their capacity to manufacture onshore and offshore wind farms to oil thicker plates for foundation structures rigs and deep sea pipelines. and a new processing facility for tubular sections used in the fabrication of jacket This experience, coupled with their foundations. active membership of industry bodies such as RenewableUK, means they TataSteel have a keen insight into the role of their steel products in the production Click to view more info of safe, reliable and sustainable wind power infrastructure and product development for wave and tidal capture. Smart obstruction light prototype Set for production later this year, the edge optics, automatic day/night prototype of Orga’s patent-pending sensor, integrated monitoring fourth-generation medium-intensity and a self-contained power LED obstruction lighting system supply in a compact design for was unveiled at the 3 day Windforce easy installation, long life and cost-effective 2014 event recently held in Bremen, and maintenance-free operation. Germany. of Orga’s smart aviation obstruction light, Experience of which production started, in Bremen. Innovative features With 40 years of experience and knowledge Orga has close connections in Germany Taking centre stage on Orga’s stand, visitors in the design, development and manufacture and Windforce 2014 is a good platform for were able to discover the unique certified of smart obstruction lights, Orga’s latest presenting new products and innovations.” global obstruction lighting system which model is precision engineered to meet the incorporates a host of innovative features all minimum requirements specified within Orga Aviation BV in one smaller lighter unit designed to deliver international and national regulatory standards optimum performance and lower the total whilst attaining maximum functionality. cost of ownership. Click to view more info Matthieu Scheffers, Business Manager for The new microprocessor controlled white obstruction lighting at Orga said; “We are and red LED and IR system boasts cutting- delighted to be debuting the prototype
58 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H SECTION sponsor Operations & maintenance UMBERT ON Materials handling equipment and excellent service support
Sales & Service Manager Andy Close attention to customer Tuffnell at the MH Group has over needs, solutions tailored to specific 37 years experience in engineering challenges, and dedicated customer with the last 23 years in the materials support is at the heart of MH Groups handling industry. business philosophy.
The company delivers excellent materials Creating solutions to handling equipment, backed up with customers needs excellent service support throughout Hull, – a case study Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. A well established local seafood processing company recently Bespoke customer needs contacted the MH Group to discuss The company realises that not all the renewal of their existing rental businesses are the same; therefore the forklift truck. Whether businesses are in the food, equipment that they require will often need engineering, manufacturing or warehousing to be tailored to their individual and often During the company’s site visit they industries or any other sector of business exacting needs. listened to all of their key issues and the company always looks at every concerns regarding the specifications of customer as a unique challenge, that way It doesn’t matter if it’s one forklift truck or a the new forklift truck, and what additional they strive to offer a bespoke solution fleet of trucks, we always start by asking the protections they could offer to prevent truck based around customers’ individual needs. customer what they are looking for because downtime and expensive repairs that they no one knows more about their business had previously experienced and wanted The MH Group is looking forward to the than them. Then they identify the best to address before placing an order for a arrival of new businesses connected with possible equipment for their application. replacement forklift truck, after identifying the developing wind energy industry and the best equipment to meet their needs the interesting and exciting challenges that After sales service focus the company came back to them with a they will bring. We then support the customer with proposal that not only met but exceeded excellent after sales service focused the requirements that they were looking for. MH Group on their needs, our comprehensive preventative maintenance service They were already familiar with the quality Click to view more info programme ensures that the correct level of service support that the MH Group deliver maintenance is delivered to all equipment and were more than happy to place an whether it is owned by the customer or on order to supply a new electric powered rental from ourselves. forklift truck on long term contract rental.
Potential business opportunities "We've had many messages of Sure and steady progress welcome along with potential business Ambitious energy sector services Humberside site. The investment has come opportunities, which could be worth company CLS Offshore have invested at an ideal time for the company with current around £20m over the next five years, around £350,000 into new offices at client Siemens recently announcing they will since the opening." said Scott McMillan, Hull which officially opened at the be building their offshore wind manufacturing Managing Director of CLS Offshore. beginning of February this year. site in Hull. There are also further promising plans for other wind companies to invest in "The next stage is from August we hope to the area with their own wind turbine factories. progress plans for a fabrication workshop on the quayside and employ up to 75 Extensive experience onshore and offshore personnel, mainly CLS already have extensive experience recruited locally. We're happy to be in working in the renewable energy industry, Hull, delighted by what is has to offer and including blade installation for the Thanet excited by the prospects ahead." offshore wind farm. CLS’ Hull site mirrors the Great Yarmouth operations where Steady expansion Investment they operate in the oil, gas, marine and Steady expansion has been the CLS brief over The move has already added £2m to renewable energy industries providing the last two years; 25 new employees have the value of one existing contract with project management, fabrication, started since the beginning of 2014, boosting an international company and the Great Installation, Inspection, maintenance, asset the company workforce to more than 180. Yarmouth headquartered company intend on integrity, de-commissioning E&I, offshore tapping into a rich vein of work from its new hook-ups and personnel services. CLS Offshore
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Chartering state-of-the-art vessels Grow: Offshore Wind, a UK government-supported funding body, recently rail system down the centre of the deck announced that it will grant £3m to help accelerate innovation in offshore to accommodate shipping containers in operations and maintenance technology in response to the growing number whatever configuration is required. The vessel of wind energy projects being moved offshore. RES Offshore is embracing this also provides suitable accommodation for up new innovation drive. to 12 engineers, allowing for an overnight stay to the far offshore sites such as Dogger Bank and Hornsea.
Chris Holden, O&M Manager (left) Grimsby – an ideal location and Gary Madison, Offshore O&M With ever improving infrastructure, skills Business Developer availability, port access, support from the local council, and being in close proximity to the large North Sea wind farms, Grimsby has quickly become a highly attractive location for renewable energy companies from which to service wind farms.
RES Offshore is currently setting up a permanent base at the Port of Grimsby, Moving into deeper waters The vessel was acquired by James Fisher enabling further work to be contracted which As assets move further offshore and into & Sons, and previous experience from an will require further collaboration with vessel deeper waters, it becomes increasingly difficult initial charter to Dogger Bank was used to developers and owners for future charters. to find suitable vessels to accommodate further develop the vessel ahead of RES engineers & transport the equipment needed. chartering it for O&M work at Hornsea. Efficiency and value for money Given the importance that clients place on As a result, RES Offshore’s Operations Specific requirements efficiency and value for money, RES sees and Maintenance (O&M) team recently In this case, a specific requirement the chartering of these state-of-the-art worked closely with Supacat to provide of the trip was to provide suitable vessels as a pivotal part of its O&M service. recommendations around space and accommodation for up to 12 engineers layout for an SMV1 vessel which RES going offshore. As the engineers needed While great strides have been made in tailoring subsequently chartered. to sleep overnight on the vessel, noise the SMV1 to the specific needs of specialist reduction was a priority – something that Round 3 operations, RES is focused on O & M experience was achieved by both parties working constant improvement so that clients are Calling on over 20 years O&M experience, collaboratively on this challenge. assured of the most cost effective route to RES were well positioned to provide helpful getting O&M work done in far offshore zones. advice and recommendations on practical RES Offshore believes that being able to issues such as the layout of the vessel, the charter a vessel of this kind gives it an edge Chris Holden kinds of meals served onboard & the vessel’s when carrying out specialist operations at Offshore O&M Manager ability to transfer and move certain structures. Round 3 assets. The SMV1 includes a new RES Offshore
as well as having the products, services, Operations & Maintenance support manpower and experience to maintain them. The right conditions for successful solution-neutral approach that delivers wind power generation of renewable the very best value covering the following National network energy doesn’t only depend on the compartments… A national network of workshops, service wind. They also depend on properly • Generator centres & core competence centres is staffed maintained, efficiently functioning, • Oil Cooler and Conditioning by employees trained and approved to the reliable generating equipment. • Kits original equipment manufacturers standards. • Hydraulic Parking Break We can also put specialist engineers into the ERIKS wind energy services are already • Yaw Drive, Slewing Ring and Pitch Drive field, with Climbing Course for wind turbines heavily engaged with the wind energy • Bearings and Bearing Housing certification (BS8454), Level ll Thermography generation industry and are ideally • Rotor Shaft certification and the PCN Certificate of positioned to provide maintenance, repair, • Gearbox Competence in Condition Monitoring. operations support and product supply: • Coupling restoring and maintaining your wind turbines • Generator Heat Exchanger This unique combination of manufacturers to OEM specifications without resorting to know-how, predictive maintenance outsourcing – and to much higher service The company is also authorised partners or expertise and repair capabilities in a national levels than current industry expectations. exclusive repairers for many of the leading network means ERIKS can help you to names in wind turbines. Their extensive create the ideal conditions to achieve your Solution-neutral approach business, supplying parts to UK operators, maximum generating potential. Whether you need a repair, or a means they also have a comprehensive replacement part, ERIKS give you a parts database covering every UK wind farm, ERIKS
60 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H SECTION sponsor Operations & maintenance UMBERT ON Innovative access solutions Humber Access Limited is a Humberside based Rope Access and work- at-height specialist company providing innovative access solutions to the safest and most cost effective methods. Offshore wind energy sector Diverse experience The company is currently playing a major Other works Humber Access Ltd have active role in the offshore wind energy been involved in within the area include sector, working together with some of the providing an access team to drill out coring most pro-active organisations; including samples across several locations from RES (Renewable Energy Systems) O&M the wall of the River Hull that were not team from the Port of Grimsby supplying accessible via boat and they have also working at height teams for six monthly worked on the Humber Bridge supplying inspections and maintenance of all wind Irata technicians to assist and to install instruments at several offshore locations acoustic monitoring to monitor the cables. including Hornsea, Dogger Bank, Shell Flat, Stornoway to name just a few. Humber Access Ltd
Onshore Onshore they have a contract with Hull City ED's NOTE: Click to Council working on the high rise Kingston See Hull & Humber view more House office block in Hull City Centre. The supply chain matrix. info building dates back to the 1960’s and Humber Access are providing a rope access team to cover large sections of the thirteen, and adjoining four-storey, office blocks in debris netting running nearly the full length of one of the main streets in the city.
All image rights reserved to Humber Access Ltd ©
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H
Development Property Products Stoneferry has a market reputation for delivering quality commercial property. The Commercial company’s flexible approach to the industry allows them to undertake any commercial property development whether it is a Development distribution warehouse, office or factory. Having strong relationships with regional Stoneferry Estates Ltd is recognised as Company Service Profile and national contractors the company the leading commercial development Companies that are interested in working ensures that all buildings are built to company within the city of Kingston with Stoneferry can expect an exceptional BREEAM, delivered to the highest of upon Hull. Established in 1992 as a service and experience during the business standards. special purpose vehicle to redevelop partnership. The tailored business the former Reckitt and Coleman 35 approach Stoneferry Estates offers will Recent Case Studies acre site, the company has gone from mean a director of the company will One of the company's most recent strength to strength successfully personally deal with every customer and successful development is the regeneration regenerating iconic Hull locations. their property requirements. of the former Humbrol (Airfix) site situated along Hedon Road, Hull. Before the company’s involvement in the site, it was classified as a dangerous area Marfleet starter units and a renowned eye-sore. Since work commenced in 2008 the site has been transformed into a vibrant hub of business activity, having delivered circa 200,000 square foot of office and industrial units to multinational companies, such as Nippon Gohsei and the business park continues to grow in popularity.
The site is part funded by the European Union Economic Growth Fund and Stoneferry is proud to have been given the opportunity to develop the site.
The development has only one unit Strong market reputation Their flexible and accommodating manner currently under construction that is available Over the company's twenty-year history will ensure that all customers will get exactly for sale or let. This demonstrates that the Stoneferry has worked hard to establish what they want at a competitive price. market demand for high quality commercial a strong market reputation for delivering Potential customers will also further benefit space in Kingston upon Hull is very good. high quality commercial units that meet from having access to a well established market requirements and offer competitive relationship with Hull City Council and help letting and sale prices. The company prides in applying for grant assisted funding so itself on the directors' personal and flexible that businesses can continue to grow at approach, where time is dedicated to their new home. truly understand the customers business needs and targets, to ensure that the right property is developed for the customer.
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Tom Healey
Kingston Development Team Parklands The Development Team comprises Stoneferry Stoneferry Estates Ltd (the developer), Alan is delighted Wood & Partners (Structural Engineers to partner and Project Managers), Archial (Architects with Hull City and Planning Consultants) and PPH Council to Commercial (Letting Agents). regenerate the former The Phase One element will shortly be Maternity going out to tender and Alan Wood & Hospital site Partners will be pleased to receive situated along Hedon Road. Appointed enquiries from any contractors through a competitive tender process by who wish to participate in this Hull City Council, Stoneferry is committed process. to developing a commercial park that will have national and international recognition. Stoneferry Estates Now known as Kingston Parklands the 11 acre site is located in a prominent location directly opposite the entrance to King Click to George Dock, Hull. view more info With the site's easy access off the A64 and being situated directly opposite the Siemens offshore wind turbine factory Kingston Parklands offers a range of opportunities to companies that seek to capitalise on Siemens £310m investment into Hull.
With the additional benefit of having outline planning permission for the site, Stoneferry Estates has submitted a detailed planning application for a 41,000 square foot grade A office building this May, with the construction is scheduled to start this summer. This will complete the first phase of the development. Phases 2 and 3 will commence in 2015/2016 and interested companies are invited to contact the company directly to see if Stoneferry can help with creating the perfect property for their businesses.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Printed workwear Boom-time for your corporate identity
• High-Vis Workwear • polo Shirts means more • t-Shirts • Sweatshirts businesses look 01482 342 585 to make the [email protected] Humber home
With over 20 new wind energy projects, hundreds of millions of pounds of investment, and the promise of over 15,000 new jobs, the tide has turned for the Humber region as more businesses and employees consider making it their new home. Millfields Hotel 53 Bargate, Grimsby, DN34 5AD Millfields is a 27 ensuite bedroom hotel close to the retail and talent and expertise from outside the region commercial centre of Grimsby. With a wide range of leisure Peter Watson, MD of relocation specialists, Vantage Relocation, facilities including a fully air conditioned gym, squash courts, believes that whilst this will be a fantastic boost to the region’s sauna & steam room and an aromatherapist. Bargate 53 economy, and will create many local jobs, there will undoubtedly restaurant & brasserie and fully licenced bar. We are also the be a need for some organisations to recruit talent and expertise perfect setting for your meetings, conferences, weddings or from outside the region. Therefore, the task of moving staff special occasions. Millfields Hotel - much more than just a hotel. members to a new area still exists and remains a challenge. millfieldshotel.co.uk | 01472 356 068 | [email protected] The Hallam family from the USA – a case study This was the case with the Hallam family who had never lived outside the United States, until a career opportunity meant a move to East Yorkshire. The prospect of relocating to the UK, especially with two children, was as daunting as it was exciting.
“We fully expected a few hiccups,” admits Kerry Hallam. “To serve UK plc by supporting the renewable energy supply chain As part of their relocation package, Kerry and her family were to emerge from the uncertainties of subsidy and compete as an offered the services of a team of experts who had helped countless economically viable and secure energy source” families find and settle into a new area. Renewables Network is a private B2B network established to assist members to enter and grow in the renewable energy Personal guidance and advice market. It is privately funded & focused on delivering a wealth of Caroline Bramley, Director and Co-Founder of Vantage Relocation, opportunity to its members. was there to guide the Hallams every step of the way, working with them online and over the phone to discuss potential locations 01482 638464 | www.renewablesnetwork.co.uk ahead of a week-long initial visit to the UK.
“Caroline offered recommendations for us to research prior to our visit and followed up with an itinerary for our week,” Kerry says.
“When we arrived in the UK, Caroline picked us up from our hotel and within minutes we felt our concerns and worries dissolve. Caroline answered any and all of our questions. She had lined up house-viewings and had booked appointments for us to tour notable schools in the locations that interested us.
“By our third day, we had a very clear picture of which areas would be convenient for work and which schools would be the best fit for our children. We also toured many rental homes. At the time of our trip, there were only a few homes suitable for a family of four, and Caroline worked tirelessly and closely with the landlord to ensure we leased the home we most wanted.”
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“We absolutely love our home in the Friendly and personal approach wonderful town of Beverley and know Vantage Relocation’s MD, Peter Watson, that our transition to the UK and our says a friendly and personal approach to experiences would never have been as relocation is essential in helping individuals Expertise in national and flawless without the professional and to move to a new home and job. international relocations courteous services provided by Caroline Vantage Relocation was chosen to help the and Vantage.” “Employers are keenly aware of the Hallams relocate because of its expertise in importance of a successful relocation, national and international relocations. Using growing demands of businesses which is why they draw upon our in-depth local knowledge, the team has as well as individuals expertise.” says Peter, who founded guided hundreds of individuals and families Vantage Relocation already works with Vantage in London in 2002 and opened an relocating into the UK and Internationally. a number of blue chip companies, from East Yorkshire office in 2008 to meet rising FTSE 100 oil companies to global telecoms demand from international businesses For the Hallams, who have now lived in the organisations. Servicing the growing moving into the region. East Yorkshire town of Beverley for more demands of businesses and individuals than 6 months, Vantage’s attention to detail moving to and within the area, Vantage “Relocating staff members is an intricate helped them to settle quickly in a location Relocation is ideally positioned to become process that is fraught with challenges. that is perfect for their lifestyle. the supplier of choice for companies
The Hallam Family
There are so many factors to consider, from More than just a relocation involved in sectors that drive this region’s properties, schools, amenities and utilities, company prosperity, such as energy, chemical, to the basics such as how long it realistically “Vantage is more than just a relocation petro-chemical, food, healthcare, digital, takes to travel each day from one location to company,” says Kerry, whose children are ports, logistics and shipping. the place of work - the kind of details you’ll thriving at school and, like the whole family, struggle to find on the internet. making friends. Vantage Relocation
“Poorly managed relocation programmes “Vantage is a service oriented company Click to view more info can mean that staff members and their run by people who truly care about families don’t settle, causing problems their clients. It takes a special agent like reduced productivity, increased and company to really listen to their absenteeism and, in some cases, the client’s needs, to offer advice when failure of the assignment or recruitment needed, to know an area so well that process entirely. That’s why it’s always they are confident in the advice they more efficient for businesses to employ give. Our agent, Caroline, and Vantage ED's NOTE: Click to the services of corporate relocation Relocation went far above and beyond See Hull & Humber view more specialists.” to make certain that our adjustment was supply chain matrix. info satisfactory and followed up with us even after our closing.
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Supplying the industry in Hull & Humber
The Hull and Humberside region Offshore wind, oil and gas products from prime manufacturers. With is currently at the forefront of OAASIS built its reputation supplying complete control of the quality Traverrse developments in the Wind Energy the onshore and offshore oil and gas brand of PPE, the company ensures that Industry. Industrial supply company industries and the associated marine whether an immersion suit, a working at OAASIS Group have well established support industry. Offshore wind and the height safety harness, a pair of boots, a connections with operators in the renewable energy industry more generally threading machine or a tub of hand cleaner region and are looking to expand their were a natural fit and a logical progression. is supplied, the goods will be right, the customer base with further contracts Customers in these industries all require the paperwork correct and the delivery will be for their wide range of workwear, same type of gear and demand the same on time. specialist safety equipment and level of service. With an inventory value in maintenance and operational support excess of £1.8 million the company delivers Environmental accreditation materials. and does so in the UK and worldwide. By definition the Renewable Energy Industry is committed to protecting the The east coast axis Supply chain environment and its future. OAASIS Group, based in Great Yarmouth, OAASIS Group with its accredited Quality have been working with the offshore wind Management System is a secure link in OAASIS shares this ambition and energy industry on the East Coast for over the supply chain, stocking only prime commitment as evidenced by their ISO 10 years, initially supplying materials to the 14001:2004 Environmental Scroby Sands wind farm. This was followed Management accreditation with by Sheringham Shoal and currently policies designed to reduce Greater Gabbard, Humber Gateway and the environmental impact on Westermost Rough. their own site and local area. In addition the company has OHSAS Looking to the future the company is well 18001:2007 Health and Safety placed to supply the remaining Round 2 Management and ISO 9001:2008 projects like Dudgeon where operations Quality Management accreditation, and maintenance will be controlled from making a combined management Great Yarmouth, thereafter there are Round system throughout the business. 3 projects to look forward to. OAASIS Group Ltd
O & M base assets, existing expertise and potential for This combined with work at the other development. Humber side of the estuary where Grimsby - as the closest port to many of the North Sea But, in the words of Prime Minister David wind farms - has established itself as an Cameron: “Now, the real challenge cued operations and maintenance base with starts, which is making sure we get the investment from DONG Energy, Vestas, maximum supply chain industry together Eon, Siemens and RES Offshore is also in Hull and the Humber.” creating confidence in the Humber’s up Energy Estuary. Well prepared for investment However, it is not something the region is This interest was reflected when the unprepared for - work carried out by Hull Until recently the Humber Enterprise Humber Renewables team attended City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Zone (EZ), the largest in England the All Energy Exhibition in Aberdeen in Council in planning, skills and funding at almost 500ha and the equivalent May. The stand, supported by the RGF secured has been widely complimented to 780 football pitches, has seen a funded Growing the Humber programme, by Siemens and politicians. Similarly South steady trickle of businesses basing attracted a high volume of enquiries. Bank companies can access funding and themselves at sites in Brough, Humber representatives replicated this support through the Growing the Humber Grimsby and Hull. success at the Global Offshore Wind event Programme. in Glasgow in June. They also hope for But the confirmation that Siemens and similar success in Hamburg in September With the LEP successfully lobbying for a ABP are to go ahead with their combined and at Renewable UK in Manchester in three-year extension on the associated EZ £310m investment on EZ sites in Hull November. incentives - simplified planning and either and the East Riding for an assembly and Enhanced Capital Allowances or Discounted shipping facility and blade manufacturing Key milestone Business Rates - there is an attractive level facility is seeing the pace of enquiries speed Siemens’ announcement is a key milestone of support for investors in the region. up after further accelerating confidence in for the Humber LEP’s vision for the the Humber’s ability to support the needs Humber to be a national and international Humber Local Enterprise of the offshore wind industry. centre for energy, capitalising on our natural Partnership
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can be operated simultaneously. Prolonged This saves the client cost because multiple surveys can be carried out multi-purpose from a single platform with fewer interventions required over the surveys from duration of the survey.
DataFish DataFish can either position sensors North Sea Systems has developed a in the buoy looking downwards, part streamlined met-ocean data buoy, way down the mooring mounted called DataFish, for prolonged in a streamlined housing or on the multi-purpose surveys. The system seabed. An electrical umbilical is provides a platform for the mounting used to tether the buoy, provide of various sensors above and below power to the sensors and retrieve the surface. The data from the data from the sensors. sensors is stored on-board and also Autonomous monitoring system transmitted to where it is needed in Recent work Similar projects have employed passive real time. Earlier this year the system was used acoustic monitoring systems that to measure current profiles and subsea have enabled the client to monitor the Above and below surface acoustic data from a tidal energy site near presence of marine mammals. Having Above the surface anemometers, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. The streamlined an autonomous monitoring system cameras and GPS can be used to record shape makes it very stable in tidal operating 24/7 regardless of the atmospheric data, video and images, all environments but also enables it to be conditions overcomes the limitations of calibrated to a time and position. Below towed to site which helps reduce the cost Marine Mammal Observers and enables the surface ADCPs can be used to of deployment and recovery. construction work to progress with fewer measure current profiles, hydrophones interruptions. for acoustic measurements, cameras for The hydrophone was mounted within benthic surveys, ADVs for turbulence, a profiled mounting part way down the Versatility sonar for monitoring marine life. mooring line. The acoustic data was DataFish is a highly versatile platform processed on-board and transmitted in built to withstand the most challenging of Simultaneous operation real time allowing the client to monitor marine environments. Because there is a large on-board the activity on site and take action should power supply many of these sensors noise levels reach unacceptable levels. North Sea Systems
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Managing innovation to eliminate radar interference
Pera Technology has been working Projected sales in the Hull and Humber region for It is estimated that this technological a number of years, specialising development will generate projected sales in securing finance and providing of over €80 million within five years of the technical support for companies project’s conclusion. looking to develop new products and services. New product development programmes Lucy Davies North East Regional Manager This is just one example of a number of from the leap® team at Pera Technology new product development programmes discusses one of the company’s Pera Technology has undertaken with recent projects, as well as the funding companies involved in the wind energy opportunities currently available to Project development sector. In January 2014 FP7 was businesses targeting the wind industry. By tailoring the conductivity of the replaced by Horizon 2020, one of the polyaniline the project developed two most commercially aware public funding Wind turbine increase low-thickness RAMs based on a Salisbury mechanisms ever devised. The number of wind turbines installed screen and a frequency selective surface across Europe is estimated to increase (FSS) structure, suitable for application Lucy Davies by 80,000 by 2030. In order to do so, the to wind turbine towers, nacelles, and Pera Technology industry and government needs to address blades. Both structures achieve radar some of the key issues affecting where attenuation of 20dB in the S- and X-band Click to view more info wind farms can and cannot be placed, one frequency ranges, enabling wind turbines of which is radar interference. to be positioned in areas of optimal power generation, without the threat of Consortium disrupting civil, maritime, and aviation radar To address this issue, Pera Technology navigation. brought together a consortium of businesses from across Europe, including The innovative new material means that, Scunthorpe-based HITEK Electronic for the first time, radar systems and wind Materials Ltd whose combined skills, farms can co-exist, with the siting of the products, and expertise it believed could latter dictated by optimal power generation offer a solution. To fund the project Pera rather than radar proximity. Technology worked with the consortium partners to secure close to €1 million through the EU FP7 programme.
A cost-effective, low thickness, dual band Salisbury screen or frequency selective surface (FSS) structure which used a continuous manufacturing process for the production of an intrinsically conductive polymer (polyaniline) was soon identified.
68 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor SUPPORT SERVICEs UMBERT ON Embracing the A business hub for opportunity of a the wind sector generation World Trade Centre Hull & Humber is now Communications provider KC is one of the biggest firmly established as a employers in the Humber region and the main hub for businesses and sponsor of the Humber Renewables Awards since organisations with a they were launched three years ago. Here, Director of focus on bringing new KC Business Alan Worthing welcomes the impact of prosperity to the region recently-announced investments in renewable energy through the offshore in the region. wind sector.
Past experience Industry leaders Forty years ago, oil exploration in the North Sea transformed It is home to the Humber Aberdeen from a city where traditional industries were in Local Enterprise, Humber decline to the centre of Europe’s petroleum industry. Bondholders, UK Trade & Investment and Team Since then, many thousands of jobs have been created by Humber Marine Alliance, the oil and gas industry in and around Aberdeen, with the all of which collaborate result that the city has had one of the highest employment to make the most of the rates in the UK for more than 30 years. opportunities throughout the supply chain. Siemens commitment Three years ago, when engineering giant Siemens signed a Inward investment memorandum of understanding signalling its commitment in The World Trade Centre is also playing a key role in handling principle to build a wind turbine factory at Hull’s Alexandra inward investment enquiries to ensure a smooth experience for Dock, there was a sense throughout the city that renewable potential investors by co-ordinating opportunities from all four local energy could transform authorities. The approach clearly articulates the Humber as a region Hull in the same way. and promotes its credentials as the UK’s Energy Estuary.
Since then, significant UK first progress has been made As the only active World Trade Centre in the UK, there is a unique to develop the Humber as opportunity for the Humber to connect with a worldwide network of the UK’s Energy Estuary, more than 300 other centres and their affiliated businesses. with investment by biofuels manufacturer Vivergo Fuels The private sector partners of the World Trade Centre Hull & and an announcement Humber are now working with other organisations in the region with by renewables market a view to bidding for the World Trade Centers Association General leader DONG Energy of Assembly to be held in Hull in the near future. This event would see its intention to build an more than 400 business people from across the globe attending a offshore wind farm just five conference of major national and international significance. miles off the east coast of the city. Humber-wide commitment In another move, the World Trade Centre is setting up a south Investment in offshore wind bank office at Grimsby’s Europark to demonstrate its Humber-wide With the announcement by Siemens earlier this year of a commitment to businesses. deal that will see £310 million invested in offshore wind turbine facilities in the region, what has seemed at times a Dominic Ward, a World Trade Centre Director and a Senior Partner fingers-crossed hope is now set to become a reality. at Andrew Jackson Solictors, said that these were exciting times for the region. “Things are really gathering pace and the pan-Humber The deal will bring rich benefits for Hull residents and collaboration is reaping rewards. businesses. It will deliver more - and better - jobs for local people; better life chances for young people; and a “Over the next few months we will be working on building sustainable future for everyone. relationships with other World Trade Centres that could bring added value or further investment to the offshore wind sector. Once-in-a-generation We want to ensure that we utilise the WTC network to play our It’s truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Having called part in building international knowledge of the Humber’s unique Hull home for more than 100 years, it’s one that we at KC opportunities.” will join the rest of the city in embracing wholeheartedly. World Trade Centre Hull & Humber Alan Worthing - Director KC Business
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H help overcome any barriers which may have prevented Siemens and potential supply Siemens chain companies from accessing the land they needed to make Green Port a reality Hull city council dream team by making sure the supply chain could co- locate. Hull City Council and its partners have worked tirelessly to ensure the city is ready to seize the opportunities that are coming its way since January 2011 when Team action… Siemens and ABP named Hull’s Alexandra Dock as their preferred location for a • Led extensive pre-application wind turbine production facility. discussions leading to revisions of the submitted scheme The Green Port Hull is a landmark moment • Worked closely with key consultees for the Humber region, promising “Vital to this success is the close to address their concerns, holding regeneration and the creation of many partnership working, Hull has maintained regular meetings with Natural England, hundreds of new jobs and new skills. with East Riding of Yorkshire Council Marine Management Organisation, Siemens manufacturing plans will help throughout. Collaboratively we have English Heritage, Highways Agency and create around 1,000 jobs - 550 at the blade secured millions of pounds of government the Environment Agency factory in Paull and 450 at Green Port Hull funding and importantly gained • Completed a habitats regulation with additional jobs during the construction recognition for Hull and the Humber from assessment and detailed legal phase and indirectly in the supply chain. central Government.” agreement to ensure regulatory requirements for the development were met • Made site visits with members of the planning committee • Had regular dialogue with Siemens following the submission in order for further information to be submitted and scheme detail revised
In addition, council transport officers worked in partnership with ABP/Siemens and the Highways Agency to guide and direct the Transport Assessments needed to support the preparation of various documents for planning applications and Local Development Orders (LDO).
Further work on the supply chain and inward investment To meet the challenge, companies who supply the wind turbine manufacturers with essential parts, components and expertise need to be located in the same area.
Hull City Council’s City Regeneration and Dream team Funding Policy team brought together a supply Siemens has acknowledged the Council’s The city has to have the infrastructure, chain group, involving the Hull and Humber strong support and Matthew Chinn, indigenous companies and skills base Chamber of Commerce, University of Hull, Siemens’ Head of Energy (UK and North to meet Siemens’ needs and ensure the Renewables Network, Hull Business Forum, West Europe) has hailed those working investment creates local benefit to Hull. Team Humber Marine Alliance and East behind the scenes as Hull’s 'dream team'. The Council committed £5m into the Riding of Yorkshire Council. The groups’ programme from its capital fund to enable remit is to identify critical supply chain The Council’s City Regeneration and Policy infrastructure works such as the diversion requirements for the Green Port Hull project. team headed by Mark Jones, has been and enhancement of the public right of crucial to securing the Green Port Hull way to be undertaken and has secured Hull City Council investment. £25.7m of Round 2 Regional Growth Fund money towards Green Port (in partnership Mark Jones said: “The Siemens investment with East Riding of Yorkshire Council) and Click to has the potential to be the single successfully secured additional financial ED's NOTE: See Hull & Humber view more biggest influence on Hull’s economy for assistance for upfront infrastructure costs supply chain matrix. info generations. Once fully operational, the for the heavy haul link road for the Paull site. facility will employ 1,000 people directly on site and create thousands of support Land, planning and transport roles within new and existing supply chain The Council established a group of land and businesses.” property agents, developers and property owners whose remit was to identify and
70 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor SUPPORT SERVICEs UMBERT ON Professional corporate and Hi –Vis clothing We Print T-shirts, based on Case Study – University of Alexandra Road in Hull was Hull established 3 years ago by Early last year the company were husband and wife Steve and contacted by the marketing and Kannaporn Langley. With over communications department at 30 years experience in T-shirt Hull University. 2013 was the 40th and garment printing, working anniversary of the liquid crystal for various other printers, display...developed by scientists Steve was faced with being at Hull University, and they would unemployed after the company be requiring a large quantity of he was working for collapsed. t-shirts for various commemorative events and exhibitions they would A business proposition from be organising throughout the year another local company, agreeing called ‘LCD40’. to print ‘trade’ work provided the impetus for Steve and Kannaporn There would be around 6700 in to start up We Print T-shirts. total, to be produced in batches of around 1000 to 1500. The shirts Opportunity were to be printed with the LCD40 Realising this was an opportunity logo in one colour to the fronts, and to fill a gap in the market after the a two colour design including a QR economic downturn had taken code to the backs. it’s toll on many other printing companies, Steve and his wife 1000 shirts in 3 days! decided that a calculated and The total quantity of the order targeted marketing effort, along was dependant on providing with providing a quality service the first batch of shirts at short was the way to move forward notice...1000 shirts in just 3 days and establish We Print T-shirts time! The company pulled out all as a premier t-shirt and garment printing Corporate and Hi-visibility the stops and delivered the order with company in Hull and East Yorkshire. workwear half a day to spare, the customer was We Print T-shirts and as the name delighted with the shirts and the service Massive customer growth implies also print T-shirts! Additionally a they provided, and the rest of the order The last 18 months have justified this wide range of other garments such as duly followed. course of action, massively growing their poloshirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, corporate customer base and increasing sales and hi-visibility workwear,cotton shopper In a relatively short period of time they felt month on month, they have just recently bags and much more. they had built a good working relationship taken on their first apprentice, and hope with this customer, and always endeavour to take on another within the year to cope Although increasingly gaining large to provide a quality, professional and with the increasing workload. companies and organisations amongst friendly service to every customer. their customers, individuals and small businesses are valued equally. We Print
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SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Partnership with Renewables Network to benefit SMEs East Riding College’s Energy “Along with this we will have a focus Technology Centre has announced on energy in the agriculture sector and Support and services offered by its partnership with Renewables advising farmers and businesses on how the ETC include… Network, one of the leading they can reduce their energy bills.” • Tendering support organisations working in the energy • Energy efficiency projects and reports sector in the region. Supply chain opportunities • Environmental audits (including thermal Sam Pick, Business Development imaging surveys) The aim of the partnership is to link small Director of the Renewables Network, said: • Environmental and sustainability to medium enterprises (SMEs) with the “Regional SMEs recognise the growth in strategies part and fully-funded business support the energy sector in our region and are • Knowledge transfer events (including services offered by the Energy Technology keen to win their place on the supply chain. technology workshops and seminars) Centre (ETC). • Sharing best practice Facilities for SMEs ETC building The ETC provides The ETC building will facilities for small to be an element of East medium enterprises Riding College’s new (SMEs), corporate Beverley campus, support services which will form part and links to training of the Flemingate re- across a range of development project business, energy and which is planned and environmental for a September 2015 services. opening.
These include ETC location and consultancy facilities services in areas It will offer a unique such as tendering, conference and sustainability and business location in equality and diversity, Beverley, with facilities all of which are Sam Pick (left) and including an 80-seat crucial to winning Richard Webster conference facility and business from major self-contained office corporations. space.
SME support “However, for many of our small A showcase of energy technology ETC Manager Richard Webster said: businesses this is a real challenge as solutions will also be available to provide “We are really pleased to partner with they contend with the procurement knowledge transfer for companies seeking Renewables Network as the key for us is policies of major multi-nationals.” to improve energy efficiencies in the being able to access SMEs in our region. workplace. Practical business support “As a result of securing significant He added: “We will offer practical In the meantime, the ETC project will European Regional Development Fund business support but will also be offering its range of services from (ERDF) monies we are able to deliver seek to further regional businesses the College’s existing sites in Beverley, quality support to regional SMEs and we understanding of the energy sector Bridlington, Carnaby and Hull, with teams want to take advantage of this by offering and how events on the ground here in going out to businesses across the region. something unique.” Hull and East Riding are influenced and affected by global market change. East Riding College He added “The ETC we will be able to provide fully funded support for SMEs “We will not simply be talking about Click to view more info who need to become ‘tender ready’ and offshore wind but really looking at other improve their energy efficiency. new and conventional methods of producing energy and increasing energy = Click to view video efficiency. Our focus with be on energy value rather than just green.” Renewables Network
72 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk H ULLS &POTLIG H H section sponsor SUPPORT SERVICEs UMBERT ON Professional maritime electronics Ships Electronic Services (SES) has built an enviable reputation over the last 40 years for professional service and the ability to supply, install and maintain the world’s most advanced marine electronics systems. Working with all marine related applications such as wind farm service vessels, commercial shipping, workboat, naval, oil and gas and superyacht, SES engineers have experience in advanced maritime technology from satellite and on- board communications to bridge controls, navigation and entertainment systems.
Service and technical expertise The high standards of service and technical expertise offered by the company has been recognised my many of the industry’s leading manufacturers, for example they are the sole UK distributor and service provider for Raytheon Anschutz, sole onboard service centre for Cobham and is a warranty service provider for the mobile satellite communications leader, Iridium.
Business expansion and accreditation As SES has expanded its capabilities and services over the years the company has ensured its quality and control systems have developed to provide customers with the level of service expected of professional operations. The company is one of the few marine electronics service providers accredited with ISO 9001. It also has certifications from Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas, ABS and FPAL.
8 UK centres Factory trained engineers install, service and supply to shipyards and ports around the UK from a network of 8 centres including Grimsby, Liverpool, Poole and the Rochester headquarters.
In Scotland the Aberdeen facility specialises in services to the oil & gas industry while Grangemouth also serves commercial shipping and fishing industries. The Poole service centre handles electronics and communications supply to both the commercial shipping and leisure boating markets, with other facilities in Plymouth and Cornwall.
24/7 service The company also operates a 24 hour, seven day a week service and support line which is operated by professional engineers capable of talking through problems and solutions whenever and wherever they occur.
Ships Electronic Services (SES)
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 73 T ON SUPPORT SERVICES section sponsor UMBER
SPOTLIGH ULL & H H Millfields Hotel declares itself to be ‘much Industry meeting place more than just a hotel’ – with a variety The hotel has 27 en-suite rooms all with Much more of superb social and sporting activities king size beds. Many UK and international including squash courts, air conditioned companies are visiting the area using than just fitness suite, sauna and steam rooms, hair Millfields as their base, thanks to the huge salon, aromatherapies. expansion of the renewable energy boom to the north and south bank of the Humber. a hotel Offers and deals available Some of our guests and clients are from Great offers and deals are available on meals prestige companies such as Siemens, Dong, A major refurbishment to all plus speciality evenings throughout the week, Marine Travel, Lloyds British, Vestas, World hotel bedrooms and now major the menu offers predominantly English cuisine Wide Workers and Centrica to name a few. changes to its restaurant – now which is influenced by international flavours known as Bargate 53 Restaurant, using whenever possible fresh local produce, Facilities Bar and Brasserie that is set to all complimented by a happy smiling team of All hotel guests may use the health & fitness ‘wow’ customers following a staff to ensure your visit or stay will be a great facilities free of charge and they also receive complete overhaul. experience. discounts on bar and restaurant purchases. We offer free reliable Wi-Fi, free off-road car parking, early breakfast, packed lunches and with special discounted room rates for repeat customers these are just some of the extra benefits.
The hotel offers meeting and conference rooms which are available for many different functions, so whatever your needs – look no further than Millfields Hotel and experience for yourself why it is much more than just a hotel.
Millfields Hotel
understand the value that it offers and to their supply chain value in the eyes of improve increase that value by… the customer, and to understand the options for promoting that value more performance • Focusing investment solely on its successfully. competitive competence in new supply • Improving the skills of each team John Britton member BCG Bridgepoint Ltd chains • Offering a reliable capacity to deliver BCG Bridgepoint was established in Capacity expansion Hull, in 2007, to assist companies to The renewable energy improve their performance in new supply chain will supply chains. undoubtedly demand capacity expansion from Since then the need for aspiring the successful participants. companies to raise their performance to Those participants will need a world class level has been brought into to deliver a world class focus by the world class demands of the performance on each of major renewable energy developers who these three pre-requisites in are investing in the Humber region. order to build and maintain their reputation as a valued A supply chain is as strong as its supplier. weakest link. Promoting your value Becoming a strong link BCG Bridgepoint Ltd has To become a strong link in the renewable a reputation as a company energy supply chain a company needs to that will help a client to see
74 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 75 Ship Design & Build feature sponsor
Designers energised by offshore wind opportunities
"The offshore wind sector directly Multi-disciplined teams Whatever the task, Houlder quickly gets challenges ship designers to innovate Clients, be they the utilities, installation and to the detail and provides answers using which is precisely why Houlder has maintenance contractors or vessel owners a range tools and up-to-date software all enjoyed success recently" says Mike and operators, expect the full range of underpinned by significant knowledge of Simpson, the company’s Marine Design analysis and engineering from Houlder’s Class Rules and industry regulation. All Consultancy Director. He continues multi-disciplinary teams. These combine deliverables – design reports, calculations, “Stakeholders in offshore wind have creativity and pragmatism to develop new drawings, graphics and animations - focus a distinct set of fleet requirements concepts, aid decision making and validate on giving clients the confidence to invest, complicated by environmental design project safety, performance and feasibility build, operate and maintain vessels and constraints and capital and operational – all vital steps in planning future offshore equipment. cost drivers. These have inspired our energy infrastructure. people to look for new solutions and Windfarm installation vessels this, combined with expertise gained Proud history Houlder gained a wealth of experience of through years of offshore innovation, Houlder can trace its history of marine turbine installation by developing the design means we are well placed to drive innovation back over a century through of the Gaoh Offshore Deepwater Installer 1 things forward.” The Houlder Brother’s Shipping Line. vessel. The Jack up design was one of the The company is also still well known first to address year round operations in mid Progress for supporting North Sea Oil & Gas North Sea locations with water depths of up The company has provided maritime design exploration in the 1970s and 80s. The to 50mts. The Deepwater Installer answers and analysis, engineering and project current management team have decades the technical challenge of installing the development services as an independent of experience designing special purpose most distant planned offshore wind farms consultancy for over thirty years. Today, vessels, pipe and cable layers, offshore by providing optimised storage and lifting it employs 150 naval architecture and support ships, floating accommodation, capacity – the latter via a 1,600t crane. engineering professionals in the UK and USA. passenger transport and construction vessels. The design was also optimised to minimise Over the last five years in particular, Houlder downtime in port. This ensures installation has deployed its marine and oil & gas Expertise and knowledge costs per turbine are minimised by balancing pedigree to support emerging markets. The company’s naval architects and marine capacity, transit speeds and loading times. Progress has been good and Houlder engineers are experts in offshore operations Houlder developed the design and shipyard was recently named one of the UK’s and apply that knowledge as they develop specification for the vessel and the lessons fastest growing companies by SMARTA’s vessels from concept through to detailed learned are currently being applied to other Breakthrough50 initiative. design. They also design, fabricate and installation vessel projects. In particular, mobilise new equipment; develop deck Houlder has developed expertise in deep modifications; upgrade operational water jacking operations including leg design equipment and manage extensive and analysis for operation in up to 60m conversion, life extension and change of water depths. use projects. All of these are driven by the ever-increasing need for more capacity and improved capability.
76 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Ship Design & Build
Integration design and Mike Simpson commented “Our engineering current design and analysis projects This project utilised Houlder’s expertise are challenging assumptions about at integration design and engineering. size, validating ingenious thinking The offshore wind sector’s requirement and expanding operating envelopes. for a flexible approach to installing and Optimising capacity and operability is the mobilising equipment sits well within the kind of work we thrive on.” team’s capability. Mike explains “Houlder also supplies handling, lifting and flex-lay Floating Accommodation equipment, which means we know how to As well as wind farm installation, the industry go about installing it. Clients often come to is rightly concerned with their long term us as a one-stop-shop, particularly when operation and maintenance. As a result, equipment is non-standard and setting to Houlder has developed a novel, green work requires some lateral thinking.” accommodation mother ship that ensures technicians can be supported in field for as The resulting sea keeping performance is Houlder’s preference for challenging design long as possible whilst complying with HSE therefore within operating limits for housing work that stretches its people and delivers and environmental regulations. The Houlder crew and workers in relative comfort. a genuine step-change in capability is a mother ship is based on the company’s Recesses in the hull support work and key reason it has secured its place in the proven low-roll hull form and, with a single crew transfer boats and a walk to walk offshore wind supply chain. Mike Simpson point mooring, takes advantage of 'weather system allows direct turbine access. Having concludes “Houlder has been inspired by vaning' to keep wind and waves on the developed a generic concept that balances the opportunities the industry gives us to bow. CAPEX and OPEX, the company is now in use our corporate brain power and develop discussions with developers regarding their new ideas. Offshore wind vessel design is specific requirements moving forward. an exciting business to be in and we look forward to seeing where it takes us.” Adapting existing vessels New floating accommodation is not Houlder necessarily required. In 2012, P&O Ferries made its first major step into offshore energy Click to view more info by deploying the 23,000 tonne European Seaway freighter to house workers on the Lynn & Inner Dowsing wind farm array. = Click to view video 1
Houlder’s work included the design of = Click to view video 2 hull access doors, crane installations and boarding ladders which were installed during a short refit at the Arno shipyard in Dunkerque, France. Some of the vessel’s cabin accommodation was also upgraded and offices for the charterers’ managers were constructed on board.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 77 Ship Design & Build feature sponsor
Seawork 2014 delivers the goods Seawork, the commercial marine exhibition and conference, concluded its 17th annual three-day run at the ABP Port of Southampton UK, on Thursday 12 June.
This year over 7,350 visitors from 53 countries attended the exhibition to do business in this important driver of economic progress.
Steady Growth Seawork has again shown around 12% growth in exhibitor numbers. This is due to the fact that the commercial marine and workboat sector has maintained steady progress though the economic downturn. Much of the business of building and maintaining the coastal and marine infrastructure must be kept up and is often the subject of increased government spending to stimulate growth.
78 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Ship Design & Build
And Tidal Transit takes full advantage… Kitty Petra goes from Seawork to first RWE Innogy UK charter Docking, Norfolk
Tidal Transit's newest personnel transfer vessel (PTV), Kitty Petra, will now begin the first of her planned charter contracts after making her debut at Seawork International 2014.
Gwynt y Môr offshore windfarm She started working for RWE Innogy UK at the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm in late June.
Gwynt y Môr is a £2 billion+ project consisting of 160 turbines in Liverpool Bay off the coast of North Wales; construction is due to be completed later this year.
“We are all delighted that it has been possible to finalise the first contract for Kitty Petra so soon after her arrival in the UK," comments Leo Hambro from Tidal Transit. “For the duration of this initial charter, she will be operating out of Mostyn in North Wales, carrying construction workers, tools and equipment to the wind farm.
“This West Coast contract is a first for Tidal Transit vessels; our other three PTVs, Ginny Louise, Eden Rose and Tia Elizabeth, all of which are built to the same high technical specification as Kitty Petra, are chartered to offshore wind farms off the East Coast. This is our first charter to RWE Innogy UK and indicates that we have no geographical limitations.
Second charter “A second charter for Kitty Petra is in the final stages of negotiation and should be in place by the time the Gwynt y Business done – on the wind Môr contract finishes in late September 2014. This will see Kitty Marine renewables is undergoing a period of change, with the Petra fully employed throughout the winter." offshore wind industry once again generating a great deal of business at Seawork. Tidal Transit
Some of the highlights of the exhibition included… Click to view more info • The signing of an agreement between Burgess Marine and Mainprize Offshore initially to build two 25m wind farm = Click to view video 1 support vessels • Brightlingsea-based CTruk held a naming ceremony of its 20T = Click to view video 2 multi-purpose catamaran Ocean Warrior, the second CTruk 20T MPC for owner Scott Wharton of Ocean Transit Services • Cowes-based South Boats IOW handed over its 24m wind Seawork International 2014 farm service vessel, Seacat Ranger, to Seacat Services • Alicat Workboats delivered a 23m crew transfer vessel to Dalby Offshore
Tidal Transit took ownership of its fourth Personnel Transport Vessel, Kitty Petra, from the Spanish Mercurio Shipyard.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 79 80 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Ship Design & Build Bibby Athena Maximising efficiency Osiris Projects Managing Director Andy a sister ship to To maximise efficiency, Bibby Athena will McLeay comments “Placing the order be permanently mobilised with a dual-head for a twin sister vessel to Bibby Tethra Bibby Tethra multi-beam system, greatly improving the is quite a milestone in the history of productivity of bathymetric data acquisition the company as it acknowledges the Osiris Projects, part of Bibby Marine and a water treatment facility will be added great success achieved with the original Survey Services, have announced to extend offshore endurance. On the same concept of providing the ‘ultimate’ coastal building has progressed on a sister theme of efficiency, Athena will be fitted survey vessel. The second vessel will ship to Bibby Tethra, named Bibby with the latest side scan sonar systems, build upon the success of Bibby Tethra Athena, to be launched in winter magnetometer systems, an acoustic and allow us to offer greater availability of 2014. The vessel will mirror the underwater positioning system for locating this remarkably capable multi-role survey capabilities of Bibby Tethra with a and positioning the tow fish and a double platform. The new vessel, Bibby Athena few subtle changes to reflect the drum main winch with two cable sizes will provide even greater capability with company’s development into shallow will allow deployment of multiple systems a small number of key refinements which geotechnical sampling and a more without the requirement for re-mobilisation. have evolved from operating Bibby Tethra challenging offshore market. for the past two and a half years." A larger online survey lab will improve the Launched in 2011, Bibby Tethra has proven volume of data processing and initial QC Osiris Projects the overall success of the small waterplane that can take place on-board, reducing area twin hull (SWATH) design in maximising the amount of processing required in head stability and seakeeping ability in challenging office and she will also be able to support sea conditions, while consistently achieving and deploy seabed sampling equipment quality data. The popularity of the vessel such as CPT and Vibrocore systems. with the company’s key clients is ultimately behind the decision to commission and build Socarenam in Boulogne an additional vessel. As with Bibby Tethra, Bibby Athena will be built by specialist French shipbuilder Enhancements Socarenam in Boulogne over a duration of Although Bibby Athena will be the same 15 months. The shipbuilder is well known overall length as Bibby Tethra at 27.5m, in France for their high specification military the vessel will benefit from a number of and customs vessels of various designs as enhancements, including an increased well as large multi-role support vessels for deck crane capacity of 10.87 tonnes and the oil & gas industry. improved internal layout. The addition of two forward Schottel pump jets and larger aft electric Schottel drive motors will provide exceptional DP1 capability and an increased generator size will provide 850kVa of electrical power.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 81 Focus on Edinburgh feature sponsor
focus on:
EWe welcomedinburgh energy law experts CMS as our sponsor for this focus on Edinburgh feature.
CMS are the 6th largest global law firm. On 1st May 2014 they merged with Dundas & Wilson producing an exceptional combination of both Scottish and global expertise in onshore and offshore wind energy, with their extensive team having advised many of the leading companies in this sector including developers, investors, financiers, operators, offtakers, suppliers, direct customers and other stakeholders.
What can Edinburgh offer? "Edinburgh is a hub of activity for both on and offshore wind. It offers a well-recognised concentration of key wind energy figures, expertise and opportunities. These include regulatory, political, financial and major industry developers, suppliers and consultants so throughout the life cycle of a project, Edinburgh is a very attractive location for those wishing to engage with the sector.” says CMS Partner Mark Kirke who is currently advising on a 1000MW wind development off the Angus coastline.
A financial and operating centre Shona Sanders, who specialises in the financing of wind projects, points out that the establishment in Edinburgh in recent years of the headquarters of the Green Investment Bank (whose key sector areas include offshore wind) as well as teams at Close Brothers and Santander with a focus on onshore wind, demonstrate a genuine appetite for funding to (and commitment in) this sector in Scotland.
82 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Focus on Edinburgh
“Long term certainty and stability are the order of the day in order to attract the investment needed to develop, consent Outlook for Offshore Wind and build the level of capacity that is seminar Edinburgh is also a base for almost 120 currently envisaged” says Partner David In March 2014, The ‘Outlook for Offshore companies in the wind energy sector McGowan. “To an extent this certainty Wind’ seminar was hosted in the CMS including prominent names such as EDP and stability is being buffeted at the Edinburgh office with guest speakers, Renewables, Repsol Nuevas Energias moment by the emergence of different Ian Marchant (Chief Executive, SSE UK Ltd, Ariva, Gamesa, Mitsubishi Power priorities amongst the major political (2002 – 2013) and Chairman, John Wood Systems Europe, Vattenfall, Senvion, PNE parties, the inevitable uncertainties around Group plc); Finlay McCutcheon (Director Wind, Moray Offshore Renewables Limited, of Offshore, SSE RES and the Wind Prospect Group. Renewables); and Nigel Slater (UK “Edinburgh has built a reputation for Green Investment onshore and offshore wind, and other Bank) providing very renewable projects and our clients valuable insights into appreciate being able to connect with the current issues. Edinburgh us on our doorstep.” commented David Donald continued “As McGowan. lawyers, we know how important it is Opportunities to engage with the Edinburgh is also conveniently situated near issues our clients are current offshore windfarm developments facing.” such as Neart na Gaoithe and Inch Cape. CMS can provide “The benefits of its close proximity to over 200 dedicated the east coast offshore zones and the energy lawyers to wider North Sea make it a very attractive meet their clients' legal location” says Timothy Pitt, who is advising needs. They have his clients on a 1116MW offshore wind played an instrumental development in the Outer Moray Firth. role in this sector for 20 years, advising Meanwhile on land, opportunities abound Scottish independence and the effects a very impressive list of clients, including at Port of Leith, Edinburgh and Energy of Electricity Market Reform. A strong developers, investors, financiers, operators, Park, Fife with both ports being designated Hub is developing across Edinburgh and offtakers, suppliers, direct customers and as National Renewables Infrastructure Plan the Central Belt with major developers, other stakeholders. This gives them a sites, indicating that they are suitable for contractors and funders establishing unique depth of experience in this rapidly development to support the offshore wind significant presences from which to changing market. industry. conduct not only their Scottish but also their wider UK and overseas renewables Your world first “The excellent access by road and sea operations. This can only help the industry Timothy Pitt, CMS partner who for 15 years to Port of Leith, combined with a choice withstand these current local uncertainties has advised on a variety of on and offshore of sites, well located services, appetite and continue to thrive.” renewables projects, particularly from a for investment and local expertise real estate perspective, concluded by makes it an ideal base for industries Exciting times saying, “With the benefit of our combined associated with wind such as large scale Recently CMS (the 6th largest global law quality and size, CMS with D&W in our fabrication, operation and maintenance firm) merged with Dundas and Wilson. “It is large Edinburgh office alone provides an facilities, offshore installation and marine a really exciting time for both us and our enviable resource and specialist skillset surveying.” added Richard Turnbull. clients.” says Partner Donald Cumming, across the renewables sector. We are who has been advising clients in this sector pleased to set out our stall for the future Scottish Government for over 20 years, from major utilities to and demonstrate that it is ‘Your World Government policy has an enormous independent developers. “Dundas and First’ for our clients.” impact on the future of wind energy and Wilson has long been recognised as Edinburgh offers close connections to the being at the cutting edge of the Scottish CMS Cameron McKenna LLP Scottish Government at a very important renewables market. The merger with CMS time for the sector. opens up a world of opportunities for our Click to view more info clients.”
Image Caption - L to R: Back row; Richard Turnbull, Timothy Pitt, Mark Kirke, Front row; Kirsty Nurse, Louise Macleod, Lindy Patterson QC, Fiona Rossetter and Stephanie Mackenzie.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 83 Focus on Edinburgh feature sponsor
Green Investment Bank update
Background GIB, with bases in both Edinburgh & London, was created by the UK Our diverse and experienced team of multi-disciplinary Government, which has committed an initial £3.8bn of public funds. consultants includes EIA consultants, project managers, This finance is used to back green projects on commercial terms and ecologists, ornithologists, noise consultants, planners, mobilise other private sector capital into the UK’s green economy. hydrologists and GIS specialists.Together we provide expert technical, environmental and planning support to utilities, Offshore Wind developers, industry, communities and the public sector In offshore wind £624m has been invested directly in debt or equity throughout the entire project life-cycle from feasibility to across 5 projects. GIB’s approach is to pursue a two part strategy for implementation. the development of the UK’s offshore wind sector…
www.atmosconsulting.com | 0131 346 9100 • Firstly the aim is to encourage 'capital recycling' at the operational phase to stimulate a liquid market for operational assets
• Secondly to reach long term targets, the industry needs support at the construction phase and GIB is seeking to attract long Spotlight on Scotland term institutional capital to co-invest in construction assets In depth feature spring 2015 Westermost Rough Limited – first construction phase investment To get involved contact: 01765 644224 The most recent transaction, GIB made its first construction phase investment in an offshore wind project. Investing £241m alongside [email protected] Marubeni Corporation to purchase jointly a 50% stake in DONG Energy’s 210MW Westermost Rough offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Yorkshire. Click to view more Siemens 6 MW direct drive turbines info In addition to this being the first time that GIB has taken construction risk in an offshore wind investment, the project also marks the first commercial deployment of the next generation Siemens 6 MW direct drive turbines in the UK.
This is an important development in reducing the construction and operation costs of offshore wind and thus lowering the cost of electricity from renewable energy generation.
New turbine technology This approach aims to provide a demonstration effect to the market, especially around the use of new turbine technology. The transaction will also free up capital from DONG Energy to allow it to reinvest in future projects.
Helping early stage developers to recycle their capital is critical for the continued growth of the UK’s offshore wind sector. DONG Energy has a series of projects under construction and new projects in the pipeline in the UK.
Once operational, Westermost Rough will generate over 800 GWh per annum of carbon-free electricity, equivalent to the consumption of c. 200,000 homes, a city the size of Edinburgh.
UK Green Investment Bank (‘GIB’)
84 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Focus on Edinburgh
in carbon emissions and more secure Unlocking potential energy supplies are laudable benefits in themselves, it is at the more tangible local benefits created by revenue kept and for communities invested within the local community that the Scottish Government’s commitment is While in the debate surrounding Developments run wholly by community perhaps aimed. renewable energy development, the bodies rightly deserve enormous credit, focus is usually on cost in its broadest however such developments are relatively Community involvement sense, there is often less focus on few in number. The majority of schemes While examples of community involvement the concept of benefit and the range where community benefits are provided from renewable energy developers of possible ways in which renewable are commercial schemes where elements are common – 10k road races around energy development can be said to or percentages of revenue are ring-fenced windfarm sites are now a regular feature ‘benefit’ the population. for use locally. While cleaner air, reduction of the amateur running calendar – exceptional projects such Money matters as the celebrated Allt Dearg The principle that ‘money Community wind farm matters’ is paramount (which generated £130,000 in assessments of cost for a local community trust and of benefit – can, in in its first nine months of financial terms, the cost of operation) are less common. development be supported through its construction For family businesses, phase in a way which allows developers and community the full benefit of the project bodies looking to provide to be realised through sales funding for local investment, of the power generated? the mechanisms by which this can be achieved are This question offers a many and varied. Structured very narrow definition of share ownership, bespoke ‘benefit’. Turcan Connell dividend payment schemes have been involved in and loan of generation numerous projects which income all provide routes demonstrate the broader and to establish the long-term more diverse ways in which security of the community renewable energy projects funding. can be tailored to ‘benefit’ both the local and broader Where there is a will, population. there is a way While project finance Scottish Government developments will require set of principles revenue to repay bank debt, In April, the Scottish community contributions can Government published be included and ring-fenced a fresh set of principles from the outset. Where there designed to maximise is a will to provide regular and community benefit from secured community benefit onshore renewable energy from the commissioning of a developments. The key development, there is a way. principle is the promotion of an index-linked rate of Andrew S Fairlie £5,000 per MW/year for Associate & Head community benefit. of Construction and Projects The commitment from Turcan Connell the Scottish Government is welcome and timely – Click to view more info focusing attention on the broader context in which the renewables industry = Click to view video operates.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 85 Focus on Edinburgh feature sponsor
Collaboration delivers best results
Grontmij (previously Carl Bro and Kirkpatrick) has been providing engineering consultancy services to the Scottish market for several decades. The 200 strong team in Scotland works on many joint projects with their other offices across Europe, including Grontmij Denmark which has been at the forefront of offshore wind development and were designers of the world’s first large offshore wind farm at Middelgrunden, off Copenhagen. Since then they have been involved in major offshore wind projects right across the globe.
UK operation Consultancy services provider In the past few years Grontmij has been Grontmij is also a framework consultancy transferring its offshore wind knowledge services provider to the Green Investment base from Denmark into its UK operation Bank. Within the framework, they will be and can now offer a local capability, providing technical and environmental managed out of Edinburgh, covering all due diligence on proposed investments in phases of the project lifecycle, from initial energy infrastructure and assisting the bank feasibility and consent right through to evaluate the reduction in carbon emissions performance optimisation and strategic arising from the new energy infrastructure advice. that the bank will be financing.
Partnership with Skanska UK Major technical adviser and Boskalis Offshore This framework commission Grontmij believes a collaborative approach establishes Grontmij as a major delivers best results. Since 2010 they have technical adviser within the UK been working in partnership with Skanska financial industry for these UK and Boskalis Offshore developing a services. concrete GBS foundation for the UK Round 3 and Scottish Territorial Waters sites. Grontmij
Combining the company’s engineering design capability with Skanska’s construction experience and the marine engineering and contracting expertise from Boskalis has made for a very powerful partnership that has been able to bring innovative thinking into the sector and a pragmatic approach to risk management giving a high confidence level that solutions are deliverable at a competitive price.
Skanska Boskalis Offshore Grontmij GBS Foundation
86 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Focus on Edinburgh
Don’t Before you even start you should… get 1 Understand what it is that you actually want from the contract. As part of this, you will need to keep in blown mind what the alternatives to the contract are – in particular, if you can’t reach agreement what is your off best alternative. Although occasionally one particular contract will genuinely be crucial, in most instances there course are alternatives but they would simply be less convenient or would cost more; not proceeding at all may be a better how to alternative than entering into one Successful negotiating contract at any costs. negotiate There is no shortage of advice on how to be a successful negotiator but as 2 Bear in mind what the other the Scotland’s economy is edging into its part actually wants from the deal recovery the scars of the credit crunch – understanding that will allow you to negotiations are still very apparent in the approach understand how far you can push the that some parties are taking to contract other party whilst retaining good will Having advised on every aspect of the negotiations. and at what point they might simply supply chain since 1994, members walk away. of Harper Macleod’s Energy Team The construction industry has armed itself have been at the cutting edge of with standard contracts the terms of which 3 Be realistic. Whilst achieving the most wind power developments, advising have been designed to strike a reasonable attractive commercial terms and on projects totalling almost 2GW of balance between the parties and provide a avoiding any risk may seem like the installed capacity with a further 1.5GW known and well understood framework within ultimate goal, if you cannot get the in the pipeline. Here, Edinburgh-based which they can work. Many of the contracts other party to agree to those terms, Partner Pamela Todd shares some involved in wind energy projects will have to you will have nothing and by starting vital tips on how to get a project over be negotiated from scratch, however. your negotiation aggressively you may the line. engender such ill-will that you may No matter how proactively one behaves in find your contract difficult to complete Edinburgh and the east of a negotiation, the negotiation will proceed and problematic to perform. Scotland at the pace of the slowest and will only Edinburgh and the east of Scotland form be entered into when the last of the 4 Prioritise. Some details in your an integral part of Scotland’s renewable parties is willing to commit. Indeed, one negotiation are more important than energy industry, being home to many party appearing too keen may encourage others and there is little sense in companies involved in the sector as well the other party to pause to see what spending months negotiating as being the home of Scottish Government concessions may be extracted to secure unimportant details. and Leith Docks yet having potential as a the contract. base for manufacturing. The city itself is a Pamela Todd vibrant hub with lots of activity and many So what can you do to better your chances Partner new contracts being negotiated. of concluding your contract quickly? Harper Macleod LLP
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 87 Emergency Response! feature sponsor
Emergency The company was delighted to receive the award, Managing Director Ian Hughes passed comment on the win: “We are extremely happy to be recognised by an industry leading body such as the REA. Response It is our belief that in emergencies, the industry standard ‘golden hour’ should be used as effectively as possible … We for the Renewables Industry take great pride in this service and will continue to develop and improve the ERT As developers all over Europe strive HSSE’s Emergency Response Teams have as the company moves forward.” to meet their green energy targets, four central aims… larger wind farms further from shore Ian also expressed his thanks to the ERT are gaining government approval. • Identify life-threatening Injuries and crews, head office staff and client support As these projects develop, so do provide first-aid staff who continue to work diligently to the services required to operate a • Perform key interventions secure the efficiency and logistics of the successful project. • Achieve rapid extrication operation. • Timely transfer to the appropriate Recognition of an opportunity to medical facility improve industry services Hughes Sub Surface Engineering Ltd Bridging the gap (HSSE), who we welcome as our sponsor The Emergency Response Team members for this feature, has been providing help bridge a gap between the traditional Emergency Response Teams as part of rescue services, with an average response their Offshore Support Services (HOSS) time of 30 minutes for any incident. since 2012, when the company identified the area of offshore emergency response Reliability and flexibility are both strong as one in which significant improvements focal points within the renewables could be made. industry; therefore HOSS have been providing professional, stand-alone Safety is the key factor for any organisation teams who are qualified and equipped to or contractor from the initial design phases carry out a number of installation, repair of a project, the company recognises that and maintenance works in addition to each site will have varying site specific the medical care. The structure of the concerns. multi-disciplined team has allowed for HOSS to assist other sub-contractors in Qualified 3 man teams the performance of routine and adhoc To begin addressing the perceived issues maintenance tasks. in the field, HSSE began to provide three man teams fully qualified in rope access, Secondary tasks Day in the Life of an Emergency confined space and advanced first aid To date the HOSS teams have undertaken Response Team Member operations – these teams are deployed over twenty-five secondary tasks on Sailing into the field at 06:00am it is not an in the field on rotating shifts to ensure full site including; generator refuelling and easy life working as a member of the ERT; cover at a moment’s notice. management, emergency spill respond, each member is constantly put through paint assessment and repair, guano their paces in a rigorous training regime It is the key focus of the Emergency cleaning and more. covering all types of rescue. Response Teams (ERTs) to provide 24 hour medical and emergency response All team members are recruited from Team Leaders regularly utilise the transit cover with highly rapid response times to high-skilled backgrounds such as fire and ‘downtime’ to undertake medical revision wind farm projects. rescue, medical, offshore and military; to ensure all team members are certain of once completing Hughes Offshore their roles and required actions in any given Industry progress Support Services’ (HOSS) unique training scenario. As larger Round 2 and Round 3 Offshore programme – each individual encompasses projects are approved, it goes beyond an unrivalled skill-set to allow them to the remit of the Statutory Authorities such handle any situation. as the RNLI and the Fire and Ambulance Service to provide offshore response and Renewable Energy Association rescue services. awards Recently HSSE has emerged as triumphant at the Renewable Energy Association awards in recognition for ‘Skills Development’ for pioneering new offshore emergency response techniques.
88 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Emergency Response!
Experiencing offshore variations Each team taste the full spectrum of offshore life, climbing as high as the highest turbine engineers and often getting as wet as any diver on the ocean floor – through long 12 hour shifts and relentless working conditions in bad weather (if an emergency requires it), the ERT is always at the forefront of the medical response in the field and often picks up smaller essential duties.
At a moment’s notice the team could be called to an incident anywhere on site; varying from a slip or trip to suspected heart attacks. On-board the ERT have a fully stocked and certified rescue kit, complete with rescue stretchers and medical supplies.
HSSE have secured a reputation as one of the most diverse and reliable sub-contractors offering works in the industry. As a specialist subsea engineering and offshore support outfit the company takes great pride in delivering projects on time and on budget in all manner of challenging conditions.
Since its inception in 2006, the company has completed more than one thousand projects without major incident and with total client satisfaction.
Hughes Sub Surface Engineering Ltd
Click to view more info
= Click to view video
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 89 Emergency Response! feature sponsor
before new entrants are assigned to any shipboard duties. The other three basic Personal Survival Training STCW modules include; Personal Safety When any vessel sets sail, you never having the right equipment and knowledge and Social Responsibilities, Fire Prevention expect to be involved in any type of to use it, are all equally important in and Fire Fighting and Elementary First Aid. accident, be it a collision, man overboard ensuring a happy outcome, should a or medical emergency. You can go from tragedy occur. Overall aim a routine task on board to possibly a The overall aim of the Personal Survival major incident within minutes and this Preparation Techniques course is to provide can be totally alien to most seafarers. Preparation is crucial; it involves training seafarers with the necessary knowledge, To manage and overcome such events, and planning and also includes minimising understanding and proficiency to protect and training and preparation is key. Being the risk, especially those that can result maintain their own and others’ safety at sea in prepared could genuinely save your life. from the cost-cutting measures that most accordance with the international regulations. people are far too often guilty of when buying safety equipment. Students attending the Personal Survival Techniques course learn the principles of When an incident occurs it is too late to survival, abandoning ship, survival in the discover that the fire extinguisher is empty, water and the use of survival equipment/ the life raft on-board is damaged and there survival craft during a maritime emergency. are no flares available. Good seamanship is the result of a combination of knowledge, Accredited training good training and common sense, which Andrew Hodgson, Business Development ensures safety at sea. With good planning Consultant of Whitby Fishing Training Centre and foresight many disasters can be said “The overall objective of the accredited prevented, but sadly not all. training we offer is to give all persons History intending to go to sea a basic knowledge When the Titanic sank 100 years ago, it Anywhere any time of the immediate action to be taken upon was claimed the men on-board showed An emergency can happen anywhere, at encountering an emergency aboard ship immense chivalry by letting women and any time. Research and experience have and overview of the safety regime that exists children climb into the lifeboats first. But shown that when disaster strikes, most within the industry. We are delighted to new research suggests this heroic moral people panic, making the event far worse. be involved in delivering vital STCW safety code is actually a myth with men having However, those who have been correctly training to the maritime sector.” a better chance of surviving maritime trained to expect and cope with such risks disasters. Not only that, it has now been show far greater survival rates than those Andrew Hodgson suggested that the only reason women and who have not. People caught in a crisis or Whitby Fishing Training Centre children escaped the Titanic tragedy was emergency often react by falling back on because the captain threatened to shoot previous training scenarios. Click to view more info any man who put himself first. Training standards A study of 18 catastrophes over the past The Standards of Training, Certification 300 years was carried out by Swedish and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) researchers Mikael Elinder and Oscar Personal Survival Techniques training Erixon and shows that captains and their course is one of four mandatory modules Ed’s Note crew are 18.7 per cent more likely to required to work on any commercial vessel This is an abridged version - please survive a shipwreck than their passengers. ranging from super tankers to fishing follow the link to read the full article. Knowing what to do in an emergency, vessels. The training must be undertaken
Comprehensive service Call the bomb team…. The actual response to a UXO discovery can range from some simple telephone Historically, support for anyone Solution advice or identification based on video discovering an item of UXO within the One solution to this service shortfall is footage or images to determine the steps United Kingdom and its waters has been Ramora UK who have been providing to take to avoid further risks, through to provided by the military. Offshore, this offshore Explosive Ordnance Disposal more positive action. A full deployment service was carried out by the Royal services to the offshore industry since of the maritime EOD team involves Navy Clearance Divers and whilst this 2006. Just like their Police and Military embarkation of RHIBS, specialist EOD service is still available it only applies to Bomb Disposal counterparts the Ramora equipment and explosives along with divers situations where there is a danger to the UK team are made up predominantly of and ROV systems, where necessary onto a public or where lives are at risk. In the former military bomb disposal specialists suitable vessel. event that the presence of a UXO item but are being supported more and more is preventing the construction of a wind by their own ‘home grown’ specialist All the systems are designed to work from farm then the operator or contractor personnel. The team are deployed via a any vessel and also be interoperable to must source a suitable alternative to the, 24hour helpline and can mobilise within provide maximum flexibility. Ultimately, any tax payer funded, military teams. 24hrs should the need arise. deployment of the team is in response to
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Maersk had successfully operated training courses from the Maritime Rescue Institute Challenging waters and the loss of the facility was a great blow to the town. With all the fresh investment The arrival of two new emergency Fast Leading provider that has now taken place we are returning Rescue Craft at Stonehaven Harbour, Maersk Training, as a leading provider of with great confidence and vigour in the Scotland signals the imminent restart OPITO related training ranging from survival knowledge that out of that sad period we of a wide range of Maersk Training to firefighting to boat training, will offer a have seen the development of a world programmes at the newly opened wide range of courses from the Academy class facility for the Oil and Gas sector and Maritime Training Academy, which is including Fast Rescue Craft Boatman, Fast one that the community of Stonehaven owned by their Aberdeen-based partners, Rescue Craft Coxswain, Daughter Craft can be extremely proud of.” Survival Craft Inspectorate (SCI). Coxswain, Twin Fall Lifeboat Coxswain 10 year agreement and technical The two companies have entered into a ten training associated year agreement, aimed at establishing the facility medical courses as a world-leader in the training of Boatmen ITSO and AMA, and Coxswains in the use of Fast Rescue alongside technical Craft. The two craft arrived on June 22nd. training. With all of its This is a significant investment by Maersk emergency response Training, coupled with the investment made facilities located within in the recruitment of additional instructors for a ten to fifteen minute the facility. An Open Day to showcase the drive of each other, Academy and to learn more about the courses Maersk Training is the on offer will be held on August 27th. only training provider in Aberdeen able to Stuart Cameron, UK Managing Director for offer these courses in Maersk Training, a global training company such close proximity. involved in oil and gas, maritime and wind training, said: “Companies in these sectors New facility can be assured the Academy offers first Following extensive storm damage to the SCI has more than 22 year experience in the rate training facilities and, more critically, previous facility, with tremendous support manufacture, supply and maintenance of that the challenging waters of the North from Stonehaven Harbour Board and lifeboats, davits, liferafts and fast rescue craft Sea around the Stonehaven coastline - Aberdeenshire Council, SCI has invested and the Academy – which complements with its coves and inlets - provides the a substantial six figure sum in building the SCI’s established training school at Findon sternest test of any facility in the UK for new facility and equipment, so as to train – will enhance the skills and competence of fast rescue training. The industry has been its own customers in its emergency marine those personnel who use, install and service aware for some time of our plans and there evacuation systems. The Stonehaven lifesaving equipment. is a tremendous level of interest already site includes the main building, offices, generated. Indeed, we believe that in classrooms and workshop on the harbour Maersk Training the first year a high number of delegates front and an additional building which will be will be trained at the facility with demand used as a training room. Click to view more info increasing as new vessels come online by 2015 and grow from there on.” Stuart continued: “The industry will be well aware that prior to the storm damage = Click to view video
Procedures approval for the physical underwater On average, the team deal with, in activities however, specifically, the permits excess of, 20 large UXO items offshore required to undertake EOD work offshore. per annum, along with 1000’s of smaller Dependent upon the arrangements in munitions and pyrotechnics discovered place, these permissions can take up to 6 on shore. Each large UXO item (bomb weeks to obtain, somewhat defeating the or mine), depending on the situation, ‘Emergency Response’ definition. can be relocated away from any critical infrastructure, such as monopiles or Whilst its evident that good project pipelines and safely destroyed within a 6 planning, alongside effective risk mitigation hour window. and survey strategies, is crucial in an unexpected discovery and, as such, determining the risk from and presence will impact on project timelines. As a result, Approaching UXO risks of UXO items, the need for an Emergency the system, personnel and operating Operators and contractors must balance Response solution remains for the procedures are configured to ensure a number of factors when determining unexpected discoveries. expedient removal of any UXO hazard how to approach the UXO risks and whilst ensuring appropriate levels of safety one area requiring clear understanding Ramora UK are maintained at all times. is that of the marine permits which give
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Effective Preparation & Response Facing a diverse range In order to be properly prepared for an emergency and to greatly amplify the chance of success in any subsequent response, of potential hazards and specialist safety training has rightfully continued to retain its position as a fundamental pertinent risks component within the energy sector. Offshore working environments constantly face a diverse range of potential hazards and pertinent risks, Hare and Johnson (2009) reinforced this by More specifically, comprehensive training indicating that a number of offshore related occupations (i.e. plant/machine in a number of specific areas (i.e. risk operatives) held significantly higher injury rates than other professions. assessments, permit to work systems, working at height, etc.) has substantially helped to reduce the number of transpiring emergencies.
Preparedness Sadly however, not all emergencies can be prevented, it is therefore essential to equip the workforce with all of the necessary knowledge and life-saving skills that they may one day need to rely on (i.e. rescue at height/confined space rescue/spills responder/emergency first aid training).
Piper Alpha disaster CSC International passionately aspires to provide an unparalleled standard of safety training within the global energy sector. Our dedication and procured competency in the field stems from the aftermath of the horrific Piper Alpha disaster, a tragedy that Responsibility Communication claimed the lives of 167 men (including It is therefore a crucial responsibility of Regular communication and consultation many of our Managing Director’s close organisations and nominated duty holders, between project partners, offshore friends and colleagues) on July 6th, 1988. within the global energy sector to pursue installations and related agencies Maritime effective emergency prevention methods Rescue Co-ordinate Centres (MRCCs) and A number of truly harrowing memories whilst maintaining a non-complacent state MCA, etc.) is also a paramount aspect of fuelled his unwavering devotion to keep of emergency preparedness. preserving offshore safety. the industry, along with his remaining friends, safe and commendably led him Emergency response plan (ERP) Potential Emergencies to establishing his own international safety It is also vital that they have a thorough, Failure to comply with the above points can training company in 1996. regularly tested and reviewed, emergency lead to a number of emergencies, some of response plan (ERP) in place that complies which are listed below… CSC International with the regulations of the International • Slips, Trips and Falls (Various Heights) Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the • Gas Leaks & Fires Click to view more info Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). • Electrocution • Drifting Vessels • Spills & Pollution • Handling, Carrying or Lifting Accidents
92 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk feature sponsor Emergency Response! Speed and strategy the watchwords for crisis media management in an emergency response situation “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes” Mark Twain
That heart-sink moment Don’t fuel the fire Know your rights At some point or another, most companies Be seen to be doing something – a The media is constrained by law, regulation face the threat of instant damage to a ‘no comment’ will make you look guilty and guidelines from the PCC, Ofcom, BBC reputation that has taken years to build. or indifferent. Consider the story from and others. A working knowledge of these You’ve worked tirelessly to win the trust the reader or viewer’s perspective. can help you challenge an unfair approach, of your staff, customers and investors. Use accessible language and a human but ask for help if things get complicated. You’ve made careful plans and are face where appropriate. But proceed achieving the right results. And then a cautiously, remembering that the more Louisa Desborough single phone call threatens it all. information you provide, the more angles Media Trainer & Crisis you open up for a journalist to explore. Communications Leader In the spotlight Freshwater PR When you’re thrown into the media Use every channel spotlight, it’s natural to experience a The Twain quote is even truer now that On behalf of strong sense of injustice, especially if the news can spread in seconds online. Waterfront Events allegations are out of proportion, out of But remember you have access to context or just plain wrong. You may also these channels too. If you have crafted feel that you need time to take it all in and a robust rebuttal, why rely only on a plan your response. journalist to quote it in full when you could use your website, social media The ‘Reynolds Defence’ and email to ensure stakeholders see But in crisis situations there is no room for it in an undiluted form? You could even emotion and no time to pause. The media produce your own video and put it on runs to their deadlines – not yours. They YouTube. rely on the ‘Reynolds Defence’, which states that even allegations that turn out to be untrue can be published if there is a clear public interest and the journalist acts responsibly.
It’s standard practice to get a story ready for publication before offering the subject an opportunity to respond. This means that, while the journalist may have spent days doing their research, you may have just a couple of hours to do yours.
Prepare for the unexpected The last thing you need at times like these is a logistical hiccup. It’s a common mistake to think a crisis will never happen. So run a crisis preparedness audit to identify reputational risks and plan crisis scenarios. Schedule regular media training refreshers for key spokespeople so you can deploy them quickly.
Keep it simple The realities of the case in question will probably be complex, but the media doesn’t cope well with detail! If you decide to respond, keep it simple, keep it short and check that each sentence stands up to cherry-picking.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 93 Specialist Welding feature sponsor training delivered In our travels to various conferences and events we receive feedback from the industry on many different topics featured. Specialist Welding is just one of the many but a very important one.
Bode has been synonymous in the design and manufacturing of Before this date vessels around 6 metre diameter were the rotating and positioning equipment for the welding industry for norm and these submarines were nearly twice this size, so new more than 50 years and we are pleased to welcome them as our techniques were required to manipulate 200 tonne parts and sponsors for the feature rotate them accurately for welding.
Range of services Old practice The company's range of welding automation includes Positioners, Prior to these designs the traditional way of welding was with Rotators, Turntables, Seam Welders, Head & Tailstocks and a Column and Boom that had a ‘Lay Trough’ attached to the Column & Booms. Machinery can be supplied with a whole host Boom to which the welder had to lay down on their stomach to of welding processes from TIG, to Strip Cladding Sub Merged Arc watch the welding arc. Health and safety laws now prevent this Welding (SAW). dangerous practice.
Background The welding process was also slow. Single or double welding F. Bode & Sons Ltd (Bode™) is an English/German consortium wires would be used, using only 25 kg weld wire spools meaning owned by, Kistler Maschinen und Anlagenbau GmbH, of Bad constantly stopping to change the wire. Welding deposition rates Saulgau, Germany & YPH Ltd, of Preston, Lancashire. The sales were also low, leading to longer welding times. office is based in the UK, with manufacturing facilities at their brand new facility in Southern Germany. In 2008, the acquisition of Another issue for welding large diameter vessels is aligning them UP Helfert, has finalised their portfolio of equipment and can now to give a straight length. Special methods of carrying out this offer Sub Merged Arc Welding equipment, manufactured in house process were needed as personnel could not undertake this offering clients a complete service. alone.
Wind industry Designing for the future With strong connections with Germany, the company has recently Due to the immediate requirement in Germany for modern day won orders with many of the leading wind tower manufacturers, wind tower manufacturing, Bode has taken their ‘know how’ from following the German government decision that their future years of experience in providing fabrication equipment throughout electrical energy needs will come from wind energy, both onshore Europe. The company have supplied many German companies and offshore. and are associated with Ambau (all four works in Germany), SIAG (Germany, Czech Republic and France), EEW (Germany), Knowhow and innovation Steelwind (Germany) and Weserwind (Germany). In 1984 Vickers Shipbuilding in Barrow enquired if F. Bode and Son Ltd could design and Bode immediately used their experience and technology manufacture a bespoke set of welding in improving the working designs. The use of welder and fabrication positioning platforms, Hydraulic Fit Up rotators, Crocodiles and equipment for the then new long internal welding Booms, that would reach submarine project. up inside the longest of vessels, were the answer for the new 60 metre Wind Tower Fabricators.
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Using hydraulics, so called Crocodiles and ‘Fit up’ rotators, the company can accommodate any diameter and weight of vessel which allows thick walled Advances steel shells to be hydraulically pressed together. They are then There have further been advances in internal welding by the use tack welded, then fully welded together as they grow in length of very long multi head booms, which can reach 26m down the (Growing Lines). inside of the vessel to perform Butt welds.
The new method was to have a 14m tall welders platform, with rear lifts to get the operator to the top, for the welders to sit in comfort and safety many meters up off the floor. These platforms are capable welding longitudinal seams as well as circumferentially and of supporting many tonnes and several 100 Kg drums of weld wire can be safely stored, so very few wire changes are required.
The increase in vessel diameters has further necessitated longer plates to roll into a circle. Therefore Bode has developed Flat Bed Butt welding rigs whereby sheets of 40m long and 3m wide can be firstly produced in the flat, then rolled to form a single shell and then welded via the Platform seam welding machine.
Competitive markets Increased welding speeds are needed in these very competitive We also pay particular attention to operators’ safety, seeing that markets. The twin welding wire method is slow due to low diameters are going up to 13m and wall thicknesses 150mm. A deposition. lot of time must be spent high off the ground and safety harnesses are used while at the top. UP Helfert have manufactured bespoke Pipe Mill Multi head Submerged Arc welding equipment for many years which was readily adaptable for the wind tower industry that demanded very fast welding speeds, with up to four and five welding heads.
Bode’s 4 wire welding heads can deposit up to 45 KG of wire per hour which is twice as fast as their competitors.
F. Bode & Sons Ltd
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Recognising the requirements of local industries, employers and Specialist training inward investors, North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, has identified that Fabrication and Welding skills are going to be in ever increasing demand across the region particularly for those working in the wind energy arena.
Engineering Centre To support students to develop skills to match demand from local industries the college has invested in an iconic engineering centre and new industrial standard equipment, facilitating a curriculum that prepares students to move quickly into the world of work.
Specialist Equipment The college has installed a submerged arc welding process equipment, which is an innovative addition to the extensive array of welding training equipment already in use.
The sub arc welder runs on track, enabling students to prepare for heavy industry, producing work required on such constructions as wind turbine columns, flanges and girders, which would be difficult
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to complete by hand due to the weight and time requirements.
They are able to produce a weld without seam for many metres and work on plates at thicknesses of 150 millimetres, at angles. Because the arc and the weld metal are submerged beneath a layer of flux, the weld is high quality and produces no spatter.
Virtual welders The college has four virtual welders which at an individual cost of £50k are a valuable asset, enabling students at all levels to practice different methods of welding in a safe environment without using expensive materials.
The virtual welders are very popular with students as they are able to prepare different test pieces, vertical, horizontal, flat or overhead in the same location.
Wearing a visor which shows them a simulated workplace scenario from a range Proven success of locations, e.g. a factory floor and holding The success of students moving into the gun to the plate, they 'virtually weld' employment in this area is testament the task from the simulation. The teacher is to the high quality of teachers and able to watch the student’s progress on the extensive equipment available. screen and the work can then be assessed by the virtual welder and guide the student North Lindsey College in improving their work.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 97 Specialist Welding feature sponsor Oil & gas expertise delivers the perfect solution The experience and expertise of the oil & gas industry’s fabrication sector is Aquind’s Triton foundation structure is proving to be a huge asset for the offshore wind sector, according to North designed for large wind turbine generators East England-based Aquind. located in over 30m water depths, which is relevant for more than 70 percent of offshore wind farms in Round 3 developments.
Production Production of the Triton will utilise a strong blend of automated processes and manual skills of its experienced welders.
“While a large proportion of monopile production for shallower water turbines can be automated, deeper-water tripod jackets require more intensive involvement from technicians who can deliver more complex welds,” said Alan. “This, of course, will ensure the three legged jackets meet the exacting standards of the industry and can meet the subsea environmental challenges; however, it won’t have an impact on production timescales.”
Capability and economies of scale Aquind will be capable of producing up to 150 Triton steel jackets per year, which will significantly reduce foundation manufacturing costs.
Offshore Wind Component Technologies Development Fund Prototype developments of the Triton foundation are being undertaken at OGN Group’s facility on the banks of the River Tyne, which have been boosted by the award of £640,250 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s Offshore Wind Component Technologies Development Fund.
The Triton jacket will also feature in another Triton steel jacketed Little difference DECC-funded programme to develop new foundation “Essentially there is not a lot of difference fatigue performance criteria for welded Part of the OGN Group, Aquind has between the welding requirements of joints through testing of an online condition developed the Triton steel jacketed the two sectors, except the structures monitoring system. foundation and is utilising the established for the offshore wind sector are generally welding capabilities from its sister smaller, lighter and need to be produced Aquind/OGN Group company, OGN North Sea, which has in greater volumes. The quality of the delivered multiple and complex fabricated finished product has to be the same. Click to view more info structures to the global oil & gas industry. “The offshore wind sector has adopted “Welding experience from the oil & gas the Design Codes applied to the offshore sector is proving to be invaluable to the oil & gas, which is understandable as they offshore wind sector,” says OGN Group are strict and will help the renewables Welding Engineer Alan Henderson. sector dictate high levels of quality from its fabrication suppliers.”
98 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 99 a subsidiary company of
Offshore Wind EPC Fabrication Delivering all your offshore wind fabrication needs • Wind Turbine Jacket Foundations • AC/HVDC Transformer Substations • Substation Jacket Foundations • Met Masts
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