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INTRODUCTION
Wind Industry Careers (WIC) Steering Group Our industry steering group has been formed and will meet during RenewableUK’s event in Glasgow. We will Just go online and follow the various links Wind keep you informed on developments. in the online magazine pages. Particularly interesting are the links to the micropages Energy This first meeting will discuss/set policy and videos within our website which are and timescales. bespoke and specific to companies/ organisations serving the needs of the Network Operations & Maintenance wind energy industry. They are designed feature to give you more information relevant to This important area of the industry is often this industry. Skills seen as secondary to construction, which could not be further from the truth. We Just click on these coloured flashes gap devote a sizeable area within this edition shown below whenever you see them in featuring the opinions and advice from the the online magazine. initiative leaders in the field. Crisis Management – prevention = See enhanced entry online We continue in this edition rather than cure e with 2 different angles on It would appear that the ‘popular press’ our skills gap initiative. exalt in the disasters of the world rather = See video library online than the recoveries and solutions. Crisis Management is an important area and this • A general area where leaders in substantial feature focuses on prevention the industry give their opinions on rather than cure – it’s dangerous out there, the subject area as we know, so the more information and • The scheduled second target area advice we heed the safer we will be. within our long term strategy – 6th Form schools/Further Corrosion & Coatings Education Colleges, which features In the harsh environment of developments various projects around the UK and projects, particularly offshore, we focus on expert opinion which will help the New readers can learn more about this industry make the right choices and also initiative within the pages of the last 3 learn from past mistakes. editions. Navigation Aids Offshore wind offers challenges and the importance of navigation is featured to assist our readership in making informed decisions.
Magazine and website Duncan McGilvray interaction Editor | Wind Energy Network The website continues to grow and is already a very potent and helpful tool for www.windenergynetwork.co.uk our readership so jst another reminder regarding the interaction between the magazine and the website for those who are not aware of the possibilities.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 01 WIND ENERGY NETWORK
The biggestwind energy project
Skills Gap Initiative We feature our next target area of 6th Form Schools/FE Colleges as planned
Our industry steering group has been formed and will meet during ever!The front cover represents the Dogger RenewableUK’ s event in Glasgow. We Bank project which, when complete, will will keep you informed of developments. be the largest wind farm development in the world. Operations & Maintenance feature It is easily forgotten that the project starts This important area of the industry is often with planning, preparation and surveying seen as secondary to construction, which and not the day when construction could not be further from the truth. We begins. devote a sizeable area within this edition featuring the opinions and advice from the We feature in this edition a project up- leaders in the field. date from the beginning, some 3 years ago, when the license was granted by Crisis Management – prevention The Crown Estate. We will be following rather than cure progress throughout this massive It would appear that the ‘popular press’ development programme in future exalt in the disasters of the world rather editions. than the recoveries and solutions. Crisis Management is an important area and this substantial feature focuses on prevention rather than cure – it’s dangerous out there as we know so the more information and advice we receive the safer we will be.
Duncan McGilvray Editor | Wind Energy Network
Cover image: Lesser Black-backed Gulls on Dogger Bank
02 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk CONTENTS
CONTENTS Page 50 Conference focus – REFF London 2012 Page 52 Operations & Maintenance feature focus Page 4 The Dogger Bank project – the largest wind energy project in the world Page 66 Oil analysis article from Exxon Mobil
Page 8 Your Industry News section starts here Page 68 Company Focus - Tidal Transit
Page 16 Your regular events calendar and what’s new Page 72 Corrosion and Coatings – a substantial feature from the experts in the industry Page 18 Skills gap feature – leading industry lights continue their comments Page 78 Sheringham Shoal – nears their official opening
Page 28 Skills Gap feature – target area: 6th Form Schools/ Page 79 TATA Steel opens in the North east FE Colleges Page 80 Ainscough Wind Energy Services (AWES) company Page 32 Windfarms in forest areas – the challenge in focus Germany Page 82 Crisis Management feature focus – prevention rather Page 34 Port of Sunderland – A spotlight on a port powered than cure up to generat growth Page 98 Health & Safety advice from Andrew Jackson Page 38 Business Development section – regular advice from an extended team Page 100 Navigation Aids feature
Page 48 Industry Insight – a new feature interview with Page 104 20 Questions – another new feature on a more experts in the industry starts with Richard Durrant, personal level – Keith Brooks from Prowind bears Commercial Diver his sole!
p13 p21 p83
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 03 INDUSTRY ARTICLE
The Dogger Bank offshore wind development The Dogger Bank project was the most exciting wind energy development news to come out back in 2009. It is not only the largest in the proposed Round 3 developments within The Crown Estate licensing agreement, but will be by far the largest offshore wind development site in the world. Such an undertaking is immense and we have been in consultation with the developers so that we may follow the project from start to finish, in detail, as it progresses. An introduction The following is just the start of what will be a regular feature and starts with an introduction to the development consortium behind the project and also describes the various necessary project areas required to undertake such a mammoth task.
04 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY ARTICLE
Development partner - Forewind In January 2010, Forewind was Forewind announced as development partner for Dogger Bank, the largest of the zones. and the Located between 125 and 290 kilometres off the east coast of Yorkshire, the zone Dogger extends over approximately 8660 km2 and with water depths ranging from 18 to Bank Zone 63 metres, it is also one of the shallowest. Grid The world’s largest offshore 10 per cent of the UK’s projected The key link in any wind farm project is wind development electricity requirements the grid connection, where the power Forewind, a consortium comprising four Forewind General Manager, Dr Lee generated by the wind farm feeds into the leading international energy companies Clarke says that the organisation has national grid system. – RWE, SSE, Statkraft and Statoil – is the objective to achieve consent for an developing the world’s largest offshore agreed target installed capacity of 9GW of In March 2010 Forewind signed a wind energy project at Dogger Bank, 125 offshore wind farm projects by 2020 which connection agreement for the first project, kilometres off the UK coast. equates to almost 10 per cent of the UK’s to connect at Creyke Beck, north of projected electricity requirements. If fully the Humber Estuary. In October 2011, The Crown Estate’s Round 3 developed, it will be the world’s largest Forewind signed two more connection process, 2009 – the background offshore wind project. agreements for an additional two projects Rewinding to the start of The Crown likely to be located at an existing National Estate’s Round 3 process in 2009, nine “The Dogger Bank project heralds a Grid substation site at Lackenby, east of offshore wind energy development zones completely new era for offshore wind Middlesbrough. were identified; with the due to its aim that they will have huge size More recently, in March 2012, Forewind the generation capacity Forewind will continue to liaise and distance announced the signing of a further to deliver a quarter of with all key stakeholder groups from shore,” 3GW grid connections. One of those the UK’s total electricity including local fishermen. Dr Clarke will connect at Creyke Beck, the site of needs by 2020. said. “This the first grid connection agreement. The means there remaining two connections will be located are many in Teesside at a site, to be finalised. technical and logistical Dr Clarke said that the agreements with challenges to the National Grid have enabled Forewind be addressed. to proceed with the development of six Forewind offshore wind farm projects totalling up to will draw 7.2GW. fully on the experience “This could feasibly generate as much of each of green energy per year as the total the owner amount of electricity used annually by companies homes and industry in Yorkshire and the and also look Humber,” he said. for innovative suppliers and contractors to help meet the challenges and achieve consent.”
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 05 INDUSTRY ARTICLE
Development of Dogger Bank Because of it’s size, the Dogger Bank development will be developed in stages.
Dogger Bank Creyke Beck will be the first stage of development in the Dogger Bank Zone. It will have an installed capacity of up to 2.4GW and will connect into the existing Creyke Beck substation in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It will comprise up to two offshore wind farms, each with an installed capacity of up to 1.2GW.
06 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY ARTICLE
Ongoing Dogger Bank Teesside will be Forewind’s second stage of development and will Programme development consist of a maximum of four wind farm revision projects. Two of the projects are planned Dr Clarke said that Forewind has recently to connect at an existing substation in revised its programme of development Lackenby. The other two connections and intends to submit its first development are likely to be at a consent order application – for Dogger new substation to Bank Creyke Beck – in mid 2013. The be located at a site Dogger Bank Teesside application will to be defined, in the follow in 2014. industrial area south of the Tees Estuary and relatively close to Lackenby.
Local Wave buoy recovery on community Dogger Bank as part of engagement one of the many surveys In April 2012, being undertaken by Forewind published Forewind Forewind its Statement General of Community Manager, Consultation for the Lee Clarke proposed Dogger Consultation Bank Teesside development and its The first phase of consultation began associated infrastructure to explain how in December 2011 and presented it would consult with the local community “Our staff at all levels, with the support two options for landfall and a number including technical consultees and of our Chairman, Directors, and Advisory of potential sectors for the onshore landowners, as well as others who work Committee, show tremendous skill, converter stations location. Through in or use the area, both offshore and application and dedication,” he added. the consultation, the southern landfall – onshore. between Barmston and Ulrome on the “I am hugely proud of what everyone at Holderness coast – was identified as The first phase of consultation began in Forewind has already achieved and I am preferred. A local working group was also May 2012 to explain the site selection looking forward to delivering the next initiated to help micro-site the converter work done to date, including the results of stage.” stations. initial ecological studies and the process to narrow down the locations of the offshore Progress so far wind farms, landfalls and converter Forewind Work on the Environmental Impact stations. www.forewind.co.uk Assessment for Dogger Bank Creyke Beck, including surveys, studies and ongoing reporting, is well underway with Lesser Black-backed Gulls on Dogger Bank the second consultation planned for early 2013.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 07 INDUSTRY NEWS
IT’S ALLYOU! ABOUT A new milestone for AREVA Wind with the inauguration of the new jack-up vessel ‘INNOVATION’
INNOVATION, the new heavy lift Specifications “INNOVATION is a milestone for jack-up vessel, inaugurated recently The 147 metre long self-elevating vessel is our business model and strikes the in Bremerhaven, will be used for pre-fitted for up to 180 persons and can importance of strategic partnerships the upcoming installation of AREVA reach a speed of 22 kilometers per hour for offshore industry. We are extremely M5000 proven technology. Purpose- (12 knots). It can operate in water depths pleased to partner with offshore built for offshore installation, it sets of up to 65 metres and has cargo capacity experienced companies such as DEME a new milestone for AREVA Wind’s up to 8000t. The on board crane can lift and HOCHTIEF”. comprehensive offer and further weights up to 1500t. strengthens the group’s competitive INNOVATION will enable fast and efficient offshore business model. Louis-Francois Durret, CEO of AREVA transportation of 80 AREVA M5000 wind Renewables, said: “With this new and turbines for the upcoming project Global Joint venture powerful jack-up vessel, we will be Tech 1 wind farm. The powerful vessel was built by HGO able to offer optimised logistic offshore InfraSea Solutions, a joint company of solutions to our customers. It is designed Full lifecycle management HOCHTIEF Solutions and GeoSea (a to optimise installation and reduce on- AREVA Wind’s customers will now company of the Belgian group DEME). site installation time. benefit from this offshore-optimised AREVA Wind has been involved in the installation vessel. AREVA Wind offers design process since 2010. its customers best-in-class full lifecycle management: turbine design and erection, commissioning and maintenance service.
AREVA Wind www.areva.com
08 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS
Castrol Industrial secures approval of two major competitor brands, as well as from Chinese wind power giant CN prolonging gearbox life. GPower Gearbox Product advantages Dr. Bastian added: “In today’s Castrol Industrial’s flagship product economic climate, operators Castrol Optigear Synthetic X, the can ill afford component failure gear lubrication oil of choice for and unplanned downtime. CN many of the world’s wind turbine GPower Gearbox has recognised manufacturers, has been awarded the advantages of Castrol Optigear the coveted seal of approval by CN Synthetic X and its ability to help limit GPower Gearbox Co Ltd. the effects of the wear and tear of wind turbines, components having Leading OEM to be replaced and unscheduled Formerly the Chongqing Gearbox Co maintenance, all of which can offer Ltd, CN GPower Gearbox is one of the operators significant financial benefits leading original equipment manufacturers and peace of mind.” of wind turbine gearboxes in China, supplying a number of major Chinese Optigear Synthetic X is a significant Castrol wind turbine manufacturers, including step forward for Castrol Industrial www.castrol.com Goldwind, Dongfang, Mingyang and and reinforces our position as a major United Power. supplier of lubricants to the wind power 1Powertrib independent study using MPR market in China. CN GPower Gearbox’s Micropitting conducted at 60°C on 3 Strengthened market position endorsement is the reward for our hard September 2010. Testing was carried The approval from CN GPower Gearbox work in developing a lubricant which out against the equivalent product of two strengthens Castrol Industrial’s position can offer wind turbine manufacturers major competitor brands. Compared as a major player in the fast-growing reliability and sustained performance.” to the reference fluids, Castrol Optigear Chinese wind turbine market, where Synthetic X320 exhibited remarkably low Castrol Industrial has been supplying gear The seal of approval is the latest validation micropitting performance, very low weight lubrication oil since 2006. of Castrol Optigear Synthetic X. An loss, remarkably low surface roughness, independent study found the product comparable friction and low temperature. Dr. Andreas Bastian, director at Castrol to be capable of outperforming existing Industrial, said: “The approval of Castrol technologies1 over the equivalent products
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 09 INDUSTRY NEWS
Mr Anverali said: “I’ve enjoyed my time Stephen Rose said: “We’re delighted New challenge at CLS and wish them every success for to have someone of Sid’s knowledge for Sid Anverali the future and I’m now looking forward and expertise joining us. We have a to an exciting new challenge with SSE.” continuing good relationship with CLS CLS Offshore’s Financial Director Offshore who are one of our suppliers.” Sid Anverali is moving on to take He will be based at Lowestoft from where up a new challenge as Commercial SSE is operating the Greater Gabbard CLS Offshore Manager, offshore wind, for SSE Offshore Wind Farm. www.clsoffshore.co.uk (Scottish & Southern Energy). SSE welcome SSE Amicable agreement SSE offshore Wind Generation Manager www.sse.co.uk The move was announced recently by Scott McMillan, Managing Director of Great Yarmouth-based energy sector services company CLS, who said it had been amicably agreed.
“Sid goes with our very best wishes and appreciation of his excellent work here over the past four and a half years and for the tremendous support he has given the company and me personally,” he added.
Commercial interest “More recently he has become more involved in the commercial side of our business, as well as finance, and that is something Sid wants to progress so the Scott McMillan, Stephen Rose and man on the move Sid Anverali. SSE role is an ideal opportunity.”
personnel will be involved in the month- renewables market today and Modus’ Modus secure EDF long trenching campaign, which started position on the development is not only contract recently and was mobilised out of Modus’ a reflection of our growing position in the facility on the banks of the River Tees. wind farm sector, but it also strengthens Modus Seabed Intervention, one of us for future growth.” North East England’s leading subsea Wind farm contract specialist specialist contractors, has secured The project is Modus’ ninth wind farm Modus Seabed Intervention Ltd a major contract on EDF Energy contract as it continues to affirm its www.modus-ltd.com Renewables prestigious Teesside position as a specialist Offshore Wind Farm. provider in the sector Modus’ CT2 and work has already Main contractor Van Oord’s appointment begun on the pre- of Darlington-based Modus, to provide trenching surveys. trenching and survey services on this high profile North Sea project, is an Jake Tompkins, acknowledgement of the region’s strong Managing Director supply chain and of the firm’s position as a of Modus Seabed leading specialist in the growing wind farm Intervention, said: industry. “This is a major contract to have Norstec and Energi Coast secured and we are In April, Prime Minister David Cameron very proud to be a named Modus as one of the first North East contractor members of Norstec, a new industry on such a prestigious partnership aimed at maximising the development in North Sea market. Modus is also on the the region. We are Steering Group of North East England’s also delighted to be Renewables Group, Energi Coast, which working with Van promotes the capabilities of the region’s Oord and EDF. integrated supply chain. “The Teesside The project will see the company conduct Offshore Wind Farm trenching services to bury 26 inter array is one of the most cables, as well as survey work before and significant projects after the trenching. An offshore team of 16 in the North Sea
10 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS Large Project award proves major boost for ODE
ODE believes its role in helping Headquartered at Kingston-upon-Thames, Chairman and Managing Director Peter Vattenfall’s Ormonde Offshore Wind with a marine base at Great Yarmouth, Godfrey said: “ODE has shown the benefit Farm win a large project national ODE (Offshore Design Engineering) was of the long-term and consistent application award will prove a stepping stone to involved in the Ormonde project since of smart engineering and interface supporting developers tackling the inception by Eclipse Energy in 2002. management in increasing certainty country’s massive UK Round 3 wind and delivering on time. We are a natural farm projects. On time and on budget collaborator, which has enabled us to build Following conceptual engineering trust with our partners, allowing us to share The Ormonde triumph came in the and FEED and through the consent and work through challenges together.” inaugural energy awards of RenewableUK, process, ODE arranged for the WTGs the trade and professional body to be supplied from Germany, via the Safety first representing the wind, wave and tidal marshalling yard in Belfast, to installation Ormonde had an extremely low accident energy industries. off Cumbria, on time and frequency rate and an incident free on budget. environmental record. Only 2 minor And it buoyed the ODE team who were H&S incidents were reported in 2million the developer’s engineers and project manhours. It was due to consistent top managers throughout the consenting and down communication stressing that safe implementation phases with responsibility behaviour was as important as procedures for all design, procurement, construction, and equipment. installation, commissioning and hand- over activities. The award recognises ODE exceptional achievement in a large- www.ode-ltd.co.uk scale project during all the stages of project development. Built on schedule, Ormonde was the first large offshore wind farm in the UK to use jacket foundations and 5MW turbines.
Industry recognition ODE’s Project Manager Mike Hulton said: “It is fantastic that the success of the Ormonde project was recognised by industry experts. The award recognises the hard work and dedication of Vattenfall, ODE, RePower, FoundOcean and all other parties involved. This has shown that the UK is capable of designing and building lattice tower foundations in significant numbers and bringing on the largest commercially available wind turbine model. This is a great marker for successful future offshore large scale wind developments.”
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 11 INDUSTRY NEWS
Benefits and features Seacat Services receive two Another benefit of the soft mounted super- structure are the new ‘electrical new vessels from South Boats cabinets’ fitted at the aft end of the lower South Boats Special Projects Ltd. is Powered by twin MTU 10V2000M72 saloon affording excellent access to delighted to announce the acceptance 1200mhp diesel engines coupled to electrical items. of its 63rd & 64th offshore wind Ultra Dynamics UJ575 water jet units, farm crew transfer vessels, ‘Seacat the vessels achieved sprint speeds of The upper bridge is accessed via a Endeavour’ and ‘Seacat Reliance’ by 27.5 knots and are capable of cruising stairway from the aft saloon and feature Seacat Services Limited. at speeds in excess of 22 knots with a fully integrated ship control, monitoring, full tanks and a full complement of 12 navigation and communications system Successful trials passengers. across the front of the bridge. The Following successful trials and specially designed console is based acceptance, both 19m vessels have Design on 19” racking with all processors and now commenced operations on Anholt One feature of the new design and a equipment each allocated a pull-out Offshore Windfarm in Denmark. benefit of the full bow concept is only a drawer to enhance serviceability and 2 knot drop off in performance with 10 maintenance, which all help reduce Seacat Services tonnes of cargo on the forward deck. The breakdowns and down time. Seacat Services Ltd. is a new company vessel has an approved stability booklet to founded by Ian and Nia Baylis who have carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, 12 on the Both vessels have two independent control extensive offshore and class experience. forward deck and 4 on the aftdeck. systems which enable them to remain The company has significant investment fully operational in the event of a control and support from a Dutch private investor The vessels feature anti-noise and system failure. These features have been with extensive offshore experience and are vibration paint coatings, double glazed designed and integrated following extensive now building a fleet of vessels to meet the windows, remote air intakes and outlets, analysis to increase serviceability, providing requirements and demands of the rapidly noise and vibration absorbent sole panels clients with reduced down time and greater growing offshore wind sector. and isolated side and overhead panelling, earning potential. which in conjunction with the soft Fleet development mounted superstructure, attached with Anholt Offshore Windfarm, ‘Seacat Endeavour’ and ‘Seacat Reliance’ only eight mounts, make the passenger Denmark will be followed by four further 24m wind saloon and bridge near silent at cruising Ian Baylis, Managing Director of Seacat farm service vessels in 2012/13. speeds. The vessels are built under survey Services said: “Our first two vessels have and certified successfully commenced operations on to DNV +1A1 Anholt Offshore Windfarm in Denmark HSLC R2 Wind where they have been very well received. Farm Service 1 and MCA “The team at Seacat Services would like Workboat Code to say a huge thank you to all involved at Category 1 South Boats and their sub-contractors for operation for delivering to us two extremely on any UK capable, very seaworthy, high quality, fit and European for purpose wind farm support vessels. offshore wind We are all very excited about the next farm. ones!”
Bespoke South Boats continues to build 25 wind accessories farm crew transfer vessels per annum and Both vessels the new generation 13m, 16m, 17m, 19m, feature 24m and 28m designs are now populating numerous the range. systems Specifications including fuel transfer capability to supply All of the new generation vessels feature ‘Seacat Endeavour’ and ‘Seacat offshore generators, a pressure washer modular superstructures, integrated Reliance’ have an LOA of 21m, Beam to wash down boat landings and ladders, systems, options for secondary access of 7.4m, Draught of 1.1m and lightship integrated through raft anchor recovery systems and new bow fender system. displacement of 43 tonnes. The 19m system and spare hydraulic capacity for With 5 years experience building 88 wind WFSV is a development of the smaller deck cranes and secondary access systems. farm vessels for 15 operators and having 18m and features increased fuel efficiency, worked on over 25 projects, there is higher performance, higher deck cargo Internally the vessels feature 12 sprung no doubt that South Boats catamarans including container mounts and lashing seats, a large galley, large mess seating remain the vessel of industry choice. points, provisions for secondary access area and plenty of vessel and O&M spares systems and a soft mounted passenger lockers. All saloon furniture, including South Boats saloon and bridge to increase comfort seats, are mounted to a track system www.southboatsgroup.com (and reduce noise and vibration) on the enabling swift re-arrangement or removal longer and more arduous conditions of furniture to suit specific roles and tasks. experienced further offshore.
12 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS
opening an office in Singapore. The new office is strategically located on Temasek Latest GEOSHIPS Boulevard within the city’s central business district. Plans are in place to open a further office in Australia by the Vessel Secures end of this year. Multimillion Pounds Kenny continued: “I am pleased to announce the opening of our office in Singapore. This is an exciting time for the Worth of Contracts Group and this move plays an important role in the continued expansion of the GEOSHIPS Group, a marine and subsea services provider, has announced two Group’s international reach. The Asia contract wins worth a combined value of £3 million for the company’s latest Pacific market is very important to vessel. GEOSHIPS and by having a presence within the region it allows us to further our business relations and provide local support to our clients.”
GEOSHIPS has taken Loch Roag on a five year fixed bareboat charter basis from Singapore based Otto Marine Ltd with an option to extend the contract for two further years. As part of the bareboat charter for Loch Roag, GEOSHIPS has the option to buy the vessel at various stages during the agreement.
GEOSHIPS’ in-house vessel management and crewing capability, (previously known as Brooklyn Shipping Limited), operates and manages the vessel, giving a higher level of control over each project.
Specifications The vessel can accommodate 66 people in one and two man berths. It On-board open day Upgrades measures 80 metres, has a deck space Following an open day on-board the Ahead of being mobilised on these of approximately 506 square metres and Loch Roag for potential clients, the contracts, the vessel has undergone the dead weight is 2800 tonne. It is a vessel secured work in the North Sea specific upgrades, including the fitting Norwegian design, Marin Teknikk (MT) with two new customers for GEOSHIPS. of a tautwire, which provides a further 6009L MKII Vessel, built by Otto Marine The forecasted revenue for the DP2 reference point for the vessel during Ltd in their Indonesian Shipyard Batamec. (dynamically positioned) multi-purpose operations. support vessel for the next 12 months is Fleet expansion valued at nearly £10 million. Kenny Macleod, Chairman, GEOSHIPS, In Q1 2013 GEOSHIPS will expand its said: “It is extremely satisfying that fleet further, with a new multi-purpose The Westhill-based company, which was Loch Roag has very quickly secured offshore vessel of a Vik & Sandvik VS470 formed in 2003, took delivery of the Loch two contracts – these types of projects, design. It is certified to carry 60 people Roag in April on a contract valued at over with Bluestream Offshore and ISS, and has an overall length of 76 metres. £30 million. It resulted in the employment are perfectly suited to the vessel’s Further additions to the vessel fleet are of 40 new offshore staff. capabilities. Loch Roag is a very also expected this year. impressive vessel with an extensive Contract details work scope potential, and it continues GEOSHIPS Group The first scope of work was to support to generate a high level of interest from www.geoshipsgroup.com Bluestream in air diving and ROV potential clients. The vessel is ideal for operations on the Borwind 2 Project in both the offshore oil and gas and offshore the southern North Sea. The contract renewable energy markets. Although the agreement was for 45 days plus options. vessel has already secured jobs in the North Sea, it is also suitable for work in a The second contract is with Integrated variety of areas, including Mediterranean, Subsea Services (ISS) and is also in West Africa and Asia Pacific.” support of air diving operations, for 30 days plus options to extend further Operation expansion dive inspection on various North Sea The company recently expanded its installations. operations into South East Asia by
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 13 INDUSTRY NEWS
Royal Haskoning and DHV merge PCT Metalmex to create a brighter future specialist Royal Haskoning and DHV are value to our clients on a wider global sub-contract delighted to announce they have reach. officially merged and will now be engineers known as Royal HaskoningDHV. Our pooled resources will enable us PCT Metalmex specialise in sub- to invest in developing the necessary contract engineering including The company, headquartered in innovations for a brighter and fabrication, high definition plasma Amersfoort, the Netherlands, is one of sustainable future. The opportunities profiling, pressed components, Europe’s leading project management, for our clients and employees are precision press tools, tube engineering and consultancy service impressive and are reflected in our manipulation, abrasive dressers providers, ranking globally in the top company philosophy to enhance and floor cutters. Their precision 10 of independently owned, non-listed society together.” engineering heritage dates back to companies and top 40 overall. 1926. Royal approval Global presence Vice-chair Erik Oostwegel: “We are Location With nearly 8,000 professionals providing honoured and proud that Her Majesty They are targeting new business growth services worldwide from 100 offices in 35 Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands within the wind energy industry. The countries, Royal HaskoningDHV carries has agreed to the continuation of the growing low carbon and renewable energy out more than 30,000 projects every Royal designation. It shows trust in market place is projected to reach £4 year in planning, transport, infrastructure, our new company. The same trust trillion by 2015 as economies around water, maritime, aviation, industry, energy, we have in building on our individual the world invest in low carbon energy. mining and buildings. strengths and combining them to the £Billions are to be invested within the benefit of our projects Yorkshire and Humber Region alone. and clients. We have Sheffield based PCT are ideally located to already seen the be considered as a local supplier. advantages working together brings, and as one company, we look forward to partnering with our clients to create a positive difference to our environment.”
Opportunities The new company remains independent and wholly trust-owned. With its proud heritage of bringing leading expertise and innovation Executive and Supervisory to the market, Royal HaskoningDHV is Board deeply committed to business integrity Successful event presence Bertrand van Ee chairs the Executive and sustainable development. Backed After a successful visit to Rexpo in Board of Royal HaskoningDHV, with Erik by a financially sound balance sheet, Sheffield recently, future business within Oostwegel as vice-chair. Jaska de Bakker the merger accelerates the companies’ this sector looks promising. Meetings (CFO), Piet Besselink, Frank Heemskerk strategy of international expansion. were arranged with various key contacts and Henry Rowe complete the Executive to allow PCT to maximise sub–contract Board. A significant, global player in the opportunities with the renewables market. maritime and water markets and with a Joop van Oosten chairs the Supervisory major position in aviation, mobility and Winning complicated contracts Board, which counts 8 members in total, infrastructure, Royal HaskoningDHV In July 2012 PCT were awarded a with Wim van Vonno as vice-chair. sees significant growth opportunities, contract by the Manufacturing Advisory especially in India, South-East Asia, the Service, showing that PCT have the Size matters Middle East, Southern Africa, Australia required skills, and capacity to win Chairman Bertrand van Ee: “We are and Brazil. complicated contracts within varied and absolutely delighted to launch Royal diverse areas of engineering. HaskoningDHV. To provide solutions Royal HaskoningDHV to today’s challenges, size matters. www.royalhaskoningdhv.com PCT Metalmex Our newly merged company will apply www.pctmetalmex.com its multidisciplinary skills, knowledge, e = See enhanced entry online experience and history to deliver added e = See enhanced entry online
14 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS Scaime unveils the MDX-400 – interrogator specially designed for wind turbines Scaime, a leading player in weighing and measuring solutions for industry, has unveiled its fibre optic sensor conditioner, the MDX-400, specially designed for wind turbines. Scaime has been manufacturing strain gauges for almost two decades, which underpins it’s vast knowledge in this area. The MDX-400 is the first application for monitoring structures Advantages Main difference (foundations, mast and blades) Patrick Rey, head of products at To adapt to the wind turbine market, to protect them and keep them Scaime, said: “Firstly, the MDX-400 is the company has developed a purpose- operational while at the same time completely insensitive to electromagnetic designed electronic module, the MDX- optimising maintenance operations. interference, lightning in particular. 400. “The main difference stands out Another advantage is that they are straight away: the MDX-400 is enclosed The MDX-400 enables the level of fatigue intrinsically very robust with high fatigue in a stainless steel casing to withstand in the structure to be assessed and a resistance. Thus, they can maintain aggressive environments, especially salty decision made on when to intervene, their metrological performance level air (particularly relevant to wind turbines by totalling the accumulated stresses. for 20 years or more in severe climate near the sea and offshore). It has a good A second application provides the conditions (humidity, salt, cold, heat) level of water tightness (to IP66) and improvement of efficiency by measuring and on components under permanent is resistant to vibrations and shocks, the stresses, since the wind force can be stress. Optical gauges also enable a both omnipresent in wind turbines. The used optimally by taking better account of significant reduction in wiring because connections between the MDX-400 the dynamic parameters. around fifteen gauges can be wired in casing and the optical lines are also very series on the same optical line with no robust” Patrick Rey added. Bragg’s Law limit on length. And finally, thanks to The MDX-400, developed and assembled its properties, this technology enables The device has been well dimensioned for by Scaime, is based on the use of optical simple and easy compensation of any wind turbine applications, both in terms of gauges with a Bragg grating. A Bragg thermal drift, thus avoiding the need for measurement channels (3 or 4 optical lines grating is made from an optical fibre with any corrections”. of 15 sensors each) and measurement alternating different refractive indices. rate (100 per second). When subjected to mechanical stress or Experience a temperature variation the wavelength of After acquiring the French start-up FOS Important feature the reflected beam varies proportionally. in 2010, Scaime penetrated the Bragg Another important feature of the MDX-400 By analysing the optical beam, the MDX- grating optical fibre market with the is a CANopen fieldbus interface, available 400 calculates the value of the stress or benefit of ten years’ experience in fields on a robust waterproof connector to temperature being applied to the grating. as demanding as military, civil engineering transmit the measurements to the PLC and safety applications. As well as strain on the turbine. It also has an embedded Canadian-born Ken Hill was the first to gauges (the OBSG range), the company web server and a ruggedized Ethernet show the potential applications of Bragg’s has developed temperature sensors (the connection for remote parameterising. law at the end of the 1970s. Since that OBTS range) and a range of electronic time these optical gauges have proved interrogators (MDX). Used with sensors, Scaime very useful in metrological performances these interrogators generate and use www.scaime.com and properties for all sorts of applications, optical signals to calculate values of especially in wind turbines. stresses or temperatures. e = See enhanced entry online
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 15 WHAT’S NEW
Events and what’s new
As you see below we continue to feature some of the most important events in the calendar, so that you can, at a glance, consider which events to support. A more detailed listing is available online.
North Sea Offshore Wind Wind Turbine Noise: source to receiver
When Wednesday, 10 Oct 2012 When 11 – 12 December 2012 Where Hallmark Hotel, Hull Where Oxford CONTACT www.renewablesnetwork.co.uk CONTACT www.ewea.org
RenewableUK 2012 EWEA 2013 Annual Event
When 30 Oct – 1 Nov 2012 When 4 – 7 Feb 2013 Where Glasgow Where Vienna, Austria CONTACT http://www.renewable-uk.com/events/annual- CONTACT www.ewea.org conference
16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk WHAT’S NEW
2013 Year Planner
Following the success of our 2012 Year Planner we will be contacting relevant companies and organisations to advertise. Allocation of limited available space is on a first- come-first-served basis, however those who contributed to the 2012 Year Planner will be given first refusal.
The 2013 Year Planner will be sent out, free of charge, within the Dec 2012/Jan 2013 edition, due to hit desks in the first week of December 2012.
Magazine and website interaction
Please visit our interactive online magazine and website.The website is limitless in its scope and can house all sorts of information, animations, videos, presentations, brochures, technical papers etc etc – the list is endless. Just click on these flashes online... e = See enhanced entry online = See video library online Looking for a specialist service provider in the wind energy industry? Visit our online Supply Chain Register www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
Forthcoming features – Renewable World next edition Christmas Campaign
• Use of Structural Steel in Offshore Foundations We continue to support our chosen charity, Renewable World, • Unexploded Ordnance by advertising their Christmas card email campaign and would • Spotlight on the East Coast of Scotland - Edinburgh to urge you to support them too. Aberdeen • Servicing offshore wind farms Last year’s campaign realised circa £12000+ for the charity, so • Gearbox v Direct Drive? well done to all our supporters. • Skills Gap: Universities
Please contact if you would like to be e = See enhanced entry online involved in any of these features Phone Email [email protected] 01765 644224 Just ask. RenewableUK Stand 149 Does Up-tower repair... Call or email us at: +358 46 876 2032 reduce turbine downtime? 3 [email protected] eliminate the high cost of boom and secondary cranes? 3 See our global footprint at: www.moventas.com eliminate the freight cost to and from the workshop? 3 always include OEM parts & CMaS condition management system? 3
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 SKILLS GAP Industry skills gap initiative We continue in this edition in a similar As you will see in the following articles vein to the last in that we will be from both RUK and RTN a vast amount featuring... has been planned and achieved already and it is astonishing that this amount 1 A general editorial section from leaders of work has been achieved in an in the industry who have a concern or exceptionally short period of time. story to tell – an ‘opinion piece’ would be an accurate description. We are We will do our part to help and as has fortunate that we live in an been published in both our magazine and environment where we can exercise website we are here to serve the industry our right of free speech and help it be successful.
2 Our next specific target area of 6 Form It is particularly refreshing Schools and Further Education to read that RTN has Colleges stated that it serves the needs of the industry We start with contributions from as a whole and not RenewableUK (RUK) and the Renewable just members of Training Network very much leaders in the RUK. industry’s skills agenda.
Within our general opinion piece area in the last edition we published some mis- information. We will endeavour to ensure that the correct information is published wherever possible.
We do however reserve the right to allow people to air their grievances in a professional way so that attention is drawn to a particular subject area. Our policy of ‘if the subject area is in the best interests of the industry as a whole and/ or helps the industry communicate we will endeavour to publish’
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RenewableUK an overview
Owing to the Government’s commitment These Accords demonstrate the industry’s Outreach strategy to reduce carbon emissions, the ability to work together towards a The Skills and Employment Strategy renewable energy sector has seen huge common goal to ensure that the future Group is also developing an outreach growth over the past few years but the skills needs of the wind and marine strategy to facilitate better engagement continued success of these industries industries will be met. with schools and colleges across the UK depends on their ability to resource and provide industry careers information existing and future projects with skilled Renewable Energy through dedicated careers pages as workers. Apprenticeships Programme part of the RenewableUK website. This A proven example of this is the creation is in addition to RenewableUK’s existing Not only a challenge but a huge of the Renewable Energy Apprenticeships publications aimed at schools, colleges, opportunity Programme which was launched by and universities, which include careers There were around 10,000 people RenewableUK in October 2010, to aid guides and teaching materials for schools, employed in the wind energy industries the industry in nurturing homegrown to help young people learn about wind in 2010 – if indirect employment is talent. This led to the creation of the energy. considered as well, approximately 76,000 Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship will be needed by 2021. This projected in collaboration with the National Skills Working for a Green Britain growth represents a huge opportunity to Academy for Power (NSAP), which is now Reliable evidence is also key to harness the enthusiasm that members of in its third year. RenewableUK continues RenewableUK’s work – Working for a the public, and young people in particular, to work with NSAP on the delivery of this Green Britain Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 were have for environmental issues and course and is supporting the development published in February and July 2011 renewable energy. of a second apprenticeship pathway respectively, providing current and covering Installation and Commissioning projected employment figures for the wind This enthusiasm needs to be expertise. and marine energy industries. utilised to increase... • The number of learners choosing key Collaboration and the Skills These publications are used to ‘STEM’ subjects (Science, and Employment Strategy Group communicate to Government the skills Technology, Engineering, Maths) at all The collaborative approach promoted challenges facing the industry. An update stages of education by the Skills Accords, provides a basis of this publication is currently underway. • Awareness of the range of job for the work of RenewableUK’s Skills opportunities and career pathways in and Employment Strategy Group which HR Network the sector focuses on strategy for novice entrants to Recognising that Human Resources • Opportunities for practical work-based the industry, particularly through schools professionals will play a pivotal role in learning, to ensure future recruits outreach, further education, higher securing the future success of the sector, have the skills and expertise necessary education, and apprenticeships, as well RenewableUK also facilitates an HR to benefit the industry as looking at Human Resources and Network which provides a ‘voice’ for the employment needs. HR profession within the industry. Initiatives A variety of initiatives have been The Group is currently focused on The Network provides benchmarking established across the sector to address engaging with the Higher Education sector opportunities for industry employers the skills challenges facing the industry. and Professional Institutions to strengthen through a Sector Salary Survey and As such, one of the ongoing challenges the link between course provision and facilitates shared learning and networking in addressing the skills agenda is to avoid skills gaps and increase the renewables opportunities at HR Network events, to the duplication of effort. The Renewable content in Higher Education courses to help renewables HR professionals meet Energy Careers and STEM Guidance improve awareness and understanding of the shared challenges presented by the Accord and the Renewable Energy the wind and marine energy sector. rapid growth of the industry. Apprenticeships Programme Accord, the UK’s first Sector Skills Accords, were Renewables Training Network launched by RenewableUK in 2009 to (RTN) sophie Bennett address this issue. RenewableUK’s work on novice entrants RenewableUK is complimented by the work of the www.renewable-uk.com Sector Skills Accords Renewables Training Network (RTN) The Accords, which are currently being launched by RenewableUK in November refreshed, are aimed at ensuring a joined 2011, which aims to ensure that the skilled up approach by bringing together senior workers that exist in aligned industries at representatives from business, skills a more mature level, and those leaving bodies, government, academia and other the armed forces who have the basic stakeholder organisations, to secure long- core skills our industry needs, are able to term commitment to build on collaborative transition across to renewables effectively. work on the renewables skills agenda and The work of the RTN is expanded upon in enable the continued growth of the wind an accompanying article by RTN Director, and marine industries. Steve Green.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 19 SKILLS GAP
goal is to have a website hosting a range Renewables Training Network of quality assured courses, displayed in a modular style, to help future employees The skills landscape for Renewable Energy is complex and ever evolving. In and employers alike to really understand an industry that is still developing, yet has by its very nature to remain at the what training is needed. With the forefront of setting exemplary Health and Safety behaviour, all employees employee market coming from a range of entering the industry will expect to undergo extensive training throughout backgrounds, and potentially heading to a their career. This training will inevitably be both in technical competencies and range of roles, giving clarity to the market behavioural safety. is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Renewable UK, through their Skills and project planning, with numerous training Raised profile Education Strategy Group, alongside interventions in between. The next 12 months will see the profile National Skills Academy for Power, already of the RTN really step up a gear as the undertake extensive work to ensure there Providing industry benefits efforts of the last few months’ groundwork is a highly skilled pool of talent entering the As an organisation the RTN is looking to and preparation really begin to bear fruit. workforce supply chain at grassroots level, provide benefits that will assist market The RTN is not here to add another layer and this work is expanded upon in the participants across the supply chain, of confusion to a potentially fragmented accompanying article from Sophie Bennett. right through from SME to the major landscape. Anyone who has heard me multi-nationals, and are ever mindful that speak at industry events will have heard Transition courses have to really deliver what they my mantra, that a fractured training However, it is vital that Renewables as an purport they do. landscape is a dangerous training industry continue to work to ensure that landscape. the highly skilled workforce that exists in Recognition of Learning Process other industries at a more mature level Our quality assurance process ensures Working to give greater clarity, the RTN is able to transition across, with clearly that before any course is subjected to EU will de-mystify the routes to training, signed routes that lead to defined and Skills’ rigorous ‘Recognition of Learning provide a one stop shop for potential quality assured courses. Process’ (our Quality Assurance partner), employees and employers alike, drive it has been pre-assessed by industry. down costs by reducing the amount of Funding Stringent quality checks applied at this duplicated effort, and ultimately provide The Renewables Training Network (RTN), a stage by the RTN ensure that only the a valuable and much needed subsidiary of Renewable UK, was launched best courses will go through the process. resource. in November 2011, and has been created Where multiple courses exist, the RTN will through The Growth and Innovation Fund, signpost best practice to set standards We look forward to updating a fund administered by UK Commission for that need to be met. Where no courses you on our progress in future Employment and Skills. exist, the RTN will work with industry to articles. develop and ‘quality assure’ courses to fill Through invites to industry, matched this gap. Steve Green funding has been allocated that has Renewables Training enabled the RTN to commence its work Working together Network (a subsidiary to address the potential skills gap. With a Located as we are at Renewable UK’s of RenewableUK) pilot and set up phase reaching into mid- offices in London, the RTN has full access www.ukces.org.uk 2013, the RTN is currently market-testing to Renewable UK’s extensive membership solutions that will signpost industry best to help achieve these goals. However, it practice and so give the wider market is also important to note that engagement greater clarity on which courses really with the RTN is not dependant on our deliver the knowledge the industry needs working partners being members of to move forward and realise its greater RenewableUK. If a course can add value ambitions. to the renewables industry, the RTN will work to help share those benefits with a The on-going challenge wider community. The Renewables training landscape is typified by new and innovative ideas, as Progress you would expect from such a relatively So 9 months in, where has the RTN got young industry. The on-going challenge to? The list of courses currently being is always in striking a balance between worked on, or waiting to go through recognising entrepreneurial thinking and Quality Assurance, is ever growingand we avoiding duplication of effort. continue to invite expressions from anyone who feels the RTN can help them develop The range of skills needed to help this course material from the industry. industry grow, range from the volume intensive competencies of Electrical and Prime goals Mechanical engineers, through to the One of the prime goals is to provide more niche activities at pre construction big business benefits to SME’s though stage, linked to risk mitigation, engagement with the RTN, by setting up environmental awareness, site and group purchasing opportunities. The end
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 21 SKILLS GAP
OEM employment potential suggests offshore wind will create more jobs than forecast But do we have the skills?
In 2011, Cambridge Econometrics Operations & Maintenance phases for 5 projects a year will require undertook a survey presenting three O&M will be one of the biggest employers around 800 people. So in total wind turbine scenarios for employment growth in the offshore wind sector in the future, manufacturers could contribute 4,500 in the offshore sector by 2020. The offering secure, long-term employment jobs over 10 years in O&M, installation and Cambridge research group made the opportunities (up to 25 years). However, commissioning alone. following estimates based on installed the offshore sector also provides many capacity… shorter terms roles (between six and Tip of the iceberg twelve months on one project) particularly When scaled up, employment generation • 31GW will create 42,400 direct full around the installation and commissioning by OEMs produce some impressive figures. time employees (FTEs) and 25,300 phase of development. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. When indirect FTEs considering additional roles that support • 23GW creates 29,700 direct FTEs and For example, at Ormonde 160 people the development and operation of offshore 17,500 indirect FTEs were employed to install 30 turbines on wind farms, the consultancy businesses • 13GW projection creates 1,800 direct site, consisting of a team of 30 working that provide advice on all aspects of FTEs, and 6,400 indirect FTEs in the harbour on commissioning development and operation, local supply and assembly works, 50 installation chain businesses, manufacturing plants, These figures are based on the total engineers working on the vessels and developers, utility companies, grid number of jobs across the offshore wind 80 commissioning engineers to get the infrastructure services, transport, logistics supply chain. When considering jobs turbines up and running post installation. etc; it is clear the industry has far greater generated by wind turbine manufacturers potential to create jobs than Cambridge alone – installation, commissioning, Round three development Econometrics estimate. operations and maintenance - it is Once Round Three is underway, we will clear Cambridge Econometrics have see an employment boom in offshore wind. The real question underestimated the huge potential the This is a huge positive for the sector, and offshore wind sector has to create jobs. At REpower for example, by 2016 we a message that we must shout from the believe it is realistic to be installing and rooftops, but in truth, the challenge for the Current offshore projects operating two 300-600 MW wind farms industry is not whether it can create jobs. By looking at current offshore projects for per annum. A single 500MW wind example, we already get a flavour for the development is likely to create 70 full time The real question is; do we have the skills OEM sector‘s potential to create jobs. The long-term O&M and support roles per to fill them? 150MW Ormonde wind farm off Barrow- project. In-Furness, Cumbria, is currently one of Currently, the UK lacks many of the skills the largest offshore wind farms in the UK Installation required for the offshore sector, particularly and has already provided employment for The installation and commissioning phase turbine engineers and mechanics. Much hundreds of people. will generate a phase of continuous of this talent can be found abroad in employment, with a further 160 roles Germany and Scandinavia, where the For example, REpower alone employs moving from one project to another industry is more mature. 30 full time Operations & Maintenance year after year. Based on our target of staff at their O&M facility. These range building two 500MW projects per annum from Site Managers and Health & Safety this equates to approximately 1000 jobs professionals, to Maintenance Engineers, generated by just one OEM over five years. Supervisors, Store Keepers, Planners and Assistants. Turbine manufacturers Taking a look at turbine manufacturers across the sector, the figures get even more impressive.
From 2015 the industry could expect to build around five 500MW and above projects per annum in the UK on an ongoing basis. So we are looking at around 25 projects and 12.5GW over five years.
This level of development will generate 350 O&M jobs a year alone. In five years this will rise to 1750, ten years 3500 and so on. Similarly, the installation and commissioning
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The danger we face is losing many of these new jobs to a foreign workforce, and therefore losing out on the associated economic benefits of employment growth.
Transferable skills To avoid this situation, it is critical we tap into the vast resource of transferable skills within our marine sector. The North Sea Oil and Gas industry is an obvious source of relevant skills, but we must provide the incentives for skills migration, as well as the appropriate training. On a like for like basis, wages in the O&G sector still exceed that of the offshore wind industry, so the Government and industry must find new ways to attract talent.
Partnerships It is also critical that the education sector continues to form partnerships with the offshore industry to create relevant courses and qualifications. For example, Furness College and Furness Training, the Business Development Arm of the College, recently set up the Furness Skills Forum for Environmental Technologies.
The Forum enables the College to engage with local and national employers, schools and education providers, to facilitate networking opportunities, identify skill shortages and develop relevant training courses. A ‘National Wind Training Centre’ has also been set up to provide hands on specialist training for offshore wind sector workforces, graduates and trainees.
Centres of excellence By investing in these ‘centres of excellence’ in training and education, and tapping into the vast network of transferable skills in the marine industry, the UK should be able to develop the talent required to meet the huge employment potential in the offshore wind sector.
Richard Hatton REpower UK www.repower-uk.co.uk
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 23 SKILLS GAP Maersk Training Newcastle first to “Maersk Training’s sister centre in Denmark was the first in the world to get global wind achieve GWO approval earlier this year so it’s great to be able to follow so training approval quickly in their footsteps. in UK
The stage is set for North East Joscelyn Shaw and England to become a global leader Vijay Rangachari in wind turbine training after Maersk from Maersk Training Training Newcastle becomes the UK’s Newcastle, Soeren first, and one of only a handful around Hald from DNV and the world, to be given the go ahead to Jan Matthiesen, run courses approved by the Global Maersk Training. Wind Organisation (GWO).
Independent audit Maersk Training Newcastle was given an overwhelming thumbs-up to run its basic safety training course after an independent auditor from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) visited Maersk’s state-of-the-art training facilities in North Shields recently. The GWO programme is a globally recognised standard and is often the first step for those wanting a worldwide career in wind power. Currently only a few centres around the world have GWO approval - one of them is also another Maersk Training facility in Esbjerg, Denmark.
Covering the basic safety skills required for those working, sometimes at eye-watering heights, on wind turbines, the five modules includes specially tailored modules for the wind sector in sea survival, first aid, manual handling, fire awareness and working at height. At Maersk, the training General Manager of Maersk Training “Our promise to our customers is to will be carried out in a variety of realistic in Newcastle,Vijay Rangachari said: deliver as per the highest standards simulated environments including the “Becoming the first centre in the UK in the industry and helping our centre’s own 20 metre tall wind turbine to be able to offer the complete suite customers prepare ahead for changes training tower. of GWO modules is a great coup for in the industry. We are happy that we us – as well as the North East. We are continue to deliver on this promise. The Global Wind Organisation also Renewable UK approved hence auditor from DNV, who assessed our Originally set up to establish worldwide we are unique in being able to offer our centre, gave some fantastic feedback, best practice and reduce accidents in customers the right training and help particularly noting the high level of the fast growing wind power sector, the them be prepared as per the highest competence and qualifications of our GWO is a coalition of the world’s leading standards in the industry. instructors and the high standards of our wind players including Siemens, Vestas facilities. There were seven noteworthy and EON. By creating a training standard “The global wind industry is experiencing points from the audit. It’s a great and ensuring workers entering the industry unprecedented growth and there are endorsement of the high standards we meet this the GWO hopes to reduce the many resulting skills shortages that adopt at Maersk Training Newcastle and risks for employees on wind turbines both need to be plugged. This means the something we are very proud of.” on and offshore. opportunities are endless for both business and individuals. We are Maersk Training Newcastle Demand delighted that we can now play our part www.maersktraining.com With the doors now open for delegates in helping to address these industry from around the world to train in the UK, shortages, at the same time as helping Maersk is anticipating high demand for its people get the basic level of skills required course. to enter this exciting growth sector.
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East of England Energy Zone EPISCentre SfE is finalising proposals for an £11 helping the skills shortage million Energy Production Innovation Skills Centre (EPISCentre) to be sited in Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft. EPISCentre The growth of the energy sector on Skills for Energy is a flagship to promote the significant a national level and its expansion SfE is already working with the University opportunities in the industry, provide a into alternative energy sources and of East Anglia to develop an energy focal point for skills and to raise aspirations technologies has furthered the need engineering programme (including BEng, for local people. for skilled individuals, from graduate MEngs and MSc) with sponsorship, engineers through to specialist course content, lecturers, site visits As a ‘hub’ it will ensure companies in or technicians. etc all provided by industry. The first entering the supply chain can enhance Energy Engineering MSc students their capabilities and develop the The transition to a lower carbon world have completed their first year. SfE is necessary competences in an efficient also means the development of new also rolling out a “pre-apprenticeship” environment and enhance the capability skills across the board, whether it’s for programme, the Energy Skills Foundation and capacity of existing training provision. decommissioning, retro-fitting existing Programme, to training providers The new skills centre will catapult the structures to reduce emissions or for throughout the UK. training opportunities available in the new developments, such as nuclear East of England Energy Zone, offering a new builds, which will create business unique approach to shape the workforce opportunities estimated to be worth over of tomorrow by amalgamating existing £50bn in the coming years. experience with new skill bases.
Shift to offshore wind energy The Forces Apprenticeships and graduate recruitment In addition to the skills programme, schemes continue to maintain a EEEGR’s Skills for Energy has also steady focus on oil and gas as the developed a transition training and industry significant energy sector, causing it to awareness programme for both serving be oversubscribed in terms of skills. and ex-military either working in the energy However, the shift towards offshore sector or wanting to move in to it. wind energy means that on a national level there appears to be a significant Military personnel have transferable shortage in specialist skills, both technical skills that underpin the basic knowledge and commercial, which are essential in needed for the energy sector and they are the turnaround of the scale of contracts a reliable workforce with the right work available at present and in the future. ethic needed throughout the industry. SfE works to cut through the jargon to carry Lack of clarity out skills gap analysis on each individual In addition, one of the biggest challenges and tailor a training package to suit the is the lack of clarity as to which of the individual’s needs. many bodies leads on skills issues; as a result, focus is diluted with inconsistent The bid to fund the new EPISCentre approach to standards fostered by has received significant support; if unhelpful competition in offshore wind and successful, construction could start almost offshore marine. immediately with an opening date in 2013.
East of England Clear focus However, on a regional level, the East The East of England Energy Zone is clearly of England has predicted the growth in focussed on creating skills to meet the the energy sector and has tackled these future needs of the energy industry, with skills challenges head on. An industry- similar programmes being developed to driven skills programme within the East support the growing supply chain. of England Energy Zone, Skills for Energy (SfE), hosted by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) is improving the East of England Energy Group provision of skills to better meet the needs www.eeegr.com of the region’s energy supply chain. The programme, achieved through collaborative = See enhanced entry online partnerships, is a unique exemplar; DECC e is funding work to explore how SfE could be rolled out to other energy based regions around the UK.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 25 SKILLS GAP The Skills
The skill gap issue is one that Scarborough Borough Council has been working Gap hard to address for the past 2 years.
Scarborough and Whiby Working with industry The Council, who own 2 commercial ports on the Yorkshire To this end the Council have been working with the offshore Coast at Whitby and Scarborough have aspirations to secure industry, the supply chain companies and importantly the local some of the economic benefits accruing from the round 3 education and skills providers to put in train actions to overcome Offshore proposals, particularly at Dogger Bank and Hornsea. the skills gap.
The Council are positioning themselves to provide O&M, service, Alex Richards: the Council Project Manager responsible for survey and supply chain activity from their region. However they developing the offshore wind opportunity spoke to Wind Energy recognise that in order to do so effectively they need the right Network about what’s been happening: people with the right skills in place. “Like everywhere else in the UK there is an under-supply of people with the technical skills and qualifications to make the most of the opportunities which will arise through future offshore wind developments. As a local authority it is our priority to connect local people with these future job
26 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SKILLS GAP opportunities and to support our existing businesses in meeting their skills needs. e = See enhanced entry online for South Tyneside
“We have some excellent engineering, manufacturing and offshore companies already working in our area, and hopefully business is only going to get better, however some of our companies already struggle to recruit people of the required calibre.
“The current workforce in these areas is ageing. A third will be reaching retirement within the next 10 years and will need replacing, if you compare that to the statistic that nationally there has been a 25% decrease in young people studying engineering and technology subjects at FE and you can easily see there is a major personnel issue just over the horizon”.
Priorities To address the issue and the skills gap they have put together a list of simple priorities for their activity...
• Raise awareness of the career opportunities in engineering and manufacturing, and increase the demand for the courses and qualifications. (Renewable Energy and Offshore Wind can make these careers “sexy” and relevant to young people).
• Ensure that education and training provision matches the needs of the sector
• Get commitment from the industry to engage in skills initiatives, particularly with young people [Apprenticeships] and adults with transferrable skills and demonstrate that there are rewarding careers at the end of the journey.
• Establish training and employment routes into the project for people with the required skills and qualities
Action Acting on these priorities they have already actioned a number of • Instigated the formation of the Yorkshire and Humber All activities... Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). As an influential voice in Westminster the APPG brings together MPs throughout • Held a number of region-wide events bringing our education the region to work together to address the economic issues institutions, the offshore industry and our existing companies facing the area. Renewable Energy and Skills are 2 of the hi together to better understand the skills issue and start the priority topic areas the group will be tackling over the next 12 process of matching requirements to the curriculum. We had months. over 80 organisations represented at our last event So what next for Scarborough? • Actively participated in strategic partnerships with the Alex concluded “We take this work very seriously and have offshore industry, education and skills providers [for example will continue to build on the good foundations we have in the East Coast Windskills Group] Scarborough Borough now place, we have recently recruited a new education and skills has schools taking part in the Forewind ‘Champions for Wind manager, Simon Featherstone to co-ordinate this work and will Programme’ continue to try and influence and encourage our politicians, education providers and the industry to engage to address the • Organised and taken part in careers events including, a skills gap issue.” dedicated ‘Engineering Week’ designed to inspire young people to pursue a technical career. “As part of this we recognise there is a lot to be gained from having an independent, easy to find, easily accessible web • Developed a number of active initiatives and future based resource to assist in providing industry skills and careers funding bids which include financial support to grow the information and advice and on that basis we will be actively workforce necessary for new sectors. Working with supporting wind energy network to make that happen.” Local Government for Yorkshire and Humber we are now leading the Green Skills work programme for EU2020. “As we find time and time again, the key to success is working Consisting of a collaboration of 14 European Countries together.” sharing best practice, Scarborough will be bringing forward a European wide programme to secure funding for training in Scarborough Borough Council the sector. www.scarborough.gov.uk
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 27 SKILLS GAP FEATURE - 6TH FORM SCHOOLS TO FE COLLEGES
Time to develop the required skills Energy and Mr Warke stressed there was time to develop the required skills among young people and re-train more mature workers Climate Centre at to seize the employment opportunities, with the landmark Siemens facility scheduled to become operational in 2014. Hull College Re-training mature workers The college is focused on re-training Hull College is one of the regional “We say to companies, ‘you write the mature workers as well as preparing leaders of the renewables movement, menu, we’ll serve it’.” younger people for jobs in renewables, having identified the industry as a key local economic driver some time ago. The college launched its Energy and Climate Centre last year, housing it in a fully sustainable building.
The Centre offers more than 150 renewables-related courses at a variety of levels, from NVQ Level 2 to honours degrees. These courses equip students for more than 100 different careers, allowing local people to meet the workforce demands of this growing industry.
Young people eager to learn Gary Warke, Deputy Chief Executive and Deputy Principal of Hull College Group, said the college had been ‘inundated’ with young people eager to learn the skills required to work in the green energy sector.
“There is nothing locally that can’t be delivered to meet the requirements of investors,” he said. STEM as demonstrated by a partnership with The courses are contained within the BAE Systems which has so far supported Employer engagement college’s STEM (science, technology, almost 200 staff from Brough, who were “We don’t just sell products and services engineering and maths) prospectus which at risk of redundancy. – we want a dialogue with employers includes skills development for a host of about what types of training and skills renewables careers from manufacturing Hull College Group they require and how we can meet those and wind farm technician roles right up www.hull-college.ac.uk needs, now and in the future”. to production and technical director positions.
Maritime Skills Programme New The year-long Maritime Skills Programme includes a Certificate in Maritime Studies offshore wind (Able Seafarer/Tug Rating-Deck) and Performing Engineering Operations both course at Level 2. The course commenced in September 2012 with 15 new recruits at Lowestoft and provides an entrance point into the College maritime industry as a Deck Rating. Recent school leavers hoping to Theory and practice begin a career at sea to support the The course will combine theory and offshore wind industry are being given practical sessions and provide basic the chance to become part of the first training in navigational watch-keeping, group of students on a brand new vessel rope work, anchoring and mooring, course at Lowestoft College. maritime safety, vessel construction and stability, maritime security and basic STCW safety training.
28 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SKILLS GAP FEATURE - 6TH FORM SCHOOLS TO FE COLLEGES
These are both industry-designed courses Specific courses that started in September to address the The college’s Performing Engineering Specially skills gap and arm school leavers with Operations (PEO) levels 1 and 2 courses essential knowledge and ‘hands-on’ offer students a solid skills base and designed engineering training to lead them to jobs. were renowned across the engineering sector as excellent foundations for courses Developing with the industry careers in engineering”. he said. The college is in regular dialogue with the energy sector and the developers of wind Meeting industry requirements prepare new farms as it develops its skills training and The college worked closely with EEEGR, courses. the East of England Energy Group, to generation ensure the programmes met industry The Kier Building requirements and quality. for energy It has also just opened a new engineering centre beside the college’s ‘Home of The (ESFP) is a 12-month structured Construction’, the Kier Building, housing training programme that has been piloted careers computer-aided design equipment at neighbouring Lowestoft College for the Young people are being trained in (CAD), hydraulic and pneumatic facilities, previous two years. a range of skills for careers in the programmable logic controllers and energy and marine industries on traditional engineering machinery. “We are delighted to be working with two new courses launched at Great EEEGR on the first phase of the rollout of Yarmouth College. Gary Jefferson, Director of construction the Energy Industry’s Pre-Apprenticeship programme.
“Great Yarmouth is of course synonymous with the offshore energy sector. Sharing in the prosperity of the sector is in everyone’s interest.
“About 50% of the Great Yarmouth College’s part-time day-release engineering students are working in servicing the energy sector already. The college is looking to build on this.”
“The PEO courses offer a good skills base and are excellent foundations for any career in engineering.
“Students can progress on to apprenticeships or employment or The Energy Skills Foundation Programme and engineering, said: “We now have a the level 3 BTEC extended diploma in (ESFP) is aimed at the offshore and energy modern and up to date facility that offers engineering.” Gary concluded. sectors and the Marine Skills Foundation more opportunities for our learners.” Programme (MSFP) for the marine sector. Gt Yarmouth College www.gyc.ac.uk
Employer demand find roles within the wider offshore wind and offshore sectors and has helped Ian Pease, Head of Maritime, Offshore and sector and in port operations.” many thousands of people gain industry Energy at Lowestoft College, said: “We qualifications. The department attracts developed and introduced the course to Experienced and practical team students from the UK, Europe and from meet the demand from employers in the As well as being able to use some of the around the world with people travelling from local area who have indicated that there is excellent specialist maritime facilities at the as far afield as India, America and South an emerging shortage in deck ratings.” College, the group will also benefit from the Africa to attend the College. knowledge and experience of the lecturers “A benefit of the course is that it can lead who have all spent significant time working Lowestoft College to a number of different career paths. In at sea before joining the College. In time, www.lowestoft.ac.uk the first instance, people could work as a the College also hopes to introduce an deck rating on a ship and, with experience Apprenticeship in Maritime Occupations of working at sea and further training, which uses the same qualifications. they could pursue a career as an Able Seafarer, Officer of the Watch or Master Global attraction Mariner. It would also be possible to Lowestoft College has a long history of apply the knowledge and qualification to running successful courses in the maritime
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 29 SKILLS GAP FEATURE - 6TH FORM SCHOOLS TO FE COLLEGES Ready to support growth East Riding College Like education and training providers These are questions local government and The supply chain up and down the country, East Riding training providers have been pondering While they and others are putting together College has been busy preparing since the first shoots of renewables growth training to provide specialist skills, they are to support the local and regional appeared. It seems inevitable that much of acutely aware that many of the benefits to economy as it seeks to take advantage the highly specialised workers will have to the local economy will come in the supply of the imminent growth in the come from outside the area, perhaps from chain, in the secondary and tertiary sectors renewables industry. outside of the country. where niche expertise is not required. Their plans are therefore based on sound labour The Humber region and offshore Their role, as education and training market information and their knowledge of wind providers, is to give businesses in the local economy, as well as discussions The Humber region in particular is the region the tools to upskill their with local employers. anticipating significant growth in the employees and to give individuals the renewables sector resulting primarily from skills and knowledge to help them secure Early days the allocation of a number of sites in the employment in roles where demand is high. But while this industry is still in its infancy, North Sea for offshore wind farms. there are still many unknowns. Central Course development government is yet to provide a sound Siemens To this end, East Riding College has been analysis of skills gaps on which to base The most high profile on-shore developing courses in niche subjects such training provision and the demand from development is the decision of German as working at height, working in confined young people will not be generated until electrical engineering conglomerate spaces and engineering programmes with they see the jobs being created. Siemens to site a £210m factory in Hull to modules on green technology. provide the required turbines. These are the key issues that face They are also developing plans for an education and training providers supporting As the politicians and company executives Environmental Technology Centre – as part the renewables industry as it develops lay the foundations, the region’s workforce of their relocation within Beverley – with the but East Riding College are focussed on is poised to meet the demand for labour stated aim of helping employers to take ensuring the local workforce is best placed this much-needed economic shot in the advantage of the renewables opportunities to benefit from the thousands of jobs arm is expected to deliver. on offer. expected to be created.
Workforce requirements and East Riding College skills www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk But how will the workforce meet the requirements? And exactly which skills will be required?
30 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SKILLS GAP FEATURE - 6TH FORM SCHOOLS TO FE COLLEGES Green light for Norfolk University Technical College Young people in Norfolk will have Dick Palmer, Principal, City College the opportunity to attend a new Norwich, said: “The energy, advanced school specialising in skills for manufacturing and engineering sectors energy, engineering and advanced are vitally important to the long term manufacturing, backed by employers, development of the local and regional after the government gave its backing economy. Having the Norfolk UTC to the Norfolk University Technical approved means that we can start work College (UTC) plan. now to ensure we have the world class skills and training in place to support the Combining practical and future growth of these sectors.” academic study The Norfolk UTC, expected to open its Schools Minister Lord Hill said: “I am doors in September 2014, will offer a new very pleased to be announcing another type of learning for up to 600 students wave of strong UTC proposals. Right aged 14 to 19, combining practical around the country there is a lot of and academic study and specialising in enthusiasm from employers, technical studies. universities, pupils and parents for high quality rigorous Students attending the Norfolk UTC will technical education. They develop their skills in industry-standard provide more choice for facilities, taught by teachers with practical children as well as helping experience of the sector, whilst continuing provide the kind of highly to study GCSEs and A levels alongside skilled technicians our their technical training. They will spend economy needs. The response around 60 per cent of their time on core from employers to UTCs speaks academic subjects, and the rest of their for itself.” time learning specific technical skills and qualifications. A number of possible sites in the Norwich area are currently Student progress under consideration and The UTC will provide young people with the an announcement skills needed to progress into employment about the location and higher level training in energy, of the Norfolk UTC advanced manufacturing and engineering is expected in the – all strategically important and growing coming months. sectors for the region. These areas of specialism are supported by close links Norfolk University with leading employers and the expertise of Technical College the university sponsor. (NUTC) www.ccn.ac.uk City College Norwich City College Norwich led the bid for the Norfolk University Technical College, supported by the University of East Anglia and with the backing of leading employers in the energy, advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Industry support The Norfolk UTC plan is supported by Adnams plc, Aquaterra Energy, East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), Future Marine Services Ltd, Gardline Group, Hethel Engineering Centre, Lotus Cars Ltd, The Mason Trust, May Gurney, Mott MacDonald, National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, New Engineering Foundation (NEF), Norfolk County Council, OPITO, RWE nPower, SEMTA, Skills for Energy and Warren Services.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 31 FOREST WIND FARMS
Since the latest generation of wind turbines have hub heights of 140 metres and more, the wind mast should be at least 100 metres high. Higher anemometer masts are rarely used at present, to limit the costs incurred by their building and installation.
LIDAR instead of SODAR measurements Wind speeds at heights above these anemometer masts can basically be determined by two remote sensing techniques – SODAR and LIDAR.
SODAR The SODAR technique is based on a mobile acoustic system, measuring wind direction and speed with the help of sound waves. However, this technique is only applied in open plains as the trees in forest areas shield both the acoustic waves and Achieving renewable energy their reflections. targets Most German states will only be able to In addition, at heights over 100 m achieve the renewable energy targets excessive scattering of the reflected waves defined in energy policies if they include reduces the accuracy of the measurement forest areas in their wind power plans. The instruments. government of the German state of North- Rhine Westphalia, for example, assumes LIDAR that it will be unable to expand its share of Given this, TÜV SÜD relies on the LIDAR wind power in total electricity generation technique as one of its measurement from currently three to the targeted 15 per methods. LIDAR stands for “LIght cent without the use of forest wind farms. Detection and Ranging”. The laser-optical method works similarly to radar but uses Challenge Complex wind conditions laser beams instead of radio waves. The However, reliable prediction of the yield of technique permits wind direction and forest wind farms requires measurement speed to be determined at heights of and simulation techniques that take into up to 200 metres and ensures accurate account the complex wind conditions measurements even at these heights. If Forest caused by trees and uneven terrain – the the results obtained with an anemometer FGW Technical Guideline requires wind mast are combined with those obtained measurement masts. by LIDAR, complete wind profiles can be Wind determined at heights of over 100 metres Unless data measured in the immediate and beyond rotor diameters. vicinity of the planned wind farm is Farms available, the measurement of wind Research conditions is indispensable for wind- Researchers at Stuttgart University have resource analysis and reliable conclusions worked with scientists of the National Innovative techniques for wind regarding the profitability of a potential Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on resource analysis with the help wind site. using the LIDAR technique to optimise of laser-based systems the operation of existing wind turbines. Reliable measurement and simulation FGW Technical Guideline By knowing the parameters of a wind of wind conditions are imperative to The Technical Guideline published by the field before it actually hits the turbine, the estimate the yield of wind farms located in FGW, the German public association of owners/operators can take appropriate topologically complex terrain. Forest areas the renewable energy sector, defines how control measures at an early stage and present wind-farm owners and operators these measurements must be performed. thus may reduce wind-induced loads with particular challenges. For the assessment and approval of and increase energy yield at the same a project, wind speed and directions time. The research results are aimed What technologies are the most suitable, must be measured with the help of an at facilitating the dimensioning and and what cost-benefit ratio do they anemometer mast. According to the FGW construction of future wind turbines, thus provide? guideline the mast should have a height of saving materials and costs. at least two-thirds of the hub height of the planned wind turbine.
32 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk FOREST WIND FARMS
Method consideration Given this, future forest wind farm operators should consider which method of analysis will supply sufficiently accurate results at reasonable costs. The exact Complex topography calls for categorisation of the site’s ruggedness 3D simulations index and its distance from the forest edge Basically, there are two calculation models are of critical importance to answer this for determining wind potential and wind question. Planners should also consider profiles: WAsP (based on Risø’s European how often the wind blows from each Wind Atlas model) for 2D analysis, and direction, as the influence of the trees WindSim for 3D analysis. The choice may be small when the wind blows from of model to be applied depends on the the south, but tree tops may considerably steepness and complexity of the terrain. influence wind potential in case of winds One measure for these two factors is the blowing from a northern or western RIX, the ruggedness index. In lowland direction. areas where the ruggedness index is low, the more cost-effective 2D modelling Increased turbulence over tree While noise emission and shadow flicker method can indeed be used for wind tops are of secondary importance for forest profile calculation. Compared to open lowlands or plains, wind farms, which are generally located forest sites involve more turbulence – this at larger distances from residential However, the steeper and the more can occur at heights of 90 to 100 metres, areas, planners must make sure that no complex the terrain, the higher the i.e. three times the height of the trees. persons on nearby paths or roads may be inaccuracies of 2D simulation. In areas endangered by ice shedding. In addition, with ruggedness indices of 10 and higher, Assuming hub heights of 140 metres ice on rotors reduces the energy yield of such as those typical of minor mountain and rotor diameters of 100 metres, this the turbine. To prevent ice on rotors or ranges, only 3D modelling supplies turbulence thus reaches the rotor blades accelerate its thawing, wind turbines may sufficiently accurate results. In this case, and may cause weakening of the structure be equipped with a de-icing system. If the higher costs should be accepted to and the material, and thus ultimately ice causes rotor imbalance, the rotor is obtain a reliable basis for financial project affects wind turbine stability. switched off to minimise the stress acting calculation. on the system and prevent ice shedding. If plans provide for several wind turbines The distance from the edge at a specific site, the planners further must Involve the public at an early of the forest is of critical take into account that the wind turbines stage importance themselves also generate turbulence In Germany, the regulations governing Which simulation model supplies the at their lee side, i.e. the side sheltered possible wind farm sites vary from state best results also depends on how far the from the wind. Wind flowing through the to state. To cater to this aspect, individual planned wind turbine will be positioned rotor blades receives additional rotational assessments must be carried out and also from the edge of the forest. If the wind energy. take into account the flora and fauna at turbine is located near the edge of the the respective site. forest, the trees will have only minor If a turbine is erected too close to the lee impact on the wind profile. To save costs, side of another turbine, wind swirls may If the economic, technical and legal 2D simulation, which is more economical, adversely affect turbine operation. As tree requirements for the construction of is generally used in this case. The impact tops further increase turbulence, turbines a wind turbine have been fulfilled, the of the trees can be compensated for by in forest areas must be installed at greater planners should address acceptance by using a ‘virtually’ reduced hub height in the distances from each other than turbines the general public. simulation. However, this procedure also on open lowland sites. Regarding this has its limits. aspect, an expert report should assess Integrating regional partners and the whether the turbulence to be expected general public at an early stage has At sites that are located more than one is critical for planning and for the wind proved helpful to smooth possible kilometre from the edge of the forest, the turbines. disputes between various interest groups results become too inaccurate. In this even before commencement of the case, the 3D simulation procedure, which Air-pollution control required permission process. delivers more accurate simulation results, by law should be used. However, wind-resource and cost-benefit analyses are not the only relevant criteria Thomas Arnold, when planning forest wind farms. To TÜV SÜD Industrie Service obtain a permit, the future operators www.tuev-sued.de/windenergie must also submit an assessment of noise emissions, shadow flicker and ice shedding.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 33 PORT OF SUNDERLAND FEATURE Powered up port ready to generate growth
Quietly growing its reputation as a Ideal location gateway to offshore and renewable Positioned at the heart of the North East energy, Port of Sunderland is once coast, lying centrally between the Tyne again making waves as an economic and the Tees, Port of Sunderland is, it driving force for its city and the wider seems, ideally located to take advantage North East England region. With of the growing move towards wind business booming, and a commitment energy. The port is geographically well from leaders in the city to ensure placed to realise the significant benefits that the port establishes itself as from offshore wind energy in the future, a prosperous, progressive and and with work scheduled to begin on the burgeoning waterfront, Sunderland development of the North Sea Dogger appears to be on the brink of creating Bank offshore wind farm and others in something special. both Round Two and Three, this will pave the way for an economic uplift at ports across the North East of England and especially in Sunderland.
34 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk PORT OF SUNDERLAND FEATURE
“Complacency, resting on our laurels and waiting for business to fall into our lap, isn’t an option. We’re very clear Efficient and responsive about what our assets are at Port of approach to client requests Sunderland, and what makes us special The set-up of the port means that, from and distinct from our competitors a more practical point of view, it is in a and we are absolutely committed to very strong position to grow its income leveraging these strengths to ensure from offshore renewable energy and also that we tap into what we know could the subsea engineering sector. As a be a significant opportunity for us at growing port, and one that can offer an Port of Sunderland and for the wider efficient and responsive approach to client regional supply chain in both the requests, it offers flexibility that is proving offshore renewable energy and subsea to be too attractive to ignore for customers engineering sectors.” looking for a range of support services.
“But it is not just a case of being in the Offshore Wind benefits already Extensive port services right place” says Matthew Hunt, Port established Among the port’s current areas of Director at Port of Sunderland. Port of Sunderland is already starting to business are bulk, project and unitised see the commercial benefits of offshore cargo handling, ship repair and marine wind energy. It is currently providing a engineering, North Sea oil and gas and base for some of the many companies offshore renewable energy and subsea involved in both pre-development survey engineering industry support. And with and assembly and installation operations immediate access to the open sea and in Round Two and Three developments, three kilometres of river and dock berths, capitalising on its assets and advantages Sunderland has a number of advantages - from its location, facilities, and strong that are helping its cause in attracting a technical skills-base, to its well-connected growing client base in these sectors. infrastructure. It has an eye on future growth opportunities in both manufacturing and operations and maintenance.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 35 PORT OF SUNDERLAND FEATURE
“Port of Sunderland is making a The decision to have a presence in Unique management team name for itself in every division. And Sunderland was made after the business The Port of Sunderland is municipally- we’re committed to making sure that spotted opportunities to be part of the owned and its management team has a customers who choose us benefit from construction and maintenance supply chain quite clear imperative to grow its customer a fantastic level of customer service that linked to the offshore renewable energy base and be decisive, commercially astute will keep them coming back whenever sector. and ambitious. they have a project to be fulfilled,” says Mr Hunt, who joined Port of Sunderland Robert Day, Business Development Matthew Hunt says that this unique having worked in the UK port industry for Manager at AJ Woods Engineering Ltd, approach has ensured that the port has more than 20 years. said the addition of their Sunderland facility only seen the benefits associated with represented an important step forward for being council owned. “We’re not the kind of organisation the company. that will turn people away. If we can He explains: “As a municipal port, we accommodate requests, we will. And we Mr Day explains: “The area is ideally believe that we benefit from a number of pull out every stop to make sure that we situated for our expansion plans due to its significant assets that allow us to really be do it to the highest standard. It’s essential strategic location. I’ve had the pleasure at the cutting edge of the emerging offshore to us that we maintain and strengthen the of being able to see first-hand the highly renewable energy and subsea sectors. reputation we are building for excellence, skilled pool of local labour available in and a key part of that is making sure that the North East, which means the choice “We are empowered to make decisions we impress at every opportunity.” to employ locally is not only an easy and have the absolute backing of our decision but it’s an exciting and rewarding owners, Sunderland City Council.” ‘Can do’ approach and prospect. connectivity This added to the benefits that tapping Aside from it’s ‘can do’ approach to “We have been approached by into Sunderland City Council’s business business, Port of Sunderland is also companies within the industry and are and leadership networks can bring, is capitalising on the strengths that come from hoping to work on further developments something that Mr Hunt believes is setting being at the heart of well-connected city. at the port to create activity and the city apart with overseas businesses subsequently, what I hope to be a strong and investors. “We’re within a stone’s throw of presence in Sunderland.” Sunderland city centre, which is quite And concluded: “Our-set up is similar advantageous. And as a city we also Vote of confidence to our counterparts overseas especially enjoy excellent connectivity, with road, The decision to establish a presence in in Europe, where municipalities tend rail and air links ensuring that we’re easy Sunderland is something the port believes to own and operate major ports. We to reach. And of course, for commercial represents a clear vote of confidence in its see our links with the local authority vessels coming into the port, we’re just ability to provide the service and approach as offering a massive opportunity and minutes from open sea – accessible in that will attract offshore business in the future. something that is only making us even every way,” adds Mr Hunt. more attractive to global businesses. Mr Hunt further explained: “Sunderland Long term business interest has a clear vision for growth and with “One of the most exciting things about “Our appeal goes beyond one-off ongoing investment going into the Port of our municipal set up is the fact that we projects though. Business is booming at Sunderland, we are sure that AJ Woods is can afford to take a long term view. So the port, with a number of our customers the first of many businesses that will see often, commercially operated ports are establishing a permanent presence with great benefits in choosing our city as a forced to make decisions that will deliver us, having seen the benefits of working location in which to grow their enterprise. quick wins. with our team. This is made even more attractive by the excellent availability of a “Port of Sunderland is well placed to meet “We have the benefit of a council that highly skilled workforce, the legacy of the both the current and future demands believes in us, and one that can see heavy industries era Sunderland enjoyed of the North Sea oil and gas and the the bigger picture. Change is coming in the past.” offshore renewable industry sectors and quickly at Port of Sunderland, and AJ Woods Engineering Ltd’s decision that’s great, but the priority will always AJ Woods Engineering to expand their business within our port be to build a port that is sustainably One such business that has strengthened area is therefore a great coup for the city. successful. That is something we its links to Sunderland is AJ Woods, an Not only will we see an increased volume believe that tapping into wind and Essex headquartered engineering business. of offshore and subsea vessels on site, offshore power generation will allow us The company specialises in complex which in turn increases the use of the to achieve, and we see this as not only offshore structures for the renewable, oil and port’s cargo and marine services, but it is a small part of our future business, but a gas industries, and has recently committed set to create wider opportunities for local big and very important one.” to set up offices, stores and workshops at employment within the community. a facility at Port of Sunderland, allowing it to Port of Sunderland tap into the high demand from both existing Creating something special www.makeitsunderland.com clients and companies looking for services in “We believe we’re a port that is on the the North East. cusp of something special, and we have AJ Woods Engineering all of the ingredients to be a major player www.ajwoodsengineering.co.uk when it comes to wind energy. The more businesses that work with us, the greater = See enhanced entry online the opportunity we have to demonstrate e exactly what we are capable of.” = See video library online 36 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk PORT OF SUNDERLAND FEATURE AJ Woods engineers growth at Port of Sunderland
A thriving engineering company is Business growth The backing we are giving to the port turning to Sunderland as it gears up The expansion at Port of Sunderland demonstrates our commitment to it, and for growth, in a move that could bring will allow AJ Woods Engineering Ltd to of course, as a council, the work we are up to 60 jobs to the city. develop its plans to offer a full package doing has already been recognised at this service to the marine and energy service year’s prestigious MJ Awards, at which Opportunities and to work in close proximity of both we were named Best Achieving Council.” The decision to have a presence in existing and new clients in the North East, Sunderland was made after the business with the hope of employing some 60 Port current and future spotted opportunities to be part of the members of staff as the business grows. demands Matthew Hunt, Port Director at Port of Sunderland, added: “Port of Sunderland is well suited to meet both the current and future demands of the North Sea oil and gas and the offshore renewable industry sectors. A J Woods Engineering Ltd’s decision to expand their business within our Port area is a great coup for the city, as not only will we see an increased volume of offshore and subsea vessels on site, which in turn increases the use of the port’s cargo and marine services but it is construction and maintenance supply A clear vision set to create wider opportunities for local chain linked to the offshore renewable Councillor Paul Watson, leader of employment within the community. energy sector. Sunderland City Council and chairman of AJ Woods Engineering Ltd, which is Port of Sunderland, said: “As a forward “Sunderland is fast growing its reputation currently carrying out its main operations thinking, innovative city, we are always as a leading port of call, both for the from a temporary site in Durham, and keen to attract like-minded businesses to subsea engineering and growing offshore a workshop and offices at the Port of the area. renewable energy sectors and it’s great to Sunderland is now able to carry out large share AJ Woods Engineering Ltd’s vision scale ship mobilisations. The company “Sunderland has a clear vision for growth for growth within the North East.” has the ability to carry out mobilisations and with such vast investment and on all types of vessels ranging from small opportunities being created at Port of AJ Woods Engineering wind farm support vessels to cable laying Sunderland, we are sure that AJ Woods is www.ajwoodsengineering.co.uk ships and large jack-up barges. the first of many businesses that will see great benefits in choosing our city as a = See enhanced entry online Important step forward location in which to grow their enterprise. e Robert Day, Business Development Manager at AJ Woods Engineering Ltd, “We have a fantastic port that is really = See video library online said the addition of their Sunderland facility starting to carve out a strong reputation, represented an important step forward for and we really do believe that it could Port of Sunderland the company. hold the key to a stronger city economy. www.makeitsunderland.com
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 37 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Global think-
In the last edition we featured an article on Global Skills Thinking by Rob Bell, CEO at the ingconsultancy firm Archomai. The article was very well received within the industry so much so that Rob will be continuing the global theme in future editions. Archomai specialises in logistics and supply chain thinking and practice in emerging and frontier markets.
38 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Global Wind Energy “No wind is favorable to the man For example over 1.6 billion people (1 Already, valuable insights are emerging in who does not know to what port in 4) in remote rural communities have key wind energy markets: he is steering” - Seneca (Roman inadequate or no access to any energy Philosopher - 5 BC to 65 AD) source and use energy for cooking meals, • Northern Europe – manufacturing re-charging mobile phone batteries and innovation is a key strength An Olympic history lesson domestic lighting. • Southern Europe – Navarre in Spain, The recent Olympics Opening ceremony with over 70% of its energy generated set the agenda. We start with a green In Rwanda the sun sets at 18:00 and by wind is a Region that can be a and pleasant land and end up with dark how can you study in the pitch black? In Case Study elsewhere satanic mills in crowded cities powered Africa there are 1.6 million deaths due to • China – experience to date highlights by fossil fuels. When we consider global kerosene exposure over cooking stoves. the need to cut costs along the supply energy needs, Danny Boyle’s imaginative Then there are small businesses that chain history lesson on the transformation of the are paying through the nose for energy • Indian Ocean – a focus local small- UK becomes the journey for all emerging and, run huge risks on hard won exports scale solutions can reap huge rewards economies – except if a more balanced because of intermittent supply - try running • South America – Renewables is mix of fossil and renewable fuels can a cold chain under those circumstances. It playing a huge role in the Energy mix be harnessed to power growth without is expensive to be poor. • Africa – all to play for destroying the hand that feeds us all – nature. Bottom up perspective Supply chains compete; not companies or There is a bottom up perspective based countries. Wind Energy Agenda globally on affordable access to power as well as a Over the next few issues we will look top down agenda driven by regulatory and A global market at the Wind Energy Agenda globally, special interests. Ten International companies manage exploring common themes as well as over 80 per cent of wind energy projects highlighting just why energy policies Fundamentally, global regions start from and, they have a presence in multiple globally will not converge into one-size- very different bases. Power shortages are markets. Those companies that want to fits-all. costing Pakistan up to 4% of GDP growth. play ball as tier 1,2 or 3 suppliers have to Africa has 147 GW of installed capacity – understand that this is a global market Global energy needs a level that China installs every two years and this means knowing more about As global population climbs to 9 billion by and back-up generators cost up to 5% of developments elsewhere. Let’s look at 2050; energy needs will increase by 100% GDP. There is change in the pipeline. some of these potential markets and but the way we produce, distribute and business opportunities to go for. use renewable energy will differ between In 2010 Morocco was a 95% energy and within countries. Some will have to dependent country but by 2020 plans to Rob Bell is CEO of Archomai build the capacity to reduce dependency generate 42% from renewable sources – Consulting and Visiting Reader at on fossil fuels and, reduce the carbon with an estimated 15% coming from wind. Aberdeen Business School. footprint. Elsewhere, in the developing Each country requires different solutions. world, where usage and emissions are Rob Bell low the agenda will be about the capacity A shift in thinking Archomai to adapt to climate change and, different In rural areas affordability and scalability is www.archomai.co.uk patterns of demand both domestic, key. In urban areas, the focus needs to be commercial and export. on efficiency, making use of good practice and innovation elsewhere. This means a Wind energy shift in thinking from a national grid system Wind energy can supply up to 30% of like the terrestrial telephone network to a world electricity – up from 16.5% by 2020 more hybrid system embracing a mix of - and already is the major source of power grid; semi grid and off grid solutions. in over 70 countries. Location matters Demand dynamics • Is the country rich in resources or does It is not enough to focus on the technology it have to import fuel to survive? of supply – we have to look at demand • Has the country built an industry that dynamics. is competitive and can use enough energy to drive critical mass?
In the developing world we need to factor in stakeholder values as well.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 39 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Renewables Development Programme - Workshop 1 KNOW YOUR MARKET
The workshop is Market Structure The LCoE is a calculation that brings designed to bring Market Focus together, as an annual figure, the capital clarity to a supply The Tier 0 focus and, therefore, the focus cost of major wind farm investments with chain operator’s of the whole supply chain is: the operating and decommissioning costs understanding of the of running the wind farms; and dividing total U.K. Offshore Wind To achieve a Levelised Cost of Energy that by the Annual Energy Production Market with the sole (LCoE) of £100/MWh by 2020. (AEP) of the farms. aim of enabling him to address the priorities If this target is not achieved of the total market in then offshore wind produced constructing his value electricity will not be able to proposition to his ‘next survive without subsidy in the tier’ customer. total energy market place.
One can understand that every player in the Offshore Wind market must contribute to cost reduction and productivity improvement i.e. total quality performance.
The good news is that there can be few markets of this size and complexity that have such a clear, single focus as this. Every organisation that wishes to enter this supply chain can be under no illusions of what is required of them.
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If you were selecting an offshore contractor today, To illustrate this point Wind Energy Update The figures in the table above are an commissioned a survey of market experts how important would these indication of approximate current values and asked the Tier 0 developers this factors be? and are shown only to illustrate the simple question: Their answers are shown below. arithmetic involved.
The CAPEX (capital expenditure) total includes the cost of the turbine, the support structure, the cabling array, the installation and the project & insurance costs. Also the eventual ‘end of life’ decommissioning is included here to give a total cost per MW (megawatt) of installed capacity, which is depreciated over the life of the turbine.
The message could not be clearer. “If your The OPEX (operating expenditure) total quality is not good enough, it doesn’t includes the costs of operation, planned matter if you work just round the corner. and unplanned maintenance, power If your quality is not good enough we will transmission charges and operating buy from someone whose quality is good insurance fees. enough, wherever they are based.” As for cost, this survey says that cost Once the cost has been annualised (A) it reduction is not an end in itself. Cost can be divided by the energy production reduction has to be achieved within the (B) expressed in the MWh (megawatt constraints of the required quality of hours) that each MW of installed capacity performance. Reliability and availability are will deliver in a year. So, a 5MW turbine will massive factors in the LCoE calculation. produce (5 x 3,482) = 17,410 megawatt If the AEP drops because of unreliable hours of energy/year. production performance or unavailability of productive assets then the LCoE will rise. The answer of A ÷ B is the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE) on which the whole The Levelised Cost of Energy performance management is focussed. (LCoE) It is worth taking the time to understand If whatever contribution you can make to how the LCoE is calculated so that you the supply chain will demonstrably: can identify the influence that an individual • reduce any of the costs, or cost driver will have. This will help you to • increase the energy productivity of establish your priorities and offer value to installed capacity your prospective clients. Then you will have customers knocking on your door.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 41 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Market Size The last offshore farms to move from ‘planning’ to ‘consented’ were Race Bank Market Development – Offshore (580MW) and Dudgeon (560MW), both in Sector the Greater Wash area. The target LCoE of £100/MWh is a Although the onshore sector is bigger difficult task to achieve. The degree of in terms of installed capacity, it is the Government focus on providing the right greater productivity of offshore wind farms environment for success reflects the value that is key to delivering the total energy of achieving energy security as soon as production at the low financial cost and possible, quite apart from the minimisation low social cost required. of environmental damage.
The Government established the Offshore Wind Cost Reduction Task Force, which reported in June 2012 and officially announced the LCoE target. Subsequently they established 3 workstreams as the key drivers of cost reduction. These are:
• Financial – focusing on the sources of investment and the costs of financing the massive capital investments
• Technical – focusing on the innovations of products and processes that will increase productivity and decrease the cost of production
• Supply Chain – focusing on the sources of supply chain costs that will repeat year after year if not resolved.
Workshop 1 will concentrate on the Supply Chain workstream as the focus which will influence the aspirations of most SMEs operating at tiers 3, 4 and 5. Even though a lot of the issues I will highlight in this article will not require your direct involvement, they will ‘set the scene’ for the customer expectations that are placed on you as a prospective supplier. They will determine the objectives that your customer is trying to achieve.
If, by attending Workshop 1, you can understand what is setting the agenda and why, then you will be in a better position to help your customer succeed and improve your long term relationship with him/her.
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Some of them may seem remote, but they are shaping the actions of those at the demand end of the supply chain. It is their actions that define the requirements on each successive tier in the chain, and the requirements that will arrive at your ‘in- tray’. Anticipating what they mean to your operation will give you the competitive Supply Chain Performance edge. The Supply Chain Workstream report identifies levers of cost reduction that • Market Certainty and Volume • Common standards in practice are responsive to the performance of Visibility Cost reduction depends on the non- the supply chain as a whole. Other cost The necessary investment in new proliferation of standards, and genuine levers will be influenced only by technical capacity will not be made without the sharing of best practice. innovation or by financial management. right level of confidence in the political support of the market, specifically: • Availability of appropriate levels of These levers are: appropriate human capital 1 certainty that the Energy Market The availability of the right skill sets at • Increasing the number of participants Reform (EMR) will be maintained the right level at the right time is from Europe & low cost sources 2 a smooth transition from Renewable essential to maintain the development Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to of the market at the right pace to • Stimulating asset growth & economies Contract for Differences (CfDs) achieve the available cost reductions. of scale 3 a quicker, more transparent planning process, and a less risk-averse You will be able to influence some of • Discovering new ways of managing attitude to consenting and to pre- these, even if it is indirectly through the risks, even those classed now as consent spending networks and alliances that you have in ‘uncontrollable’ 4 certainty over structure of transmission the market place. To earn your place in assets the supply chain you need to deliver the • Improving vertical co-operation highest quality at a given cost that you • Sufficient and timely capacity of can. But never forget - • Improving horizontal co-operation prototype testing sites the definition of quality belongs to the More sites with greater accessibility customer, not to the supplier. • Developing contract forms must be made available for proving new designs, particularly of turbines WORKSHOP 1 – KNOW YOUR MARKET The workshop will explore each of these and foundations. The workshop is an interactive session to cost reduction levers to identify ways in resolve any uncertainties you have about which SMEs operating in the lower tiers • Better informed financial and the opportunity that lies before us and to can contribute to performance success. investment communities explore the ways that you can contribute Greater knowledge of the offshore to the success of the offshore wind supply Pre-requisites for Supply Chain wind market is necessary to ensure chain and to the continuing success of Performance Success the right financial and insurance your own business. Worth noting here are the pre-requisites support is available, and that their risk to success which the report identifies management requirements are BCG Bridgepoint and Renewables because it is these factors that you need achievable. Visibility of investment Network look forward to meeting you to investigate in the context of your own opportunities below Tier 0 also needs there, at the next Workshop 1. operation. to be improved so that the right level of investment is attracted. John Britton How can you help to make these pre- BCG Bridgepoint requisites become reality? • De-risking the pre-consent stage www.bcg-bridgepoint.co.uk Greater transparency of information at this stage will enable the supply Renewables Network chain collaborators to achieve www.renewablesnetwork.co.uk the most effective performance planning. Data relating to sea floor conditions and maintenance regimes are examples. Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) involvement of contractors will ensure that optimal use of early information is secured.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 43 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Making the Most of Meetings at Work:
Part Two: The Facilitator Role Trainer and Motivational Speaker Frank Newberry has been helping people to get better results in the workplace for over 30 years. He is convinced that we can all contribute to making meetings at work more productive and more enjoyable.
In the first part of this series Every person at the meeting is The meeting was all talk and no I explained that in workplace committed action meetings the Executive This vital Executive Secretary role can You may, like me, have attended meetings Secretary is a person who also be combined with that of the where people have ‘talked a good game’ supplies the engine oil that FACILITATOR. The job of the Meeting only to find that little or no action at all is ensures the smooth running of Facilitator is to work with the Chair to taken after the meeting. You could be the ‘engine’. The ‘engine’ being ensure that the discussions at the meeting forgiven for calling such a meeting ‘all the Committee, the Board or are meaningful and the decisions taken talk and no action’. I worked with one any group of people who make are ‘owned’ by everyone at the meeting. committee member who in recent times decisions that ultimately result ‘Owned’ in this instance would mean discovered that one of the key players in the organisation making every person attending the meeting being at their meetings would happily agree to progress. fully committed to making sure that the all the action points at the meeting but decisions taken and action points agreed afterwards would only implement the ones The Executive Secretary helps the Chair are implemented fully. What about the he liked. The rest were delayed or deleted - before, during and after meetings - by Chair? Well the Chair is still ‘in charge’ from the next set of minutes. helping him or her to: but with a Facilitator on hand she/he can now contribute fully to the meeting without 1 Prepare and circulate meaningful having to worry so much about matters agendas (before the meeting); like, for example - maintaining a balance 2 Determine who does which action in the debate. The Facilitator takes care of points (during the meeting), and then that for the Chair. 3 Chase up the action points (after the meeting) so that progress is made as intended.
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Typical groundrules at meetings might be
1 Respect each other’s views 2 Keep commitments made 3 Maintain confidentiality 4 speak one at a time 5 Keep an open mind 6 discuss openly 7 Listen actively 8 Keep to time 9 Be fair to all 10 Be decisive
By listening attentively and by intervening appropriately and confidently a Facilitator - armed with these groundrules - can transform many poorly performing meetings. Meetings without groundrules? ‘Meetings mayhem’ or ‘moribund meetings’ might ensue!
The person performing the An important decision delayed is So if the decision making at your deception wanted to avoid a decision in itself meetings could be better then effort or challenge Deadlocked meetings can also be a perhaps you should consider The individual even resorted to changing discouraging aspect of decision making in giving someone the Facilitator or deleting the due dates of some points the workplace. It is an unfortunate reality role. Maybe you could try out so that decisions were either delayed that some people at meetings will try and the Facilitator role yourself? or ‘forgotten’ about all together. When deliberately delay decisions, perhaps out Maybe you could do it for a trial confronted with the issue the person took of self-interest. An effective Facilitator, will period? great offence and denied ever doing it. seek consensus but if that fails will offer However, the notes taken at meetings different voting methods to the meeting In Part Three, I will look at meeting held weeks and months before provided that can break the decision deadlock. A agendas and keeping meetings to time. the evidence that condemned him. It Facilitator can remind the meeting that quickly became clear to everyone that the an important decision delayed (one that If you are having problems and frustrations person performing the deception wanted may have been delayed for a number of with meetings at work and you would to avoid effort or challenge. This particular different reasons) is a decision in itself. like some advice that is specific to your key player is now playing elsewhere. It is a decision to ‘carry on as we are’ a situation you can get in touch with Frank decision to ‘not change’. It is (so to speak) directly via the contact tab of his personal The Facilitator’s role can be made easier a win for the people voting ‘no’. website: www.franknewberry.com when the committee or the meeting adopts ‘Groundrules’. The Facilitator then, A Facilitator can break this deadlock by during the meeting, reminds people when suggesting that the decision being delayed their words and actions fall short of the be taken for a ‘trial period’ so that, for agreed groundrules. example, more data can be collected. This approach is particularly useful for people who do not want to make a decision until they have ‘all the information they need to make a decision’. Much better perhaps to run a ‘trial’ and then make perhaps a more confident decision based on the results of the trial.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 45 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Business development welcome again to Andy McLaughlin...
Professional selling can be cruel. Prospects are frequently better conditioned than the salespeople who call on them, and consequently they can destroy a salesperson in a phone call or during a chance meeting.
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Get Tough Get An Answer
Negatives more than positives Four things can happen to you in A false sense of security On a day-to-day basis, even a good a selling situation... The sad thing is that most salespeople salesperson hears “no” more often than • You can get a “yes” are satisfied to hear an “I want to think any word. Can you think of a worse • A “no” it over.” It gives them a false sense of profession for people who thrive on • A “no” with a lesson security. After all, will a sales manager fire acceptance? • Or an “I want to think it over” a guy who says he’s got 84 proposals on the street? He will eventually, if those The word “no” comes with the territory A “yes” always feels great. It pumps you proposals don’t materialise into sales. in sales. So does failure. Unfortunately, up and motivates you to find another traditional sales trainers never say it’s okay prospect. Be decisive to fail, or that you should stop when you Always go for a “yes” or a “no.” hear the word “no.” A “no” doesn’t feel great, but at least you know where you stand. Top performers Andy McLaughlin But top sales performers know better. A “no” with a lesson isn’t so bad. You Sandler Training They learn from their failures. And if they know where you stand, and when you www.centralnorth-east.sandler.com can’t hear a “yes,” they’d rather get a “no.” get off the phone, or back to your car, They want to avoid anything in between. you may be able to turn a negative into And that requires them to remain tough something learned. mentally and emotionally. You want to avoid the “I want to think it over” answer because there’s nothing worse in sales. What does it mean? When you go back to your car and begin to critique yourself, what do you say? “What happened in that sales call? Where do I stand?
Could I have closed the sale with a little more perseverance? Should I have done this, or that?”
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 47 SPONSORS OF ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
Company Underwater Surveys Limited, Scour All Prevention Systems Limited
For most of us the occupation “diver” creates a myriad of images, one of mystery, bravery and an air of mystique in a day’s as they conquer the unknown in haunting circumstances!
We now have the opportunity of acquiring an inside account of the life of a work... commercial diver. We continually meet very The early years interesting people when At the age of 16, Richard was one of the visiting various companies youngest commercial divers to have been organisations and wind energy successfully awarded the HSE qualification events. and to this day still holds that accolade.
Having been brought up in a family We have therefore decided to feature whereupon his father, Bob (70) is a individuals whom we think our readership commercial diver, he has absorbed this will find interesting too, so in each edition passion by osmosis. At the age of 4 you will find 2 separate features... years old, bath-time was made exciting by donning goggles diving into the water 1 An in-depth interview – our first is and staring at the plug hole for hours! So it Richard Durrant was destined to be...
2 A ’20 questions’ feature – Keith Name Richard undertook his training at Exmouth, Brooks of Prowind on page opposite Richard Durrant in 2 parts, and gained valuable experience inside cover in between. Age 40 Family business Fliss Chaffer, He now runs a family business Marital Status (Underwater Surveys Limited) with his interviewer Married with three young children...all father and brother and is a director of under 7! Scour Prevention Systems which allows extraordinaire, him the best of both worlds, on terra firma finds out what Lives running the office and also submersibly to Great Yarmouth ensure the conception to installation and makes Richard completion of his products are installed Occupation correctly, working with a team of divers to tick Commercial Diver ensure all standards are upheld.
48 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SPONSORS OF ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
Life changing experiences All these risks are part and parcel of this occupation, but Richard has had life changing experiences too, he was Diver teams normally consist of 4, the posted to Africa for one contract, to the legal requirement – the diver, a standby, Democratic Republic of Sao Tome a supervisor and technician/ tender to small Island whereupon he undertook a assist. Safety is stringent as you would Government Contract inspection, idyllic Asked how he wound down after a expect and they have a Health & Safety conditions for diving. stressful day under-the-sea (which is Consultant on site whom is responsible for sometimes hard with three very boisterous all up to date accreditations ISO2001and He came across the most peculiar of children) he states, being round his family all other generic material are up to the creatures, thankfully not submerged. and a cool beer – simply happiness. minute. White sharks were common within this area, however, one which was Hobbies not encountered, although snails One would normally associate the that were indigenous to the island adrenaline-drenched career of a diver to were, and unbelievably the size of a continue on land – and is this reflected in motocycle helmet! his mode of transport? – evidently he had a passion for bangers up until 40! Now His vocation has taken him to being the happy owner of Subaru WRX. Cadiz in Spain whereupon he was contracted to renovate a dry dock It would seem he also enjoys tinkering facility, where the super-tankers with motorcycles, being a self-trained larger than a mile would berth! He mechanic. He used to build and was involved with the installation race motorcycles and still to this day of Part II of the Tyne Tunnel – a participates on track days. historical moment! The future Unusual contracts With such a hectic life, when asked where Mundane does not feature in he would like to be in the next 10 years, Richards’ occupational vocabulary. there is no hesitation – to have an active Diving and Narcosis hands on role in the installation of his Richard usually dives from a man riding One of the most unusual contracts he continued success with his company, facility that can be controlled by the fulfilled was in 1990’s where a science diving and overseeing the installation of a surface crew on-site. project required him to dive off the North revolutionary product, which will ultimately East Coast of Bridlington to study lobsters. save the wind industry massive funds! One of the fears and massive risks to The project was worldwide, scientists divers is Narcosis, or as it is commonly wanted to learn the lifecycle of juvenile Industry innovation known, the “bends”. Richard has lobsters. It was known they began life as Never far away from his first love, diving, fortunately NOT experienced this. Every larvae, and developed to small shrimplike he also has extreme interest in new eventuality can be covered to avoid mini-lobsters, however there was nothing innovations for the diver and is constantly this occurrence, however every diver is known about their first 2 years of their life! and actively involved with new products physically different and there are so many which can enhance and expedite other factors to consider but when this Richard was somewhat bemused at efficiencies with underwater engineering, strikes, fast action is required. having to track lobster trails and locating Flange work, welding equipment, anodes, them! – what Richard doesn’t know about sacrificial anodes which benefit off shore When recompression has not been carried Lobsters or squat lobsters, is not worth wind farms, piers and harbours. out correctly the body reacts and in the knowing! Not sure if he can look one in event of a “Bend” the diver can experience the eye when ordered from the menu Having spoken with Richard there is no pain in any part of the body. though! doubt that his diving is a vocation, not just a career – the ultimate modest attitude On many occasions in his career he has Close family ties with unstinting professionalism. undertaken all aspects of various jobs, Richard draws his inspiration from his carrying out deep sea inspections, ‘leg family, he mentions that his parents, wife cleaning operations’ for rigs, base of wind and children have been his rock, and have Fliss Chaffer turbines, all contracts have demanded always been there to support him, through interviewer extraordinaire de-compression chambers on board rigs/ rough seas, literally. Wind Energy Network tankers even in some cases when they have been working in less than 50 metres. When asked how he would describe himself, there was a thoughtful reflection, and a moment to consider, never an easy question, but in short – caring, conscientious, thoughtful and a loathing for injustices. Most of all, and a pre- requisite for the job, a sense of humour!
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 49 REFF LONDON
Renewable Energy Finance Forum
London 1st day sessions Following an introduction by Henry Hely Hutchinson, Managing Director of Euromoney Energy Events, 1st day sessions included...
This was the 14th Renewable Venue • Renewables and the bigger picture Energy Finance Forum organised The Grange St Pauls Hotel, as the name • The facts about financing renewables by Euromoney Energy Events. would suggest, is almost within touching • Finding ways to unlock capital and at a time of caution within distance of St Paul’s Cathedral and a very • Filling the renewable debt gap investment markets it was appropriate venue for such an important • Long term ownership of assets well received by the many who conference. attended. ‘A Taste of Europe’ Gala Evening General format Reception A varied mix of speakers covered every A highlight of the 2 day conference was subject you could hope to experience the event held on the hotel’s rooftop and far too many subject areas to name, terrace where delegates enjoyed the most however we have highlighted the sessions impressive views over the capital – St and topics within this feature. Paul’s Cathedral on the left, The Shard on right and The Globe Theatre just a little One area worth mentioning was the way lower down! that the various sessions were presented. Headed by individual knowledgeable and Regular REFF delegates from all over the experienced chairpersons most sessions world greeted old friends and made new were run on a panel basis mixed with ones. Business is about trust and there is individual presentations. no better way in building that trust than by shaking hands in the first instance. Discussions rather than presentations would be a more accurate description of In these days of teleconferencing, emails the individual sessions, with lively regular and other forms of communication this Question & Answers throughout. is sometimes forgotten, or at least not regarded as important enough in the This had the advantageous effect of world of business. All these forms of inclusivity in that the panel members communication are important but it is encouraged debate from the floor – certainly worth the effort to endeavour to something to be applauded. meet other business people face to face and events like these are the ideal way of Breaks were many and of reasonable doing so. timescales so that delegates could take advantage of the time to network. Dragon’s Den Day 2 got off to an early start with a ‘Dragon’s Den’ Investment Forum where 4 candidates pitched to finance industry leaders – an interesting and novel way to start the day.
50 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk REFF LONDON
A very positive conclusion was reached and the majority of discussions revolved around the wind energy sector – not only because of the massive investments required but also because it is such a demanding, exciting, fast growing industry which offers global business opportunities.
Future editorial features We spoke to a number of speakers and delegates and will be featuring more in-depth articles in future editions.
Renewable Energy Finance Forum www.euromoneyenergy.com
Day 2 sessions included... • Future strategies for renewables • A new dawn or a setting sun • Is the sun setting on solar markets? • Filling the sails of Europe’s wind markets • Harmonising renewable with the grid • The global future energy mix
Technology Technology is a wonderful thing and if used wisely can give us real information on which to base future decisions. None more so than the CliKAPAD which each delegate was given to make observation on varying subject areas throughout the conference.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 51 Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
Operations & Maintenance Tick Tick
BWindOO farm operation M!and maintenance The construction of offshore wind turbines is often seen as the most exciting area within the industry. These majestic structures are quite a sight to behold and images abound on the covers of many of the industry’s publications.
Maintenance operations however are an important and long term necessity for the successful future of our industry. We highlight a number of companies within this substantial feature who live and breathe the subject area.
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A ‘ticking time-bomb’ The result is a ‘ticking time-bomb’ whereby demand will very quickly outstrip supply and service and maintenance programmes will rapidly fall behind schedule. This will ultimately result in technical failures, decreased availability, increased downtime and loss of profits Service and Maintenance is a part Substantial undertaking to the utilities. The key driver behind the of the global wind industry that is Although the service and maintenance business case for renewable energy is often overlooked. Although it is not contracts will serve as important income to bring the cost per KWh down to a as exciting or as glamorous as the streams to the turbine manufacturers, it more affordable level. Without a dramatic construction phases, it is an essential is almost certain that they will also rely on re-orientation of the supply chain, it is element that serves to underpin third party contractors to keep up with the difficult to envisage how this is likely to be the economics of the supply chain total demand and to allay the risk of not achieved. for the future. Whilst construction fulfilling their contract obligations. phases begin and end, the service Long term commitment and maintenance phase will endure The scale on which service and Although service and maintenance for each and every turbine for the maintenance will need to be delivered, activities are typically more labour intensive full length of its design life and often therefore, presents a number of and less profitable than construction and beyond. As such, the requirement considerable challenges. Firstly, the installation activities they do represent for service and maintenance grows availability of trained and experienced the longevity element within the collective exponentially. This phenomenon manpower and secondly, (for the business plan. is further magnified by the ever offshore part) the number of suitable increasing number of turbines per work vessels capable of long periods Service and maintenance technicians are new wind farm. at sea with minimal support and the also a completely different breed to that capacity to undertake potentially large and of installation technicians and as such, complicated scheduled and unscheduled an appropriate recruitment and training operations. regime is essential.
Proportionate and immediate supply chain reaction requirement The solution, therefore, lies with the current supply chain to react proportionately and to react immediately to this inevitable and substantial market demand. Failure to fulfill the service and maintenance requirement will mean the failure of the market to deliver sustainable energy and the vision of a renewable future will be assigned to the museum of nice but over-expensive solutions.
Stuart Thornton Global Wind Service (a Fred. Olsen Related Company) www.globalwindservice.com
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Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
Project Interface Management (PIMs is not just for the summer)
A proven process available for Objective The process all - but used by few The objective of the Interface Management The interface management process is Interface Management is a proven process process is to facilitate agreements with designed to provide a simple but effective available to a project team and is often other stakeholders. This includes roles & method to formally document and track under-used as a specific tool. Some responsibilities, the timing for providing the exchange of information, between Project Managers believe it is something interface information and the identification project participants and to monitor the they can manage without, but Interface of critical interfaces early in the project performance of all participants in making Management when incorporated into the through a structured process. This available the required information. work processes of the project will often highlights the early identification of issues help highlight underlying critical issues and risks with potential for impact to cost The process involves… much earlier in the project than would and schedule, thereby allowing the project • Identification and recording an otherwise be revealed. This would then time to control, mitigate or eliminate interface impact upon project cost and schedule. project risks. Interface Management also • Creating an interface agreement enhances relationships between the • Agreeing / resolving conflict Communication different organisations, giving an open • Monitoring the status We all know that good communication communication system of issues and • Reporting the status is vital to project success and using co-operation, where problems can be • Closing the interface agreement an Interface Management process resolved more effectively. It also goes formalises and enhances collaboration hand in hand with Risk Management – between organisations, and all parties of management tools for Project Success. a project. This has a positive impact for all concerned and in the final outcome of the project itself.
At NCOE we advocate the practice of Interface Management. It’s benefits far outweigh the informal collection of emails and meeting notes. It provides a concise record of the transfer of key project information that is auditable, can be monitored and enhances communication within the project team.
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Requirements Large engineering and renewable energy projects will involve multiple participants and most likely in different geographical locations. This results in cultural and language differences and the necessity to collaborate and work together over multiple time zones. In situations such as this it is essential for the Project Interface Manager to have the ability to interface and co-ordinate information. This requires establishing a simple process that all participants can understand and follow to co-ordinate activities directly with each other. This ensures an effective exchange of critical information for project success and minimises project risks as well as enabling an easier cross-cultural working relationship.
The requirement to provide specific, Project Interface Manager Advantages detailed requests means that the party In addition to the Project Interface As we have already mentioned, the main making the request must give careful Engineer(s) there will also be a single advantage of implementing an Interface thought to the detail of the information Project Interface Manager nominated. Management process is that it encourages requested and to the timing of the delivery The Project Interface Manager (usually meaningful communication between the of the information. Therefore interface within the client organisation and supplied various project stakeholders, and assisting agreement forms are essential, and by NCOE) has overall responsibility in breaking down barriers between give lots of additional information such for implementation and maintenance organisations. Now that the summer is as the priority of the request, the date it of the whole interface management over, and you have put down that glass was raised, the status of the agreement, process throughout the project life cycle. of Pimms perhaps it is time to be thinking whether it is open or closed and much This person will follow the Interface about the other sort of PIMS – Project more. The requirement for both parties to Management work process, recording Interface Management Systems. sign the Interface Agreement Form also and logging the interface agreements, brings a formality to the process similar monitoring and chasing progress, ensuring Newcastle Chambers of Engineering to the sign off of engineering documents, that schedule requirements are maintained www.ncoe.co.uk requiring some means that a dialogue and highlighting any area of concerns to regarding the information and its delivery the Project Manager. = See enhanced entry online must take place between the parties in e order that agreement can be reached.
Transparency The Interface Management process must be formal, robust, and transparent to all participants and more importantly, must be managed by someone from within each organisation known as the Project Interface Engineer, who is aware of the criticality of the process for project success.
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Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE Improving turbine availability “Turbine manufacturers provide an their lead times? That servicing excellent service while the machines are schedules should be tied to under warranty. But it is older machines availability of parts may seem that tend to break down and with many obvious, but it is often overlooked. established wind farms having more than one type of turbine the need for Problems are also caused by not spares increases. It’s easy to lose £1,000 being able to find parts that are per day per megawatt for a turbine in stock (probably because they that’s stopped, so operators have have already been used but not tended to over-stock on supplies. But accounted for), and by tying up this requires good stock control and a working capital in parts that are not good storage environment” states Ewan required. Anderson, Managing Director of Recycled Renewables. Provision for parts availability Holding spares – an expensive Hassle-free provision of the correct liability parts to the correct place when Turbine availability will always be positively required is a specialist role that calls impacted by holding more spare parts for an expert partner. With the ability to onsite, but when reality bites, and in the hold extensive inventory, and the industry face of competing priorities, how practical knowledge to source alternative parts is it to tie up large amounts of cash in when lead times are critical, Recycled extensive onsite inventory? Renewables is becoming the partner of choice for owners and operating When planning work on site, organising companies across Scotland, Ireland and manpower and machinery, how much England. consideration is given to parts and They offer a one-stop parts management shop that can purchase, hold and manage parts on behalf of customers, proactive approach; leaving it to a busy or conveniently technician is a false economy. The good supply parts from news is that, in the face of competing their own stock priorities, it is now possible to improve part with dedicated and turbine availability without the need to delivery direct to dedicate large amounts of working capital. site. As their name suggests, they can The company can be a specialist partner also buff up clients’ with access to a large back up inventory green credentials and the ability to get it to you when by recycling or required. refurbishing parts. Recycled Renewables Dedicated www.recycledrenewables.co.uk approach Parts management needs an expert, dedicated,
56 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE Failure Prevention that’s a breeze a key link in the wind energy drive chain
Emerging in many areas of hydraulics Efficient (including gearbox applications), operation both suppliers & customers are The life-blood for many required to assure component and/ of these systems or fluid cleanliness before making is the hydrocarbon procurement decisions. In parallel based control fluids to this, commercial expectations are which facilitate efficient placing greater pressure on OEM’s to operation. Turbines that provide extended warranties on their do not rotate is “dead in products. MP Filtri’s ACMU can help the water”, a statement deliver this. that is especially true for the monumentally large Wind energy’s important role generators intended for Renewable energy has been at the off–shore installation. forefront of industry endeavour for some time now, taking the media spotlight At the heart of the for a multitude of reasons. The UK’s nacelle (A cover/ geographic location is conducive to housing set atop the the conditions necessary for efficient & tower, behind the predictable electricity production. Coupled blades) is the gearbox. with commitment and financial backing Transferring high torque from the blades, measurement, by the government - wind energy will play to electricity producing speed at the confidence & accuracy. an important role in our future energy generator is what it does. Measuring With our range of filtration production, with its deployment pivoting and maintaining this performance products and a solid customer service around key innovation and decision is paramount, and that is where charter behind us, we are faced with a making in the supply chain. Gloucestershire based company, MP Filtri fantastic opportunity to grow with our have stepped up to the challenge. customers.”
Industry collaboration Emerging in many areas of hydraulics Working in collaboration with gearbox (including gearbox applications), both manufacturers and drawing from a history suppliers & customers are required to of expertise in contamination control, assure component and/or fluid cleanliness the company has developed a range of before making procurement decisions. In instrumentation and filtration products, parallel to this, commercial expectations culminating in the release of a product are placing greater pressure on OEM’s specifically designed for the turbulent/ to provide extended warranties on their aerated conditions typical of gearboxes products. Service tools like MP Filtri’s and other industrial systems. ACMU help deliver this.
Auxiliary Contamination Collaborative innovation Monitoring Unit (ACMU) Collaborative innovation is key if investment The ACMU marries the company’s and project success are to be guaranteed. established optical technology with a In this example The company highlight range of communication protocols for how the success of enormous, media easy integration with user control systems. spotlighted projects are as much about expertise and service further down the MP Filtri’s Project Engineer commented, supply chain as they are through the efforts “Measuring contamination in this of the OEM’s & facilities like NAREC. environment is desperately important for the gearbox manufacturers and presented Both ends of the scale are inextricably NAREC a unique challenge for us. Turbulent, linked. With success stories like this we can The UK has invested significantly in recent viscous flow promotes the ingress of surely look forward to prosperous, years, paving the way for what is now a air into a fluid. The nature of optical sustainable energy for generations to come. leading renewable energy centre (NAREC) contamination instruments can make them located in the North East of England. sensitive to entrained air and in turn can MP Filtri (UK) Ltd This enormous purpose built “laboratory” affect the reliability of solid contamination www.mpfiltri.co.uk enables both the reduction of greenhouse results. We worked closely with existing gas emissions in energy production and a and potential clients to eliminate the foundation for improvements in reliability problem by suppressing air within a self and safety. contained circuit, thereby improving
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Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
known ones within Servicing this range are RainX, Clearshield Offshore Wind and Kleentec.
Farms The With the rapid increase in the number technology of offshore turbines and the increasing When the Polymer age of some of them, servicing and solution is applied maintenance is becoming a big to the glass it industry and the most practical way of chemically bonds accessing them is by boat. to the surface, sealing all the pits Visibility and valleys and A big safety concern is visibility out of give the surface the wheelhouse/bridge windows in poor similar properties weather. Wipers are inefficient at the best to that of a ‘non- of times and only cover part of the glazing. stick’ frying pan. products have come on the market over Another simple analogy is to think of glass Polymer Coating Technology the years, and are usually named using as being like rough sandpaper. Rub dirt The practical answer to the problem lies in a combination of words like rain, shield, into a piece of sandpaper, and it is very Polymer Coating Technology. glass, clear, invisible, maid, mate etc. In difficult to wash off. However, pour varnish terms of performance they range from onto a piece of sandpaper, let it dry, and The first Polymer coating was developed cheap domestic ‘throwaway’ products all then rub dirt onto the surface, and it will by Howard Ohlhausen, from Illinois in the way to expensive industrial contractor wash off very easily. This is exactly what the late 1960’s. A wide range of similar only applied systems. Some of the best polymer coatings do to glass.
the repair the Moventas CMaS condition management system was also fitted to the The first up-tower gearbox and drivetrain. The CMaS was fitted to provide instant information that European gearbox would show the effectiveness of the repair and to provide long term predictive and full helical stage repair and replacement preventative maintenance capabilities.
In November 2011 , Moventas This was the first example of such a Careful pre-planning completed a full-helical stage repair repair in Europe, however the process As with many turbines, there can be a to a 1.5MW turbine gearbox. Nothing had been pioneered and perfected in the number of different versions of the same unusual about this, other than the fact USA, where the comany service teams gearbox platform used. This proved to be that this repair took place up-tower at have been carrying out repairs since the case in this turbine where the original a wind farm near Berlin. March 2011. The service team from the gear version was a Moventas PLH-1100 USA assisted and previous repairs had been made to their German later revisions, however with careful pre- colleagues in the planning and an experienced team the operation, with repair went ahead and was completed key personnel in one week on site as planned. This is providing longer than a repair of this type would direction and normally take, however as this was the knowledge first repair of its kind for their European transfer. team added to the fact the gear was a different version, extra time was CMaS provisioned and taken. condition management Repair detail system As it was not required to remove the The repair entire gearbox from the nacelle a much required was for smaller crane was used to lower individual replacement of components to the ground and the the high speed, mobile workstation. Here the components intermediate were able to be cleaned and inspected speed and slow for damage and wear. All damaged speed sections components were replaced with new ones. along with the The new components were returned to the Sun pinion is disassembled from hollow shaft sun pinion. nacelle where they were refitted and aligned. At the time of
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Benefits in a marine Options environment • ‘Domestic’ type products – not really What are the benefits to an option as they are not designed to the marine industry of this work in a marine environment technology? Improved • Shoreside contractor applied safety and often reduced systems – whilst performing costs! well, they tend to be expensive and inconvenient to accommodate From a safety aspect, in on a busy operational vessel rain or heavy spray window wipers are completely Third option redundant. The Captain has There is now a third option which has 100% visibility through all the been designed specifically for the windows all the time, and marine industry. It combines the ease of not just the parts that are application of the ‘domestic’ products covered by wipers. A spin off with the performance benefits of the benefit of this is reduced eye ‘contractor’ systems. It comes in a kit form strain and fatigue. that can be shipped anywhere in the world for the crew to use. It is currently in use Maintaining wipers and on over 700 vessels worldwide, including motors is an expensive a rapidly growing number of offshore business. If they are not vessels in the wind, gas and oil industries being used they don’t wear which Kleetec can supply. out and don’t need to be replaced, hence the cost Kleentec savings. www.kleentecmarine.com
Customer involvement and the turbine generating again providing significant cost savings energy and revenue. Significant savings Overall it is estimated that a repair of this The customer’s personnel were also on- were also achieved as the gearbox was type compared to the alternative provides site throughout the operation and reported not removed from the nacelle, therefore a savings of tens of thousands of euros. high satisfaction with the completed no replacement gearbox was required, This is a significant benefit to the customer repair. Firstly the repair was completed on crane costs were minimised along with and ultimately a reduction in the cost of schedule reducing down-time and getting transportation costs. energy production.
Prevention better than cure It may seem counter-intuitive for a Intermediate pinion is wind turbine gearbox repair/service lifted out of the truck for company to take pro-active measures up-tower to avoid gearboxes being removed from the nacelle and returned for factory/workshop service. For some this is like turkeys voting for Christmas, however the Moventas service philosophy is “Prevention is better than cure” By use of a sophisticated condition management system like CMaS and pioneering up- tower repair capabilities it is our goal and should be the goal of everyone to keep turbines running with the minimum of interruption.
Since the repair in Germany, the turbine has been in service without problem. The CMaS continues to provide valuable data on the drivetrain condition and validation of the repair effectiveness.
Moventas www.moventas.com
e = See enhanced entry online
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Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
Global expertise Enerpac S-series steel hydraulic torque within the Wind Energy wrench used to connect wind tower Industry segments The increasing global Enerpac has developed a demand in the offshore range of tools and solutions wind industry calls for an which are applied in many innovative drive, which large-scale projects already. needs to grow along with it has the extensive knowledge the global developments. required to provide suitable The company has solutions for the demanding increasingly become needs of both onshore and involved in providing high- offshore wind farms. pressure hydraulic tools and solutions for both relatively simple and complex wind Precision engineering and They provide customers with high- energy projects. proven design pressure hydraulic tools and solutions for The company manufactures high- every challenge they encounter... Participating in innovative projects, they quality tools and solutions that have a set market-leading standards and create proven track record and are distributed • Levelling the transition piece 100% the perfect combination using standard worldwide, with more than 50 years accurately on the monopole of a wind tools, complete solutions and developing of reliability in various markets. Their turbine ensuring it stands vertical and tailor-made solutions. products are designed and proven to functions with maximum output be reliable and are used in maintenance, • Bolting the pieces of wind turbines They also have worldwide coverage and repair and operations within; mining, oil together unique experience in delivering these and gas, power generation and wind • Controlling the positioning of a hydraulic tools and solutions, and in power, shipbuilding, manufacturing and complete offshore platform applying high-pressure in operations, such many other industries. as cutting, bending and bolting, as well Participating in innovative as the controlled lifting and positioning of Safety, productivity and environmental projects heavy objects or large structures. care are crucial and the way in which the tools and solutions are designed and deployed to warrant public and worker safety. The Enerpac hydraulic tools and equipment are strong and robust and stand up to harsh industrial conditions and under extreme circumstances.
Global presence combined with local availability and collaboration Enerpac has a very close relationship with their distributor Worlifts, based on years of working together. Their tools and solutions are serviced with the latest technical and innovative updates to continue meeting the highest quality demands. Worlifts is an experienced, well resourced and highly reputed Enerpac distributor and Authorised Service Centre.
Offshore and onshore Relationship solutions manual and advantages automatic PLC-controlled The co-work between levelling systems Enerpac and Worlifts is a
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great opportunity for the Wind Energy parties creates a unique combination units. Dedicated vehicles carry on board industry, because of their ability to provide with endless possibilities, providing a complete range of Enerpac bolting tools a complete hydraulic solution from the hydraulic solutions into the Wind Energy for demonstration. supply of high-pressure hydraulic tools to industry. We have been working together maintenance and installation of hydraulic for years, co-working on projects, small Their on-site bolting service is carried systems. and large, has had a great impact on out by fully trained engineers aboard fully both our overall business performance. equipped vehicles which are stocked with James Mitchell, Enerpac Commercial We have been involved in several large a comprehensive range of spare parts Manager United Kingdom, adds: “Using high-profile Wind Energy projects in allowing on-site repairs to be carried out, the expertise and experience of both the North and Irish Seas over the past saving the customer valuable tool down couple of years, in time incurred by tools being removed from which we successfully site. provided secure and Unique foundation safe high-pressure ‘Worlifts, having worked in partnership concept – Enerpac’s hydraulic solutions.” with Enerpac for many years, are now Synchronous Lifting looking forward to expanding their on- System. Bolting solutions site services with the addition of this new on site dedicated ‘mobile bolting service’. Worlifts now offer on site calibration, testing, Enerpac hire and training for www.enerpac.com a full range of bolting tools which include Worlifts hydraulic torque www.worlifts.co.uk wrenches, hydraulic tensioners, hydraulic = See enhanced entry online cylinders and pump e
Failure problems A major utility company was FPI having failure problems with the yaw brake cylinder on NorthWest their onshore based wind a case study turbine systems. The company anticipated a change-over FPI NorthWest Limited is an period of 5 years on each of the experienced fluid power (hydraulic cylinders. However, this turned and pneumatic) engineering company out to be every 12/18 months based in the heart of the North West and would prove to be a costly of England. exercise.
Poor system design It is now more than 18 months since the FPI NorthWest Limited identified first cylinder was overhauled and to date, the problems as poor system all are still in good working order. design and increased exposure to dust contamination from the Ensuring future reliable yaw brake shoe linings. This operation resulted in sealing failure (causing Further recommendations have been pressure loss) and damage to the made with regards to fitting a bi – piston rod. directional filter on the hydraulic oil line connected to the single-acting cylinder, Solution as the now contaminated volume of oil The company implemented a from the cylinder was not completing a full change in sealing materials from return to tank (because of the poor design) standard nitrile to self lubricating, and therefore not re-circulating through harder wearing polyurethane the tank filter. The contaminated fluid was seals and fitted bellows to more or less being retained unfiltered in protect the piston rod from contamination, the hydraulic line. therefore helping to minimise ingress of shoe dust contamination past the rod FPI NorthWest Limited wiper seal into the cylinder body which www.fpi-northwest.co.uk caused the main seals to rapidly wear and the hydraulic fluid to quickly degenerate. e = See enhanced entry online
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Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
advanced pulse induction and digital Understanding Subsea Cable signal processing technology to accurately Challenges determine ranges of buried cables. Subsea cabling procurement and pipelines, and assist in the identification of Detailed data installation is estimated to account sensitive benthic habitats. Resultant data is supplied to the support for around 16% of total capital vessel via the ROV’s umbilical where all expenditure for offshore wind Detailed information navigation and depth of burial data is projects, representing a significant A clear understanding of the conditions logged by the survey computer. These investment. For developers, cabling the cable is likely to be subjected to allows results are logged and displayed in real brings a multitude of challenges and the final route and burial depth to be time, with an option to be overlaid on the risks, and cabling issues are thought selected with greater confidence that the ROV video footage. to account for around 80% of all integrity of the cable will remain intact. The offshore wind insurance claims. detailed information received by the client reduces uncertainty, and helps in ‘de- Seabed intervention of both manmade risking’ the challenging installation phase. and natural origin creates a hostile, dynamic environment, and protection Post installation methods such as burial, mattressing, and Following cable installation, surveys armouring are employed to help ensure are conducted to assess horizontal the integrity of the cable and ultimately, positioning, areas of exposure or energy stability (For further reference, movement and depth of burial. While see page 78 of the previous issue of this undoubtedly interested in overall cable publication, where Wood Group Kenny integrity, developers are particularly discuss cable protection systems in detail). concerned with the depth of burial achieved.
Forming part of their consenting conditions developers must often conform to a blanket This is the outcome of a wider on-going depth of burial; commonly R&D project involving a similar ROV around 2m. Unless a detailed, concept. Osiris Projects are currently independent survey is conducted finalising the development of their own the only information available compact, state of the art Crawler ROV to developers is that which is specifically for depth of burial analysis provided by their trenching and surveys. burial contractor. This can be a laborious process, and survey The system will provide a unique contractors are continually opportunity to undertake large-scale pipe/ exploring ways to increase cable depth of burial analysis extremely efficiency in this area. cost effectively, when mobilised to their DP1 catamaran, ‘Bibby Tethra’. This has led Osiris Projects to investigate remotely operated New challenges Pre-construction surveys ‘seabed crawlers’ for such inspection and As offshore wind moves further offshore, Pre-construction cable route surveys monitoring work. it is no secret subsea cabling contractors comprising both acoustic and intrusive across the supply chain will face new methods are performed to determine Surgeon Tracked Inspection ROV challenges. Notably, distance to shore the safest and most economically viable In 2012 they procured a Surgeon Tracked clearly becomes an issue, and current route, and can provide a baseline for Inspection ROV from Global Marine installation methods such as burial post-construction inspection activity. Systems specifically for cable inspection ploughs, sleds and tracked burial ROVs This information also informs decisions and depth of burial operations. With a are confronted with an increasingly regarding protection measures required to weight in air of 3 tonnes, the system dynamic and inhospitable seabed meet the conditions of the route. can reach sea water depths of 100m environment. Knowledge and experience and benefits from a full surveillance can continue to be drawn from the oil and At Osiris Projects, a large element of suite featuring 3 cameras, an obstacle gas industry, with subsea contractors their work within offshore wind involves avoidance sonar and a survey quality already driving this discussion. inter-array and consented export cable depth sensor as well as a various depth of route corridor surveys. Following desktop burial profilers. This will inevitably be a demanding studies of existing available data, they learning curve, but the UK is well- undertake reconnaissance and detailed The overriding benefit of the track-driven positioned to lead and take ownership of surveys comprising geophysical, acoustic, system is the ability to function within this process. geotechnical and ground-truthing methods a wider environmental window in the to assess site characteristics, potential challenging UK coastal environment, when Osiris Projects hazards such as unexploded ordnance or compared with free-flying ROVs. The track- www.osirisprojects.co.uk wrecks, the location of existing cables and driven ROV is mobilised with a Teledyne TSS 350 for cable tracking, which utilises
62 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
Beyond condition monitoring Structural Health Management The wind power sector has grown exponentially in recent years, bringing a sharp increase in the number and size of wind turbines (WT) and farms. Additionally, subsidiary cuts are being applied, whilst Operation & Maintenance (O&M) costs are continuously increasing, in part due to the number of WT coming out of their warranty or service contract.
Sales prices are under pressure while purchasing prices and service costs are soaring, the time is right to accelerate the introduction of innovative technologies for efficient monitoring, diagnosis and prognosis of critical components to reduce on- going operations costs.
The condition monitoring need The solutions for evaluation of the structural condition of WT components (e.g., blades, nacelle, towers, foundation, etc.) are scarce, conversely to the condition monitoring of rotary elements. Critical Materials believe they have developed a solution, based upon finite element modelling of structural components, using real-world sensor and environmental data.
The company will discuss some of the technical decisions and operation of its product ‘PRODDIA W’ and how it believes the current approach to condition monitoring and structural health monitoring can use lessons learned from the aerospace industry to bring operations costs down in future editions.
Critical Software Technologies Ltd www.critical-software.co.uk
e = See enhanced entry online
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Sponsors of the operations and MAINTENANCE FEATURE
A Review of Downtime is expensive Downtime on large offshore turbines is Condition expensive, and can result in lost income of around £18,000/turbine/day. An extensive Monitoring and study of 1500 wind turbines by ISET the Progression to found varying reliability across mechanical and electrical system with, in general, Prognostic Health more faults in electrical systems than Management mechanical. Today, maintenance is still reactive with no true real-time prediction of The Wind Turbine Market remaining operational life of sub-systems The success of the wind turbine industry within the turbine. depends on three vital components: So how can future holistic prognostic 1 Current and future profitability health monitoring (PHM) systems, utilising 2 Income from electricity sales and commercial electronics, be utilised to subsidy ensure reliability of wind turbines? 3 Operational expenditure Utilising algorithms within centralised Future Prognostic Health systems or front end within Current and future profitability is controlled Monitoring of Wind Turbines microcontrollers or FPGAs, PHM systems by the cost of capital, which is largely out The consumer electronics market offers a can provide quick, reliable results that of the control of the turbine owner. Rates broad scope of varying technologies within can be tailored to the requirements of the of income are fixed by markets, which a common platform for ease of integration. specific end user. again the owner has little or no control over. A reliable and affordable sensor toolset Working with Industry – exists for many asset monitoring reducing costs The operational costs however, can be applications, especially those which Repairing the cables is very costly, with managed through the selection of an require a more holistic monitoring maintenance vessels and the associated appropriate maintenance regime; thus approach. PHM systems offer the support cost in the region of £30,000 per allowing some control over outgoings. advantages of monitoring multiple day. If companies can anticipate cable Therefore, the control a wind farm owner parts of a complex application using a failures before they happen, they can has over their asset’s profitability is directly sole monitoring system. The flowchart undertake planned work, which is much linked to the selection and execution of summarises how PHM using a fusion more cost effective. an appropriate repair and maintenance based approach can improve the analysis regime. of sub and complete systems. The recently announced intelligent monitoring system to safeguard underwater cable networks is an example of a PHM being applied to the renewable energy sector. Funded by Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution, which is part of SSE, the system could reduce the energy company’s costs and help keep customer bills down.
60% of subsea cable failure is due to wear and tear, a problem understood by Dr. David Flynn, energy team leader at Heriot-Watt University. Their system will provide constant, real-time updates on the condition of subsea cables, allowing for planned maintenance, rather than just waiting until a part of the system fails. This could be the difference between affordable maintenance and expensive responses to unexpected failure, and will help minimise supply interruptions.
Furthermore, the intelligent systems will use off-the-shelf components, including the sort of movement sensing technology used in automotive airbags. The sensors will be mounted around the cables using a collar, which will be fitted at intervals over the entire sub-sea circuit length. This cleary demontrates the ability to provide cost effective and stable monitoring via consumer electronic technology,
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when designed with intelligence to the application.
The future of Condition Monitoring The current state-of-the-art condition monitoring system caters to the needs of many industries and provides an appropriate level of failure detection. The progression to an almost fully automated prognostic system seems to be the next natural step on the development of the technology, which in turn will reap many more benefits, i.e. reduction in downtime and an increase in profitability.
The growing strain on current economic climate means that more productivity must be harnessed from an already ailing infrastructure and prognostic systems could be the way to reinforce current asset safety and reliability. With the ever increasing shift to renewable sources for electricity generation, i.e. wind turbines, it seems the need for PHM systems will continue to grow.
Heriot-Watt University www.hw.ac.uk
e = See enhanced entry online
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 65 oil analysis
Monitoring the Lifeblood of your Wind Turbines
As maximising operational In order for wind farm operators and Dedicated sample points productivity and cost-efficiency equipment engineers to improve Oil samples should always be taken in become ever more critical productivity and potentially increase the same manner and from the same to the sustained growth and profitability through oil and equipment sampling point. Dedicated sample competitiveness of wind-generated monitoring there are a number of elements points situated prior to the filter are best energy, turbine operators are to be considered. though other sample points may also be increasingly looking at new ways to acceptable including using a ‘thief’ pump realise efficiencies. Start off with the basics to take a sample from a sump or reservoir There is a certain protocol that should using a new tubing of similarly measured This has driven more operators to be followed to help ensure the accuracy length”. Consistency is paramount. recognise the benefits of switching to of oil analysis results. First, maintenance using higher performance oils and greases professionals should always use a clean, within their turbines. Combining this with a dry container to draw oil samples. Any Oil samples should always be taken before regular and robust oil analysis programme contamination that is in the container equipment is drained. If the oil has been can increase opportunities to extend oil before the oil sample is collected could drained, samples taken, and then deemed drain intervals, protect against component result in an inaccurate result. Most oil acceptable for continued use, there is no wear and prevent downtime even further. analysis companies will provide suitable way the hydraulic oil or lubricant should be and new bottles for the samples to be reused for applications such as hydraulics Oil analysis collected. and gearboxes. Also, do not take an oil Oil analysis is one of the most valuable sample immediately after an oil change or maintenance programmes that turbine Ideally samples should be drawn when after a large amount of make-up oil has operators can implement. As health equipment is at its normal operating been recently added. professionals often utilise blood samples temperature, provided it is safe, and the oil to help determine our body condition, gear system is being circulated. If however this Sampling frequencies oil or hydraulic oil analysis supported by is not feasible, the oil sample needs to be Sampling frequencies are usually set by expert interpretation and advice, can also taken as soon as possible after the turbine the Original Equipment Manufacturer be utilised to help determine the condition is shut down (within 30 minutes). (OEM) which are typically six monthly of the components the oil is in contact. for wind turbine gearbox oils and Maintenance records annually for hydraulic oils. The more Concurrently, the analysis and To identify the most appropriate sample frequent oil samples are taken then the interpretation can maximise the application point, it is imperative to consult with more likelihood there is of detecting of high quality lubricants and identify your oil analysis provider and machine any equipment or fluid issues but the early warning signs of contamination to manufacturer for application-specific practicalities of sampling clearly need to help take greater control over managing advice. Once the location has been be considered. downtime and extending equipment life. identified, it should be noted in the maintenance records so samples can always be taken from the same place. This will ensure that results from the analysis of sequential used oil samples can be compared and trended to provide accurate insight into equipment and lubricant condition.
66 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk oil analysis
Online Efficiency Just because you participate in an oil analysis programme does not mean that you are going to be inundated with paper reports. The digital age is helping maintenance professionals clean up the clutter in their offices while also Long-term Success Consideration should be given to taking successfully managing their oil analysis By following the recommendations hydraulic oil samples at the same time programme. detailed above, wind turbine operators as taking gearbox oil samples since can benefit from optimised equipment the additional analysis costs is relatively Most oil analysis companies have performance, streamlined production and small to the additional cost of taking the some level of online functionality so it’s minimised maintenance. Selecting an oil hydraulic oil sample and the relatively important to evaluate oil analysis partners analysis provider that has application- high cost should an issue be missed for based on how these offerings can help specific expertise, intimate relationships up to a further six months before the expedite the administrative components with OEMs and a comprehensive online system is analysed again. More frequent of an oil analysis programme. Tasks oil analysis offering will help maintenance sampling is also highly recommended such as managing/updating equipment professionals achieve their company’s if there are abnormal levels of wear or registration, printing completed labels production goals as well as their own. contaminant elements, if vibration readings for sample bottles, ordering additional are increasing or if there is an unexpected sampling kits and confirming delivery of Robert Pears increase in operating temperatures. samples can be greatly simplified through ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties online tools from leading oil analysis www.mobilindustrial.com Seek out partners with providers. application expertise & OEM relationships Online programmes can also arm Selecting an oil analysis partner that has maintenance professionals with the proper application-specific expertise and strong tools to make more informed decisions relationships with original equipment about oil and equipment suitability. For manufacturers (OEM) is extremely example, ExxonMobil, a global leader in valuable. OEMs establish proprietary the field of oil analysis, offers its proprietary control limits based on the equipment Signum oil analysis programme. model, lubricants used, applications and Maintenance professions can access the operating environments. Signum web site, and/or be sent, expert When compared against the oil analysis oil analysis assessments that identifies results, these predetermined safeguards potential issues, list possible causes and can help maintenance professionals recommends corrective actions. These make the best informed decision about files are formatted so they can be easily the condition of the lubricant and the shared with colleagues. ExxonMobil’s equipment. Signum website is also equipped with a knowledge library so maintenance professionals have the resources to gain more information about specific equipment issues.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 67 TIDAL TRANSIT
Tidal Transit goes from strength to strength
State-of-the–art vessels The Ginny Louise and its sister vessel Ginny Louise contract extended! Eden Rose, are state-of-the-art, high SSE and RWE npower renewables specification and purpose-designed partnership, the developers of the for use by companies involved in the 140-turbine Greater Gabbard Offshore planning, development and construction of Wind Farm off the Suffolk coast, has offshore wind farms in the Greater Wash extended the contract for the company’s and Southern North Sea. crew transfer vessel Ginny Louise. They are built to cope with the tough working condition and rough seas encountered by the burgeoning North Sea energy industry.
68 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk TIDAL TRANSIT
New skippers Three new skippers have recently joined Tidal Transit’s seagoing team.
• Ben Greer 33 is from Norfolk and has had a career in the Royal Air goes from Force. On leaving the forces, and sure of the direction he wanted his career to take, he invested in his future to become a fully qualified skipper
• At 23, Harry Getliffe, although young, strength to is very experienced at sea. Originally from Leicestershire, Harry started with Tidal Transit as a trainee, having already amassed 15,000 miles of sea experience delivering yachts. Harry and his crew will feature on a strength forthcoming video of Tidal Transit’s boat, Eden Rose
• The third recruit is Colin Lowe 38 from Ben Greer Blackpool, who has enjoyed a long career in Search and Rescue. Colin has served with the RNLI since 1993, both manning the boats and as a trainer Colin Lowe Leo Hambro from Tidal Transit comments, “We are fortunate to have recruited three such able and experienced skippers to work with us in expanding the business. We are happy to employ ex-military personnel and to train people that we believe will succeed in the industry.
“It is unfortunately, not always possible to recruit local people for each position “This is the second extension for the that we create, but where possible, that Ginny Louise contract,” says Leo is our aim. The two people who are Hambro, Tidal Transit’s Commercial office based, working in administration, Director. “The first took us to the end accounting and HSE, both come from of September, and this most recent the area; one is from Docking where our one will see Ginny Louise in use by the business is based, and the other from development partnership for a further Hunstanton just up the coast.” 6 months at least. This is excellent Harry Getliffe news for us as the fact that GGOWL are Leo summed up by saying: “Our contract chartering her over the winter months to supply a crew transfer vessel to the is a testament to her reliability and developers of the Sheringham Shoal usefulness in all weathers.” Offshore Wind Farm has just been extended until the end of November Tidal Transit, as part of and we are delighted that Tidal Transit is Norfolk’s supply chain, profits able, with the recent recruitment of staff, from offshore wind to play an increasing role in the offshore Tidal Transit Limited has recently created renewable energy supply chain in Norfolk five more seagoing and office-based jobs, and the rest of the UK.” which is an indication of the company’s important role in the expansion of Norfolk’s offshore wind industry. Tidal Transit Limited www.tidal-transit.com Using state-of-the-art vessels, Tidal Transit has contracts with a growing number of = See enhanced entry online offshore wind farm developments in the e North Sea to transfer crew from shore to site. = See video library online
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Innovation from a proven formula for corrosion protection
Technology development does not stand still and so it is These cosmetic top coats are however only applied at a film with a well proven formulation for corrosion protection of thickness of 50 to 100 microns and do not have the proven twenty steel structures in aggressive marine environments. five years maintenance free track record therefore subsequent cosmetic over coating may become necessary in the future. Solvent free polyurethane A UK formulated and developed solvent free polyurethane has Solutions been protecting steel structures in aggressive environments There are two possible answers to this problem both based on including off shore North Sea, marine, bridges and structures and aliphatic polyurethane chemistry. water retaining structures for over twenty five years. Advanced solvent free polyurethane/urea There is recorded track record and independent survey reports formulation confirming the effectiveness of this high build, flexible, impact The first is an advanced solvent free polyurethane/urea formulation and abrasion resistant elastomeric coating which when correctly as a cosmetic top coat with outstanding colour stability and gloss specified and applied has proved to keep corrosion at bay for retention which can be applied at up to 200 microns film build in a over twenty five years and many of the structures surveyed have single coat application over the previously applied high build solvent been forecast to have a further twenty years or more corrosion free polyurethane and will have the same longevity as the parent free life. solvent free elastomeric coating.
Unlike paint systems which over time will absorb water and oxygen Proven track record this formulation at a film thickness of 1mm provides a complete This formulation has proven track record as a deck and top side water proof membrane with the lowest recorded moisture vapour coating on marine vessels over single pack moisture curing urethane and oxygen transmission. primer where impact and abrasion resistance and colour stability have been outstanding. Surface colour stability The only negative is colour stability, as being based on aromatic It could also be applied to all sound existing paint systems solvent free polyurethane resins, any light shade will quickly change and aged solvent free polyurethane to provide a colour-stable when exposed to sunlight. This is purely a surface effect and the cosmetic top coat. Also improved durability of the existing coating coating is not adversely affected by UV exposure. as adhesion levels with the single pack moisture cured primer are of the highest order and film thickness of over 200 microns To achieve colour stability in white and light shades it is necessary could be achieved in two coating applications therefore providing to overcoat the solvent free polyurethane with a colour stable a relatively high film build encapsulation compound to the aged cosmetic top coat which could be solvent or water based aliphatic sound paint system. polyurethane.
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High build version The second development is based on the original high build solvent-free polyurethane formulation but re formulated on aliphatic polyurethane resins thereby producing a high build version of the original formulation with excellent colour stability and gloss retention.
This formulation provides all the well known performance of the original aromatic version in terms of adhesion, corrosion protection, impact and abrasion resistance with the same application procedures.
Summary The time has come when offshore and marine structures can Spencer Coatings be fully protected and remain colour stable without the need www.spencercoatings.co.uk for cosmetic top coating and on-going recoating to provide the required cosmetic finish in addition to long life maintenance free = See enhanced entry online corrosion protection. e
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Most such structures are in relatively deep water, are either multi- leg and braced jackets or sub sea completions. This RP does Foundation not cover impressed current systems, it does not address the particular design issues of monopiles, it does not address the particular issues of inshore shallow water with high tidal ranges Corrosion and high current flows. It DOES give default design parameters which do NOT apply to these particular conditions.
Control Most of the Round 1 & 2 monopile foundations have been designed with galvanic anode cathodic protection (CP) systems – concerns for developers to RP B401, often by structural engineers of considerable and operators competence in their own field, but no expertise in corrosion, applying the default parameters from the RP. Some Round Brian Wyatt, a Past President of the Institute of Corrosion 2 foundations have been designed with impressed current and experienced designer of offshore cathodic protection systems, again by engineers with little experience in designing systems, is critical of past and present corrosion control impressed current systems for offshore (oil and gas) structures systems for offshore wind farm foundations. and sometimes making incredible claims regarding reliability and current distribution. Current situation Offshore wind farms in Rounds 1 and 2 have predominantly Key issues utilised monopile (MP) foundations for turbines and multi-legged The key issues for wind farm monopile CP designs are... jackets for the offshore sub-stations. Most have been provided with galvanic (sacrificial) anodes for cathodic protection of external • The significantly higher current demand in the tidal range and immersed surfaces. due to high tidal flows, particularly if there are suspended solids in the water Aluminium alloy anodes cast onto steel tubular cores are welded to the lowest elevation of transition pieces (TPs) or distributed on • The attenuation/distribution of current from anodes fitted only jacket legs and braces; if the design is adequate these anodes to TPs will corrode in preference to the steel and low voltage dc current will flow from the anodes, through the sea water, to discharge The result is that CP systems designed to RP B401 default on the steel. IF the magnitude of current received at the steel parameters with anodes mounted on the TP are unlikely to provide surface is sufficient it will overcome the natural corrosion current, adequate protection to foundations in more than 15-20m water the potential between the steel and the water will shift negative to depth unless the MP is coated with a high performance protective meet an established criterion and corrosion will be prevented. coating. Claims that impressed current systems will provide better protection and distribute more current to greater depth from TP mounted anodes are untrue.
Performance assessments Some such systems are being ‘performance assessed’, sometimes by their designers, by measuring the potential of the anodes on the TP. This is little less than fraudulent and does not assess the performance of the CP system; steel/ sea potentials need to be measured over the MP and in particular at the bed.
These surveys need to be undertaken with the measuring reference electrode immediately proximate to the steel MP surface, not dragged away by tidal flow, and with equipment properly calibrated on site and the data for the calibrations recorded and declared. If these surveys are undertaken at slack tide, as they often are with divers or ROVs, the measured performance will be misleadingly better than average as the CP current demand increases in direct proportion to the water flow rate past the steel surface. Recommended Practice DNV, the Classification Society for many developments, has for The internals of MPs and the TPs, typically below an “air tight” many years presented design guidance (Recommended Practice) deck, have often been designed to have corrosion protection for cathodic protection of offshore oil and gas facilities, the current solely by anticipated depletion of oxygen by initial corrosion. This version of which is DNV RP B401: 2010. This is a proven and ignores the likely ingress of oxygen if (as is common) the cable well established design code intended, and defined as applicable J-tube seals do not fully prevent tidal driven sea water ingress and to, ‘permanently installed offshore structures associated with the egress. It also ignores the risks of microbially influenced corrosion production of oil and gas.’ (MIC) which is a known threat in anaerobic conditions and established as reality in the offshore oil and gas experience.
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Inadequate corrosion protection Wind farm Developers and Operators have been ill served by these inadequate attempts at corrosion protection, both inside and outside monopile foundations. DNV have, of course, effectively approved most of them as part of their classification process. Contractors offering these inadequate solutions have sheltered behind their apparent compliance with DNV RP B401 even though it was never intended to be used for this purpose.
Addressing the issue DNV have recently addressed this issue, at least partially, in the issue in September 2011 of their latest revision of their Offshore Standard ‘Design of Wind Turbine Structures’ DNV OS J101 September 2011. This document, whilst bizarrely inferring a need for compliance with RP B401 in the design of CP systems, increases the design current densities by 50% from those in RP B401 in shallow waters (because they are inadequate), but does not define “shallow” and it DOES address current distribution on MPs (which RP B401 does not). It does also require (a not well defined) performance survey (which RP B401 does not).
OS J101 does permit impressed current system, but to those who understand the issues, there are many ‘buyer beware’ warnings in the text. Internally, J101 also calls for protective coatings in the internal tidal zone and requires CP of the internal surfaces below water level.
Significant improvement DNV OS J101 is a significant improvement in guidance for the wind farm industry.
However it falls short of requiring the people responsible for design of foundation corrosion protection systems, including cathodic protection systems, to be competent, experienced or qualified. No Developer or Design Contractor would contemplate using unqualified or inexperienced structural or fatigue analysis engineers in the design of wind turbines. With the long term costs of remedying inadequate corrosion control and cathodic protection system designs being many times the costs of getting them right first time, surely the same rigour should be applied to corrosion and cathodic protection?
European standard There is, throughout Europe, a Standard for “Cathodic Protection – Competence Levels and Certification of Cathodic Protection Personnel,” EN 15257: 2006. It is applied in the UK by the Institute of Corrosion which provides both training and independent assessment of CP personnel.
Effective single action One of the most effective single actions that can be taken by Developers of wind farms, and demanded by prospective Owners, is that all cathodic protection systems are designed by personnel Certificated to BS EN 15257 as competent to Level 3 (“expert”) in the marine metallic structures sector.
These specialists should also be involved in all aspects of the more general corrosion protection systems, including material selection for durability, along with competent and experienced Specifiers of coatings and their application and inspection requirements.
Brian Wyatt Corrosion Control www.controlcorrosion.co.uk
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epoxy systems for the painting of their Case study evidence platforms which involves considerable time and costs.
Two Years Service CAPPS® Vessgard EXT™ is a two stage UK specialist polymeric coatings With all the CAPPS® technical advantages rapid curing polymeric alternative which development and applications that the polymer encapsulation provides effectively provides a product many times company CAPPS® have now reached as well as the added long term aesthetic more efficient than conventional paints and the second year of service of the finish which is now clearly being proven, can be applied in less than half the time. new addition to their product range the Vessgard EXT™ system is proving with CAPPS® Vessgard EXT™, which its case study evidence that it is has the CAPPS International has been developed as a long term potential to make the same level of impact www.cappsinternational.com protective solution for all marine and on the market as the original Vessgard™ offshore external surfaces. product for bulk carrier cargo holds, but to = See enhanced entry online the much wider audience that the market e Yeoman Bridge vessel for this product represents. The decks and hatch covers of the 96,000 tonne DWT self unloading bulk carrier Wind energy market vessel, “Yeoman Bridge”, with an area of This product can be applied to any vessel 10,000 m2 were applied with the product type or offshore structure and they are now in April 2010 and over the last two years marketing this through their international the application has demonstrated vastly network to not only bulk carriers but oil & superior performance characteristics chemical tankers, LNG carriers, FPSOs, compared to conventional paint systems. associated offshore marine vessels and also the wind energy market. Ongoing development – case study evidence Significant interest has been developing In line with their ongoing development since in Vessgard EXT™ since its introduction their inception, the establishment of their into the offshore industry, with the huge advanced polymeric technology products market of offshore rig platforms presenting is driven by case study evidence, and the itself as a potential new application area for two year mark is an important step in the CAPPS® and their international operation. markets which they are now promoting and developing Vessgard EXT™ into all Advantages industrial vessel type exteriors and offshore The obvious quality and longevity rig platform structures using conventional advantages compared to conventional paint systems generally see service life of paint systems is attracting this interest, but two years before the onset of failure and re also in this market the speed of application - painting is required. is a huge attraction to rig owners who generally use multi - stage conventional
“Zipcoat has been used for a long Corrosion protection time in other industries, and we simply transferred the same knowledge and protection of offshore renewable expertise to the renewables industry.” energy equipment is key to a site’s Protection Zipcoat is a single-coat, fast-cure product, long-term operation that the company produced to replace the multi-coat systems that preceded it. Monitoring and protection Zipcoat corrosion protection One of the key issues that any offshore Corrocoat, a company that specialises For many years, multi-coat systems (mainly renewable energy project must consider in anti-corrosion technology, is keen to epoxy-based) have been specified to is how the technology can be monitored apply knowledge of this, and other sectors protect capital equipment. These usually or protected in its harsh environment of where corrosion is an issue, to the growing consist of three products: a primer for operation. renewable energy market. corrosion protection, an intermediate coat and a topcoat for UV protection. Remote component monitoring systems Since the company began working in the and rigorous testing all contribute renewables sector, it has been aiming to Zipcoat is a multi-monomer unsaturated to minimising downtime for offshore establish Zipcoat corrosion protection in polyester coating containing micronised technology, but renewable developments the market, as Robert Cole, Sales Director glass flakes, providing long-term protection can also borrow machinery protecting of Corrocoat, explains; “I was looking at in aggressive environments. The coating tactics from other offshore industries, such new markets for the company, and saw combines mechanical strength and robust as oil and gas. renewables as a new industry to tap into.” performance with low solvent emissions, guaranteeing reduced environmental impact in line with developing legislation in this area.
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International without relying solely on standards and test Their growing number of recent offshore such as Norsok and ISO 12944 – whilst wind projects is complimented by a long list Paint and useful these standards cannot compare of track records from the offshore industry, with track record and real time experience. including one project which has less than the offshore 1% corrosion over a period of 29 years in Working with customers the North Sea. By working closely with offshore industry customers, investing in technical Global presence International Paint has been involved capabilities and having been involved in the They operate in over 50 countries in the offshore industry for over forty offshore industry for over 40 years, they are worldwide, so our personnel are located years, providing protective coating able to understand the in-field performance to service key customers operating in the products and systems manufactured of our products and make specification North Sea, including the UK, Benelux, and tested to the highest standards. recommendations which can help to Denmark and Germany. In addition, their highly experienced maximise the life of a coating system which personnel are able to contribute could help to reduce the cost of energy International Paint Ltd coatings expertise across the project over the design period. www.international-pc.com from front-end engineering through construction and installation to offshore maintenance programmes.
Track record and real time experience Due to escalating offshore maintenance costs and some notable coatings failures in the sector, wind farm developers and wind turbine manufacturers are beginning to look at more expensive solutions. Some of these are tried and tested – others are not. However in a time when the industry is trying to keep down costs it would be better to turn to people who have an extensive track record and knowledge of the industry.
At International they believe that they already have part of the solution and it is all about using the right coating in the right environment and knowing the outcome
The time factor involved with applying of extended maintenance intervals Industry establishment this kind of system is significant, with and favourable lifecycle costs. “We’re Now Corrocoat is aiming to establish extended overcoating times required to using Zipcoat on a range of renewable Zipcoat in the renewable energy market get the best performance in corrosion technologies, from wave and tidal, to too, with the company able to provide protection. This product however, offers wind turbines.” Cole explained. full anti-corrosion solutions, crucial to long-term protection with a single coat and, the offshore energy sector. “All our unlike epoxy coatings, will cure at sub- With the product having been transferred competitors are different, because we are zero temperatures and can be applied at from applications with similar conditions, the only ones to manufacture and apply temperatures as high as 45ºC. Zipcoat is able to offer reliability for the coatings ourselves,” Cole remarked. renewables market. Advantages Moreover, with the offshore renewable The product offers a number of advantages Scientific testing energy sector still in relatively early stages that make it appealing to the offshore Scientists have subjected the product to of development, the company is looking to renewables sector. For instance, once it a range of tests, with it passing tests of its develop in parallel with renewables. “All the has been applied, items can be moved durability over 5,000 hours. Moreover, it projects we are involved in are currently within two and a half hours of coating, has been tried and tested in a number of in development stage, and we are even meaning fabricators need not wait so long areas - for instance, the material was used helping out with some at the design to ship items. as a departure from standard on the A13 stage – we’re looking to be central in this Gateway bridge in 2001, and has been market.” Cole concluded. Design life specified for immersed and non-immersed The company predicts a product design applications, including ships’ hulls, decking, Corrocoat life well over 25 years, even in aggressive superstructures and structural steelwork, www.corrocoat.com immersed seawater environments. being used in projects in Ukraine and Additional benefits include good UV Australia too. resistance, as well as the advantages
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Surface peening technology is required. Laser Peening, which has a proven track record in aerospace, can fulfil these greater treatments for requirements.
Laser Peening utilises the very much high performance greater energy from the laser source to create a much deeper compressive residual stress, but without the high components level of cold work and surface disruption associated with controlled shot peening.
Contact fatigue and surface pitting of transmission components can be reduced by the removal of surface asperities; engineering a residual compressive stress profile of adequate depth and achieving a finish that retains lubricant between the contact faces. Controlled Shot Peening This can be achieved by controlled shot peening a gear flank or gearing surface initially to modify the surface profile reducing the stress intensity of the surface finish and finally micro honing that surface to reduce the asperities generated and change the symmetry of the profile.
The intention is not to remove all of the witness of shot peening but a percentage resulting in a matrix of load bearing smooth areas interspersed with valleys for oil pockets. Superfinishing Summary Controlled Shot Peening is the C.A.S.E.TM superfinishing gives further C.A.S.E.TM superfinishing of surfaces bombardment of a surface with life improvement to the already highly following the controlled shot peening spherical particles (shot) of pre-selected stressed parts. By reducing Ra values, process, tailored to suit the application, characteristics to produce a predictable and providing a negative Rsk, benefits will result in an optimised residual compressive stress of known magnitude in contact fatigue can be achieved. compressive stress and surface texture. and depth. Transmission testing has shown that Practical experience in processing parts there is a consistent 200C reduction in for various industries has shown significant The action of impinging the surface oil temperature; this clearly indicates that improvements in contact fatigue and yields the material in tension but further there are less power losses due to friction, surface pitting. The influence of variations movement is restrained by the core and so the transmission is operating as the in manufacturing techniques can be a surface residual compressive stress designer has envisaged. reduced or eliminated. results. Laser Peening Metal Improvement Company LLC For critical components where very (A business unit of Curtiss-Wright deep compressive stresses with low Surface Technologies) surface disruption are demanded, new www.cwst.co.uk
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Increasing the life expectancy of wind energy equipment
Paints and coatings are readily available to protect the external surfaces of wind tower superstructure components such as hubs, blades and nacelles from exposure to aggressive ‘local’ environments, whether inland or offshore. Options However, the overwhelming advantage is But how can engineers ensure the long- There are a number of options available but its versatility. Whatever the shape or size term integrity of mechanical components the final choice will normally be based on of the equipment – from a single shaft to against aggressive corrosion, especially factors such as the application, service life, a transmission system – there is a welding in remote marine or heavily industrialised operational priorities, installation deadlines process and an alloy to counteract the environments? and, of course, budget restraints. different levels of corrosive attack.
What techniques are available to extend Where budget isn’t a constraint, engineers Weld overlay cladding is a proven and the life of new equipment or refurbish worn can specify components in corrosion or recognised cost-saving technology or corroded components and, just as wear resistant alloys that will withstand that is well established in the oil & gas importantly, what are the comparative cost environmental conditions. However, this industry offshore and onshore and nuclear benefits using expensive base materials or is rarely the case and more cost-effective environments. Now, engineers in the replacing the part? options are usually sought. renewable energy industries can share the significant practical and financial benefits Weld overlay cladding of increased life expectancy. Wherever components require protection, weld overlay cladding is certainly a Arc Energy Resources versatile option, providing a heavy-duty www.arcenergy.co.uk metallurgically-bonded protective layer that will not be undermined in hostile environments.
Advantages In offshore environments in particular, weld overlay cladding offers clear advantages because protection can be applied specifically to the areas under attack, eliminating the need to produce a whole component or piece of plant from an expensive corrosion resistant material.
e = See enhanced entry online
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 77 SHERINGHAM SHOAL
Local media get sneak preview of Sheringham Shoal wind farm Six journalists and photographers from Wells-next-the-Sea outer With its official publications including the Eastern Daily harbour opening due Press and Recharge joined Scira Offshore They visited the 35 km2 site in a personnel Energy General Manager, Einar Strømsvåg transfer vessel launched from the new at the end of for the trip to the 317MW wind farm in the Wells-next-the-Sea outer harbour, which Greater Wash off the coast of Norfolk. All was constructed to enable vessels to work September, a 88 of the Siemens wind turbine generators during an extended tidal window and has have been installed and commissioning provided a positive economic boost to the group of local is almost complete with just a handful town. of turbines remaining to become fully Norfolk and operational. Local community There has been significant local interest renewables Offshore trip around the Sheringham Shoal project as media were The journalists were offered an offshore it is the first of the Round 2 projects in the trip in advance of the official opening Greater Wash to be completed. Operators granted a sneak which will be held at historic home, Scira, jointly owned by Statoil and Statkraft, Holkham Hall with numerous dignitaries have also worked closely with the local preview of the and guests on Thursday, September 27. community, particularly in and around Wells-next-the-Sea, which will be home to Sheringham The aim was to enable them to see the the operations and maintenance base. wind technology up close and in action Shoal Offshore because, at 17 to 21 kilometres offshore, Further media and stakeholder visits will Wind Farm, the turbines and offshore substations are be arranged after the wind farm is officially often not particularly visible from shore. opened. which is now Scira almost fully www.scira.co.uk operational.
78 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk TATA STEEL
New Offshore Processing Centre will help reduce renewable energy costs Tata Steel inaugurated it’s new producer Eisenbau Krämer (EBK) to £2 million offshore processing complement its own product portfolio, Energi Coast centre (OPC) at an event recently in creating what is believed to be the most Joanne Leng, Deputy Chair of Energi Coast, Hartlepool, attended by more than comprehensive and cost-competitive the representative group for North East 40 leading business figures from the package in this market across a full size England’s offshore renewables sector, said: European renewable energy sector. range of tubulars. “I am delighted that Tata Steel is investing
Hartlepool College Under the supply agreement, tubes in improving supply chains for offshore presentation from 400mm diameter upwards will be wind, as this in turn will undoubtedly lead Following a presentation at Hartlepool produced by both companies from plate to future business opportunities for other College of Further Education, guests were manufactured by Tata Steel’s plants in regional businesses. shown round the company’s new centre, England and Scotland. a high-productivity processing facility that “It is also a further sign that the North East will produce welded tubular assemblies In addition to tubulars for jacket foundation of England is well positioned to service to be used in the fabrication of jacket structures, Tata Steel will also supply the North Sea and European offshore foundations for offshore wind turbines. smaller sized tubes and sections suitable wind farm developments for the future.” for all primary and secondary steel work They also visited Tata Steel’s 42-inch tube within wind turbine fabrications. Jacket foundation structures anchor wind mill, one of three tube mills located at the turbines to the seabed with piles at the company’s Hartlepool site. Investment base of each leg. Jacket constructions Deirdre Fox, Sales & Marketing Director for are particularly suited to the development Offshore wind sector Energy & Power at Tata Steel, said: “The of offshore wind farms located in deeper The OPC will play a pivotal role in supplying creation of a strong renewable energy waters. the renewables sector, manufacturing industry is dependent upon delivering highly refined components for the offshore efficient, cost-effective supply chains. TATA Steel wind sector that can be prepared for www.tatasteel.com welding onto finished structures, thereby “The investment in our new offshore shortening throughput times and improving processing centre is a key part of our e = See enhanced entry online cost efficiency for customers. drive to meet this challenge and offer the products and services the industry Energi Coast Once manufactured, the components will be needs to meet the growing renewables www.energicoast.co.uk stored for shipment in kit form to fabricators requirement. in the UK and mainland Europe, using local = See video library online deepwater ports and the UK rail network. “We are committed to establishing a significant presence as a supplier to the Supply agreement renewables sector as the drive in the EU Tata Steel has also forged a supply to transform the energy supply scene agreement with German steel tube gathers pace.”
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 79 AWES
AWES is a national company working across North America, Canada, South Africa and Continental Europe. In the UK, it is the largest supplier of cranes and specialist labour services to the wind energy sector. Ainscough Wind Energy Services
80 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk AWES
standards. AWES technicians are trained in the wind turbine safety rules and we make sure that we’re up to date with any changes in this area, working closely with wind farm owners and operators.
“Wind energy technology is still in its infancy compared to other energy markets such as oil and gas, so it is expected that there will be major changes in both technology and legislation as we learn more, becoming more efficient and producing more power. Our job is to facilitate the major Service provider component changes that let us grow Known in the industry as an OEM (Original and excel, harnessing and utilising wind Equipment Manufacturer) service provider, power.” AWES also works with wind farm owners and operators offering blade inspections With 31 depots, a fleet of over 470 cranes and repairs, crane services and statutory and with access to a support team of inspections covering lift and ladder, fire over 1000 people in the UK alone, AWES extinguisher and fall arrest systems. is well placed to complete some of the biggest projects in Europe on land and Experienced track record offshore. It is currently working with Working in the turbine maintenance Siemens to deliver what is currently the industry for over ten years, AWES largest offshore wind farm in the world. has the largest bank of specialist labour technicians in the UK. It has Ainscough Wind Energy Services framework agreements with all the major www.ainscough.co.uk manufacturers such as Siemens, Gamesa, Enercon, Nordex and GE which means that all of its technicians are individually trained up to the highest levels by the manufacturers themselves, ensuring full competence of all service tasks.
AWES Board Director and founding partner, John Fabby, said: “Even at board level there is a full understanding and hands on experience, not only of the technology but also the required safety
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Offshore industry puts emphasis on major emergency
Falck Nutec UK Managing Director, management Graham Gall, commented: “Internationally we have all learnt from many major incidents – on the most part this has created the understanding that safety Safety training partnership is driven through competency, people, reveal increased portfolio in and procedural standards. Falck Nutec global training for OIMs and Altor are seeing an increase in the The global offshore industry is continuing appreciation, value, and recognition by to engage and develop in terms of safety many operators to develop and assess training for offshore installation managers not only their team, but also individual (OIMs), according to safety training behaviour, when responding to an providers, Falck Nutec. This follows the emergency - with a number of new firm announcing increased turnover and clients engaging with us from as far the development of a number of specialist afield as Bangladesh and Malaysia. courses from the company’s Aberdeen facilities. This awareness and increase in accountability has created the ALTOR Risk Group and Falck opportunity for us to invest in an Nutec partnership additional brand new major emergency Since formalising their partnership with management training suite at our emergency response, risk, and security Aberdeen Training Facility. The main consultants, ALTOR Risk Group, in focus for us is to create the appropriate February 2011, the firm have reported a environment and experience for five-fold increase in numbers of delegates people who have to make decisions undertaking offshore crisis management relating to incident control - i.e. OIMs training. and Supervisors - to establish their confidence and assertiveness in working effectively and responsibly when intervening and responding to an emergency incident.”
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Encouraging trend This encouraging trend has also been seen by Jim Walker, CEO, Altor Risk Group. He added: “Altor’s partnership with Falck Nutec has grown significantly in the last year, the specialist knowledge that both parties possess has been of “safety great value to our clients. We have been delighted with response since launching is driven our initial Management of Major Emergencies and OIM Regulations & through Legislation courses last year, through to receiving recent accreditation to deliver competency, OPITO-accredited Major Emergency Management (MEM) Initial Response people, and training in 2012. We are confident that this trend will continue to grow procedural as we aim to satisfy the requirements of a number of firms’ crisis response standards” capabilities including embryonic sectors, such as offshore wind.”
Exceptional Growth Following the successful launch of a renewable energy centre of excellence in Teesside towards the tail-end of last year, Falck Nutec are continuing to expand their offerings in this region. The centre is the only one in the UK to currently offer both RenewableUK, Working & Rescue at Heights, and Marine Safety Training (MST) alongside a range of practical industrial training, such as manual handling, rigging & lifting, working at height, and first aid.
Trust in a Safer World Earlier this year, Falck Nutec launched the largest advertising banner in Northern Europe at Aberdeen Airport. The 728m² banner bears the message “Trust in a safer world.” and the statistic that 30,000 delegates experience training at the firm’s UK centres, in Aberdeen and Teesside, every year.
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Major Emergency Incident Management Centre opened in Aberdeen
Altor Risk Group invests £250,000 Ensuring lessons learned “The availability and participation of in state-of-the-art facility Global asset tracking and command, professionals who have experience of A new emergency response hub for the control and information management responding to and handling real oil and gas industry has been built and software systems will allow responders emergencies, and are familiar with how to commissioned in Aberdeen, delivering to make decisions based on real-time work with agencies and the wide ranging modern crisis management facilities for information, and log every step of an communications needed when dealing exploration and production operators, incident to ensure lessons can be learned with a major incident, is crucial in any service and support companies, and at every stage of an incident. crisis. creating at least ten new jobs. Experienced response operatives With both established oil and gas Altor, the global risk management group Altor has recruited some of the most operators and new entrants pushing headquartered in the Granite City, has experienced incident management and the boundaries in terms of production invested £250,000 in the development of emergency response operatives in the there are ever-increasing operational the centre at Lord Cullen House, Fraser country to run and staff the centre. and environmental risks. There is rightly Place, on the site adjacent to the Health & an increasing scrutiny on the ability of Safety Executive’s regional base. Crisis management and logistics specialist companies to respond and we believe Andrew Couper, a former British Army that more competition and capacity in this Facilities staff officer who has more than 25 years’ specialist marketplace will be welcomed The DECC (Department of Environment experience in emergency planning and by the industry.” and Climate Change) approved incident managing emergency response control management centre which has created rooms, was appointed in May to set up and Complete risk management 8 new jobs includes a high specification manage the centre. service and experience emergency response control room facility, Established in July 2010 by Jim Walker using the latest communications and Previously co-ordinator of the multi-agency Altor Risk Group has offices in Aberdeen, management technologies, and associated emergency risk assessment, planning and Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and support services for companies operating response group for the Grampian Police Perth, Australia. The company provides a in challenging environments on and force area, Mr Couper will oversee the complete risk management service and offshore in the North Sea and beyond. development, management and promotion has secured work from organisations of the centre. around the world including Apache, BP, The centre will provide 24/7 support to Shell, Perenco, Premier Oil and Maersk companies in the event of an emergency He explained: “Major events in the North Oil, as well as national oil companies such situation, including a pool of specialist Sea and Gulf of Mexico have underlined as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, responders, effective practical training the importance of planning for and testing Pertamina (Indonesia) and CNOOC. exercises and simulations, advice and various scenarios to ensure that an consultancy. organisation is well equipped to deal with any potential situation. Falck Nutec www.falcknutec.co.uk “An effective response to an incident is dependent on a wide range of factors of = See enhanced entry online which the incident management centre e itself is only one. These factors are all carefully considered in our approach altor Risk Group to preparing procedures, training and www.altor-risk-group.com responding.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 85 SPONSORS of CRISIS MANAGEMENT FEATURE There may be trouble ahead
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Why the renewables industry must have robust crisis management procedures. Think of the worst thing that could happen to you. It may be fanciful and unrealistic but the impossible has an uncanny knack of occurring.
Wind power Social media awareness Journalism and the media Surely wind power is very safe and relatively In the good old days, one usually had There was an old adage in journalism: “If in crisis-free? True, but the key word is what was called the ‘golden hour’ to deal doubt, leave it out”. (In fairness, there was ‘relatively’. Turbines, for example, are with a crisis. A team could be assembled another one which said: “Never let the complicated pieces of engineering and like to put together a carefully constructed facts get in the way of a good story”). all kit, they have the ability to go wrong. statement and this would still be viewed as a quick reaction. They might use telex The problem is that the first rule has gone Could a plane hit a turbine? – of course. (if you’re over 50, you’ll remember that) and the second one is the norm because Could there be an incident offshore during or fax, which we will soon find only in of a change in the way that news is created maintenance? – of course. And there are museums. and used. We are all journalists now. lots more examples. In today’s world, you can have a Tweet Frightening consequences Expect the unexpected in the air in 30 seconds – if you are slow This has frightening consequences for Therefore, it is essential that operators and on the keypad. You can have a picture Crisis Management Managers: A rumour their agents are on alert not just for the on Facebook in the same time and send becomes a fact. And rumours are very unexpected, but the highly unlikely. footage from your camera or mobile phone hard to pull back. to as many TV stations as you want. Anticipation as well as Preparation preparation Information transmission speed Preparation is therefore essential and Twenty years ago, I would have given Just consider this one fact: The amount of includes having… you simple advice: Be prepared – the bandwidth available in ONE second today Boy Scout rule. It still applies. Nowadays is the same as the WHOLE year of 1998. • A plan (obvious but so many don’t) however, one has to not only be prepared, • Procedures linking into Business but to anticipate. This is key – especially The increase in the speed at which Continuity and Quality Procedures in keeping up with electronic media, most information is transmitted is the biggest • Pre-prepared statements notably Twitter. jump since the telephone and compares • Trained personnel with Guttenberg’s invention of the • Incident rooms printing press. And this is just one person • Monitoring – to make sure you are transmitting information in two minutes. aware of what is happening Naturally, this is retransmitted again and again and, within five minutes, half the It’s all simple stuff. But like everything that world can be aware. Organisations, like is simple, it is so often ignored. As BP cuckolded husbands, are often the last to found out in the Gulf of Mexico with Deep know what is happening because they are water Horizon – if you are not prepared not an integral part of the arena in which you risk losing the company. the information is being shared, and this is why they appear to be a step behind the Tom Curtin social media world. Curtin & Co www.curtinandco.com This has huge and obvious implications for business continuity and crisis management = See enhanced entry online plans and procedures. Not to mention e reputation management. But there is another crucial difference. Reputable media = See video library online would not just ‘run with a story’.
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Don’t make a crisis out of an issue Bradley O’Mahoney has worked Crisis and issues management effectively. Companies and their senior extensively in the wind energy sector, Crisis management is often confused executives need to look at the following with the majority of their work being with issues management. Both can have areas (and others) to minimise risk... around community and stakeholder a damaging impact on reputation if not engagement, where open dialogue handled correctly. The former is where a • Challenging media training sessions for and engagement is seen as vital. situation is ‘out of control’ and the final result the CEO and senior management team wildly unpredictable – e.g. a major fire. • The importance of message management and why regular, open The latter is a problem that you have and unambiguous engagement with time to assess and develop a strategic stakeholders is critically important response to. An example of this would be • The power of social media to be a the decision to restructure/relocate your positive good for a business as well business with the removal of half the staff. as a platform for the aggrieved to vent their anger. Companies need to Thankfully, most companies do not have join the conversation and engage with to manage truly crisis situations. That their supporters and detractors. said, managing sensitive issues takes skill, • The need to develop an open dialogue experience and confidence. with the media – ‘no comment’ is not an option Planning and preparation Daniel O’Mahoney Companies must ensure reputational risk Bradley O’Mahoney Public Relations is minimised by planning and preparing www.bradleyomahoney.co.uk
“What if?” methodology Preparation is the key Emergency preparedness planning is developed through a standard “What if?” Benjamin Franklin once said “by Investigations as to why things methodology which identifies the most failing to prepare, you are preparing went wrong often feature the word likely scenarios and their variations before to fail”, this sentiment is still true to transparency, along with the promotion determining an appropriate response. this day, so why are there so many of “lessons learned,” the idea that others examples of failure throughout a wide will benefit from highlighting mistakes Although such emergency preparedness range of industries. made. Unfortunately not only do people plans are important ,these can become sometimes fail an illusion that one is fully prepared to learn from (Paper Plan Syndrome). To avoid this the mistakes paper planning should always be tied into of others, they training programmes to demonstrate all often neglect aspects of Crisis Management from a to correct their realistic point of view. own previously noted errors. As a training provider, they are aware that it can be difficult to maintain and measure a level of training competency for all personnel. Especially when considering the multi- level teams involved in the process of planning procedures and response to an emergency situation, however preparation is the key within any industry or organisation to ensure teams are as fully supported as possible.
HOTA www.hota.org
e = See enhanced entry online
= See video library online
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ERP practice and review An ERP must be practiced and reviewed Crisis periodically and any risk assessment must take account of the prevailing weather conditions, the nature of any work being undertaken, the handling of loads, radio- management frequency isolation, electrical issues, communications, safe access and egress, tools and equipment and the level of in the Wind competence of workers. Assessments heightec® has undertaken a number of Industry exercises with wind turbine clients, and in collaboration with the emergency services, Risk management involves Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to test the arrangements in place for the identifying and assessing Part of crisis management is having deployment of rescue equipment. All hazards (threats) and an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), have led to recommendations for the identifying the best ways to through which consideration is given to improvement of rescue planning and, in avoid them, or to mitigate the remoteness of any site location, the some instances, the installation of new the consequences. Crisis response times and the equipment and equipment. management is a broader training provided, in order to promote self- issue and involves dealing sufficiency and preservation of life until the The exercises have also identified ‘skills with threats before they have emergency services arrive. gaps’, requiring an assessment of further occurred, as well as during specialist training. Offshore rescues are and after. The aim is to identify, Necessary training challenging, particularly those involving assess, understand and handle Guidance on health and safety in the wind rescue from hub to nacelle, nacelle to a serious situation. energy sector is given by RenewableUK transition piece, transition piece to vessel, vessel to vessel and, finally, vessel to 1 The shore. Depending upon location this can benchmark take anything up to two hours. for work at height training There is much to be gained from multi- and rescue is agency exercises. The main benefit is contained in an improved chance of a casualty being an approved recovered safely, in time to administer training medical help and without putting further standard people at risk.
2 The latter The heightec Group Ltd. has been www.heightec.com developed in consultation Co-acknowledgements 1 Guidelines for onshore and offshore wind farms, Health & with key Safety in the Wind Energy Industry Sector (RUK, 2010) industry 2 RenewableUK - Working at Height and Rescue Training representatives Standard, Issue 1:2010 3 This standard applies to large wind turbines, i.e. those with with the aim of a swept area of >200m2 and where the primary means of ensuring that access to the nacelle is internal to the tower 4 BS 8454:2006, Code of practice for the delivery of training all personnel and educationfor work at height and rescue are able to demonstrate a common level of basic competency
3 The two-day course includes both basic and specific rescue principles and techniques, including techniques for the recovery of a casualty from a vertical ladder, nacelle and hub. It includes casualty handling techniques and the selection, inspection and use of equipment. Any work at height training should be conducted in accordance with BS 8454 [4].
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3 List all the tasks involved in the project and involve colleagues in this too It’s all about leadership as there will be some tasks you haven’t thought of 4 Estimate the times and costs for each With the exception of a dramatic crisis such as an earthquake or other task using your judgement and such terrible disaster, it is the responsibility of the leader to ensure that the experience. Remember do not organisation does not experience crisis situations to manage. forecast the average time to complete each task as you will have a 50% Certainly if a company is working with US2U Consulting it is because they are keen to failure rate! be proactive and achieve the appropriate recipe within their business to achieve success 5 Find the critical path for your project; without jolting from one crisis to the next. This recipe will be a combination of strong, that is put the tasks in the appropriate engaging leadership at all management levels, the right people and effective processes. sequence considering the dependencies of which tasks have to be done before others and which can Strong, engaging leaders need Use this information to advertise the role be done in parallel. The critical path to... and decide who should be invited for will be the longest route through your • Provide direction to the team and interview. Make sure that only trained sequence and is the quickest that you put together clear and realistic plans managers and staff conduct the interview. can do the entire project and objectives 6 If your critical path is too long then you • Give constructive feedback on a Psychometric assessment may need to crash or overlap tasks regular basis, and deal with issues as Use psychometric assessment to that are on your critical path. This will they arise supplement the evidence from the involve throwing money or people at it • Be a good role model, set an example interview to significantly increase the to do it more quickly which usually and live the Company values; “walk chances of making a good hiring decision. means it will be more expensive in the the talk” end and possibly of lower quality too • Show energy and drive and keep The assessment should usually be verbal 7 Draw a Gantt chart or bar chart so you going even when things are difficult and numerical critical reasoning tests can see when each task should start • Act with honesty, authenticity and combined with a personality assessment. and finish integrity The results for each candidate assessed 8 Allocate resources to your project. • Use appraisal systems to improve should be written into a report tailored Usually the most significant resource performance, coaching team members around the job role, by a qualified will be people but don’t forget so that they can continuously develop Assessment Consultant so that the equipment, space and materials too • Treat people equally and with respect management team can make an informed 9 Assess risks forecasting what is decision whether to hire that person or not. possible, probable and the The right seriousness of each risk actually people By using objective assessment you happening. Develop plans to prevent Be really clear are putting yourself at a competitive things from going wrong and have about what advantage over companies that don’t. protective plans ready in case things knowledge, do go wrong so the project does not skills and Induction get thrown completely off beam behaviour you Remember to have good induction 10 Monitor progress in line with your are looking processes to integrate new people Gantt chart, taking action necessary to for. Always and continuously encourage learning keep it on track make sure by providing training programmes and 11 Monitor what you have spent on you have an also encourage team members to take your project in relation to what you up to date job responsibility for their own learning and have achieved description development. 12 Re-adjust your plan if necessary and Rachel Blackburn before you make sure you tell key people such proceed with Effective processes – project as customers, colleagues if the project recruiting a management timetable does need to change new person to your team. This should Robust processes for all key activities are outline the purpose of the role, who the crucial. One particularly important process At the end of the project have a Review, person will report to, the duties, key in the wind energy sector is project Learn and Praise session with colleagues contacts and accountabilities, for example management. Without this the chances of who were involved so lessons can be will they be responsible for a budget or having to manage a crisis will increase. learned for the next project and also staff? everyone stays motivated and engaged. Top 12 tips for effective project Person specification management are... Free Project Management Guide Then map out the person specification 1 Define your project in writing and be If you would like to learn more US2U – the type of person who is likely to be clear about the scope Consulting have a Project Management successful in the role. This should include 2 Agree the success criteria for quality, Guide book which can be sent to you free what qualifications, experience, skills, time and cost with the project of charge for a limited period via the US2U abilities, knowledge and personal qualities sponsor, customer or your boss - Consulting website. a person needs to deliver results in line which one actually is the most with your standards. important? US2U Consulting Ltd www.us2uconsulting.com
90 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SPONSORS of CRISIS MANAGEMENT FEATURE “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” Cyra Parkes
In a world of 24-hour media it is easier stakeholders (target audience) and Empathise than ever for misinformation to make have the resources readily available to Express genuine empathy. By recognising its way through to the public domain, disseminate your message should a crisis and acknowledging the crisis, developers a threat which is further amplified by develop. are more likely to gain the trust and long- a lack of internet regulation and the term support of the local community. popularity of social media platforms Communicate Immediately such as Facebook and Twitter. Be proactive and respond early ensuring Better Still… Act to Avoid a positive key messages and benefits reach Crisis The wind revolution the public domain. Communication should Like many things in life, prevention As such, the plight to suppress the wind look to effectively address the ‘crisis’ is often better than cure, and crisis revolution is becoming ever-more potent, and be both genuine and open. If a story communications is no exception. both online and in the press, with planning breaks, journalists will need to gather applications being influenced by those information and source quotes. If they A well-thought-out consultation strategy fundamentally opposed to wind power don’t get it from you, they’ll get it from can help avoid a crisis situation. A technology. someone else, potentially a less-informed bespoke consultation programme for third party . a wind energy application can help to With nearly half of all on-shore wind identify and manage issues (perceived or turbine applications in England and Have a clear, positive key message real) that the opposition often look to turn Wales now being refused at committee, and ‘sound bites’, as well as a senior into ‘crises’. developers are reaching out to PR representative from the company on hand professionals to develop comprehensive to conduct interviews. This approach not only avoids damage consultation strategies which will help to corporate reputation but also ensures reduce complications associated with Commit to Transparency planning applications have a better planning applications. Whilst it is difficult for every organisation to chance of success at committee, as commit to complete transparency, it is vital misinformation and concern is minimised. Consultation that in a crisis developers do not attempt Well-thought out consultation can help to shield details or to find a scapegoat. Consense to ensure issues are identified early and www.consense.co.uk managed effectively – so that they don’t Be upfront and honest. manifest into crises. Be Creative Preparation is Key Ensure information is relevant and Plan for a crisis, identify possible threats accessible to stakeholders by using not and consider appropriate tactics for only tried-and-tested communication responding to opposition and reducing the tools but also by making use of innovative impact on public perception. technologies such as social media. Twitter is a phenomenal real-time communication Choose relevant communications tool and a great way of keeping people mechanisms according to your informed in a crisis situation.
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 91 SPONSORS of CRISIS MANAGEMENT FEATURE Crisis Management in the real world Putting a man on the moon was If you are busy doing that who is going to Real situation challenging enough but to build manage the normal business workload? Recently one of the teams was called out and staff a new world of power to meet a man who had suffered burns producing machines in harsh and wild Experience offshore. He was taken to hospital and had environments opens up a universe of Media and Crisis Management Ltd (MCM) only the clothes on his back. MCM bought unknown danger. has spent the past 15 years doing exactly him toiletries, nightclothes and gave him that. The company is headquartered money to watch television from his hospital Health and safety is the number one in Norwich, Norfolk, and has response bed and most importantly call home. priority of any company, let alone one centres servicing the Southern North Sea that operates in such a new and growing including Humberside, Lincolnshire, and But as with most injuries offshore, it was industry as wind energy. the East Irish Sea. There are also response not a simple case of sending him back centres in Scotland and Belgium. to work the next day. Once he was If a member of the workforce is injured in discharged he required physiotherapy. the line of duty or struck down with illness it Trained associates on standby They also found a hotel for him to stay in for can affect operation and staff morale. They understand it would not be possible more than a week, kept him company, paid
Other considerations for companies to have people covering all his bills and took him to and from medical There are other considerations to bear in locations 24/7/365, which is why their team appointments. mind, after all the devil is in the detail. of more than 70 highly trained associates The Emergency Services do a fantastic job are always on standby. It is this kind of care that makes employees bringing people ashore but their job stops feel appreciated and valued, as well they then. Most recently the teams have dealt with should. It puts colleagues minds’ at rest evacuations including burns, lacerations, that he’s receiving the best possible care Once the helicopter or boat has been suspected meningitis and a suspected and it means companies can carry on work called... heart attack. without having to spare vital staff members to look after injured people - a job that at • Who will meet the person at the port, Unique skills the end of the day is specialist and requires dock or airport? The skills needed for these are not easily a special skill set which MCM can provide. • How will they get to hospital, dentist or acquired. They are built up through doctors? harrowing experiences and training, which Offshore wind • Who deals with family and friends? emergency services and armed forces MCM is currently supporting companies officers have. It is recognising this unique working in offshore wind, the only company Transfer times from installation to shore skill that has enabled MCM to develop their presently providing these services. The are rarely more than 40 minutes, can you evacuee support team. experience we are gaining now will help as get the correctly trained person in the right the massive developments in offshore wind location to meet them... National response network accelerate. With a national response network covering • To know all the medical centres in the all the main ports and airports any injured Media and Crisis Management Ltd area personnel brought ashore will be greeted (MCM) • To give them money to call home by a highly trained MCM responder. The www.mcmcrisis.com • To buy them clothes, food and drink teams are staffed to be able to support • Most importantly make them feel cared any number of personnel for as long as = See enhanced entry online for and looked after required. e
92 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SPONSORS of CRISIS MANAGEMENT FEATURE A very bright future Work Area Lighting Peli Area lighting systems offer powerful, rechargeable, LED lighting - a safe, economic and convenient alternative to generator powered units. With silent operation and no trailing cables to create a trip hazard, they offer durability and dependability. No fumes are emitted and no liquid fuel is required, thus improving safety and adding to the environmental benefits of this range.
A bright future The 9460 and 9470 lighting systems have been upgraded – they are now 50% brighter with a longer battery burn time and now feature an ‘intelligent control’ panel.
Intelligent control adjusts the light output according to the length of light duration required and provides a real-time display. Using the simple keypad, set the control panel to the number of hours and minutes (maximum is 40 hours – minimum 6 hours) of light required and the unit will calculate and adjust the output, ensuring you never get left in the dark.
RenewableUK 2012 in Glasgow Peli will launch the 9420 LED work light on at RenewableUK 2012 in Glasgow.
Specifications • Weighing only 3.81kg, the 9420 LED is compact and lightweight
• The mast extends above 1.5 metres allowing a wide area of illumination and the unit folds down quickly to a handy 74cm long
• The 9420 LED has a unique feature in this range – the battery pack can be charged independently to the lighting system
• There are 2 versions - standard and XL – the latter includes a blow moulded case, shoulder strap and two battery packs so one can be on charge while the other is in situ with the system in use
• The portability of the 9420 makes it ideal for maintenance and emergency scene lighting particularly in remote or difficult to access areas
Peli Products www.peliproducts.co.uk
e = See enhanced entry online
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 93 SPONSORS of CRISIS MANAGEMENT FEATURE Crisis Management for those involved in traumatic incidents
Traumatic incidents are typically classified as those that Reaction involve exposure to death, injury or have the perceived Following a traumatic episode it can be common to report potential for these occurring. intrusive thoughts, images and feelings linked to the incident. These are considered normal reactions to abnormal events and tend to fade over the following weeks. This is why NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommend a four Jamie Patterson week watchful waiting period to allow for natural recovery before considering more formal treatment options.
Social support networks In terms of post incident support, research findings have indicated that the quality of one’s social support networks can have an important influence on recovery.
Organisations can play a crucial role in how individuals perceive they are supported and valued. Supportive managers and HR staff can really make a difference to affected staff. The following are a few areas of support that employers may wish to consider...
• Instrumental support – this covers practical forms of assistance that meet an individual’s current needs such as Impact flexible working arrangements Traumatic incidents do not only impact on those present at the time but can also significantly affect family and close friends of • Informational support – this may include providing information those involved. on salary matters (if off work), providing relevant updates linked to a traumatic event, informing the person However, people react differently to traumatic events and we about resources available to them should not make assumptions as to how they will be affected.
Environmental Expert Guide for Environmental Management Management Many industrial and commercial sites have the potential to damage our natural environment and Arco, the UK’s leading safety the expert guide to spill company, has launched its own Expert Guide for Environmental containment and control Management to help businesses reduce the risk of causing costly environmental pollution. Following the guidelines and ensuring that Pollution incidents caused by accidental spills occur fluids are stored safely and the products and processes are in place every day – sometimes the pollutants put human health to manage any potential spills, not only reduces the chance of at risk and they often cause environmental damage and causing pollution, but also makes good business sense. Minimising devastate wildlife habitats. All businesses are responsible waste and pollution risk saves money and businesses that have a for complying with environmental regulations and for ‘green’ image are at a competitive advantage, which is important in preventing pollution of the air, land or water. today’s economic climate.
Careful planning to reduce risk Many thousands of pollution incidents occur each year. Each incidence is an offence which can result in prosecution and expensive fines including the costs for cleaning up any environmental damage. However this can be avoided with careful planning to reduce the risk and by taking suitable precautions for dealing with any spillages, if they occur. Just one litre of solvent is enough to contaminate 100,000,000 litres of drinking water (that’s equivalent to approximately 50 Olympic sized swimming pools). Oil is a particularly harmful pollutant - a small amount of oil causes a large problem. 5 litres of oil can cover an area of water the size of two football pitches.
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• Companionship support – encouraging opportunities for social outings and activities • Emotional support – this may involve providing a listening ear and being approachable. However individuals should not be asked to go over events if they don’t wish to
Additional Support If someone wants to talk about what has happened to a confidante outside their usual support network, then this should be offered. The important thing to remember is that any formal post incident support mechanisms should be offered on a purely voluntary basis. Practical, social and emotional support processes that promote good practice for recovery and trauma information may be useful for those who wish to access it. Contact with one’s GP is also encouraged.
An organisation’s occupational health provider should be able to assist with any welfare support, screening and follow-up processes. Preparation is key - traumatic incidents do not give advanced warning when they are going to happen and so organisations need to be aware of the potential impact of psychological trauma and be ready to assist those who may be affected.
Abermed is a market leader in the provision of occupational health services and is part of the International SOS group of companies. International SOS is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical assistance, medical and security assistance.
Abermed www.abermed.com
Products available The range of products available from include absorbents and spill kits from the Ecospill Elite and Ecospill Sustainable brands, as well as an Arco own brand range of pads, booms, sheets and hazard waste bags to provide a cost-effective and immediate solution to spills. Through ARC Safety Service, they can also deliver a range of spill response training courses from a basic level through to a certified advance course and a ‘Train the Trainer’ module. They also offer site surveys, management of spill kits and spill response training and can guide businesses to achieve compliance with regulations and above all maintain a safe and environmentally responsible site.
Legal requirement With oil storage regulations now a legal requirement in England and Scotland and companies in Wales and Ireland bound by a duty of care in terms of pollution and the environment, Arco has a range of storage and containment products to ensure that hazardous liquid containers are stored, labelled and maintained correctly and securely. The Expert Guide for Environmental Management offers guidance on the latest oil storage regulations so that customers are fully aware of their legal and moral obligations.
ARCO www.arco.co.uk
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Lubetech recently surveyed 768 Skills companies in industry sectors where for we KNOW they have a regulatory or legal obligation toward spill prevention and control. 76% of those contacted had `no knowledge` or `only rudimentary understanding` of spill Spills control.
96 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk SPONSORS of CRISIS MANAGEMENT FEATURE
From a recent FOI request we discovered Why do I need spill control Basic skills for spills that 40% of Small or Medium-sized training? (foundation/refresher) training Enterprises (SME’s) suffering a `substantial` Basic understanding of spill control & – tr-006 spill (undefined, but indicative of negative response is sound business sense - in the • An introduction to current legislation & media attention and a requirement for same way as locking doors, maintaining EMS4 - why the company must attendance by the Environment Agency) alarms or provision of fire extinguishers introduce prevention, containment & will fold within 18 months of the incident. is sensible. 40% of SME’s involved in a recovery systems serious or major spill incident fail within 18 • Product identification - what to use, Environment Agency costs usually exceed months of the incident. when and where to use it the physical level of the clean up costs • What is a Spill Response Kit - by a factor of 8 to 1. Standard Liability What is involved? contents, packaging sequence, how insurance does not cover this. In April Simple: `Basic Skills for Spills` course to use it and stock checking 2010 a UK water company was fined comes to you. Our unique Roadshow • Disposal of contaminants. £15k for polluting a local river. However covers the length and breadth of the UK. • Open forum - Questions & Answers. the true costs were: Tankering away the A single 2-hour session at a local venue. • Practical Demonstration (subject to spilt chemical £32,600, Plugging the leak Simply register your interest and let us venue). £8,300, fish surveys £26,000, Installing take care of the rest. We’ll tell you where, • Time required - 2 Hours per session new equipment to detect a leak £60,000, we’ll tell you when. We provide all the • Number to attend - Up to 16 persons Charge for EA officers attending £2,271, materials. You don’t even need to bring per session restocking the stretch of river £63,500. pen and paper! Including fines and prosecution costs Lubetech the total incident cost £211,164 (source: What do I get? www.lubetech.co.uk Environment Times). ‘Basic Skills for Spills’ serves as a standalone platform or as an entry-level There are 2.5 million white vans on UK course for more specific site-based roads. If they carry more than 20 litres training. The only course provided by the of fluids in the course of their business Lubetech Skill Centre off-site. Comprises they are required BY LAW to carry an one short, 2-hour session, minimising appropriate spill kit. Awareness of this time away from the business. Includes a fact is estimated at between 9 and 13%... practical demonstration and a personal puts recent PR announcements by the Certificate of Completion issued after the AA about 50% of UK Motorists travelling event in France illegally with new French regulations into hi-viz and breathalysers into the shade!
READER OFFER SAVE £50 ON THE COST OF SPECIALIST“SKILLS FOR SPILLS” COURSE ORGANISED BY LUBETECH Wind Energy Network and Lubetech have joined forces to offer our readers the opportunity to attend the specialist course “Skills for Spills”. These are organised nationwide and offered for the reduced cost of £100.00 (normally £150.00) Location: Date: Location: Date: Exeter 09 October 2012 Brentwood (Essex) 31 October 2012 Winchester 18 October 2012 Cardiff 31 October 2012 Aberdeen 24 October 2012 Nottingham 01 November 2012 Gatwick 24 October 2012 Rochester 06 November 2012 Birmingham 24 October 2012 Hull 08 November 2012
To book your place and claim your discount, please quote WENLT12 Contact Fliss: at Wind Energy Network on: 01765 644224 or email: [email protected] For further information click on the ‘pink link’ e = See enhanced entry online
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 97 HEALTH & SAFETY
The proliferation of offshore renewable energy installations provides a major challenge for those responsible for delivering, maintaining and enforcing health and safety requirements offshore.
Unlike accidents arising onshore, offshore energy projects involve complex interaction between the investigating authorities that may involve not only general health and safety legislation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in respect of the installations, but also marine issues pursuant to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 - and the myriad of secondary legislation these create. HOffshealth & Safety ore
98 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk HEALTH & SAFETY
RenewableUK overview circular The influential industry body Renewable UK has recently published a circular relating to incident response, which is available from its website. The circular provides a useful overview of the relevant legislation, standards, and codes of practice and highlights the need to consider taking appropriate legal and professional advice in relation to the Marine Accident Investigation Criminal investigations practical consequences which may arise Branch (MAIB) The rules relating to criminal investigations following any incident; specialist legal There is also the involvement of the MAIB differ greatly to those involving civil advice is vital to preserve both corporate whose job it is to investigate accidents at investigations. The various investigating reputations and to protect individuals from sea in order to learn lessons therefrom, authorities have powers to interview under criminal prosecution. but not to apportion blame. The MAIB has caution and it is vital that those being statutory powers which must be balanced interviewed under caution are aware of with the statutory of powers exercised their rights and also possible conflicts Andrew Oliver by other bodies such as the Health and between employers and employees, andrew Jackson Solicitors Safety Executive and the Maritime and so that appropriate independent www.andrewjackson.co.uk Coastguard Agency. The latter wears a representation can be arranged. It is variety of hats when it comes to offshore also vital that lawyers with appropriate = See enhanced entry online incidents, from being the Search and experience are instructed. e Rescue authority through to involvement RenewableUK with Port State control issues, as well as www.renewable-uk.com the investigatory and prosecution role of the MCA Enforcement Unit.
In addition the Police will also have a role to play, whether as a Coroner’s Officer in the case of a fatality or an investigating body in the case of potentially serious Offshcrimes such as manslaughter.o re
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 99 NAVIGATION AIDS Trinity House – serving the mariner and the renewable energy sector
The lighthouses, lightships and buoys Technological advances always trained to the necessary levels to together with modern day electronic, These include eLoran, DGPS and appreciate what they are dealing with. In radar and satellite based aids to AIS with eLoran in particular as it is addition it is important to not create an navigation, provided around the viewed as potentially an important over-reliance on the technology at the English and Welsh coasts for general terrestrial based back-up to GPS. This is expense of critical base navigation skills. navigation, are established and particularly important given the increasing maintained by Trinity House dependence on GPS. Adapting and using Renewables offshore sector lighting developments such as LEDs Trinity House is also bringing its expertise A history and tradition but and synchronised lights is also providing to the renewables sector. Their services, forward looking enhancements for the mariner with clearer working with our colleagues in Scotland The organisation can trace its origins back lights available at longer ranges but using and Ireland, provide a comprehensive, nearly 500 years to 1514. less power. economic solution to a range of activities in this sector all around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.
These include the most obvious service of providing buoys to mark wind farms and other offshore developments during both the construction and completion phases, but it also includes hydrographic surveying using the up to date multi-beam equipment.
Also a number of ships in the lighthouse services’ fleet are capable of laying protective mattresses and offering other lifting services. They are working with a number of renewable based organisations in the southern North Sea and the Irish Sea.
However, Trinity House, whilst proud of its The increasing availability of electronic aids Statutory services and funding history and traditions, is primarily forward to navigation coupled with advances and Our statutory services are funded from looking to ensure that the services it improvements to onboard technology in Light Dues which are paid by commercial provides meet the requirements of today’s ships does not mean that the demise of shipping entering UK and Irish ports. users of the seas to make ‘safe and the more traditional lighthouse is imminent. Income generated from commercial expeditious passage’ through some of the activities offsets the income required most crowded and difficult seaways in the Ongoing critical role for visual from Light Dues so the benefits are wide world. This means dealing with wrecks aids ranging in that as well as providing a and other obstructions as well as marking It is clear that there is an ongoing, critical quality proven aids to navigation service the channels. role for visual aids to navigation such as cost efficiencies are maximised. lights and buoys for some time to come. Working together Trinity House will review and make the Trinity House To do this Trinity House work with necessary adjustments to the complement www.trinityhouse.co.uk. their sister authorities the Northern of aids to navigation to meet the changing Lighthouse Board for Scotland and the needs of the mariner. = See enhanced entry online Commissioners of Irish Lights for Ireland e in testing and developing a range of Not everyone at sea is equipped with technological developments in the aids to the most up-to-date bridge technology navigation field. and even some of those who are, are not
100 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk NAVIGATION AIDS
Guiding principLE The guiding principle at Fendercare Marine fleet of steel buoys, the Fendercare Marine Improved for Hippo products is the continuous Hippo buoy was one of only three selected improvement and development in the by the US Coastguard to evaluate over a safety design, manufacture and supply of seven-year period. lightweight yet extremely stable buoys and cost- which will only need to touch land under As they enter year seven of this important exceptional circumstances. This will trial, the Hippo buoy is the only one left out reduce the scheduled maintenance in the water, the other two buoys having efficiency in programme to as little as a regular in- been returned to land by this point due to water lift to inspect the moorings and to mechanical failure or loss of colour. Navigation jet-wash off any marine growth or bird deposits. Summary Aids In summary, when you are looking at UV-stable integrated specifying or purchasing navigational Most people involved with pigmentation system buoys, don’t just look at the upfront cost floating navigation aids will The company is now able to offer a proven but think about the internal construction, tell you that the main reason UV-stable integrated pigmentation system, the colourfastness of the external material, their buoys tend to be returned which provides a level of colour-stability and the longer term maintenance costs. to land is not collision damage that’s unrivalled amongst plastic buoys but rather their colour fading to address the most common reason for This will inevitably lead to improved safety over time until the mark is expensive returns to land. and reduced costs in the long run. indistinct enough to need repainting so as to not pose a Also, the hulls of their buoys are made Fendercare Marine danger to mariners. of self-fendering elastomeric materials www.fendercare.com to offer exceptional collision resistance The majority of the cost of ownership providing a best-in-class solution to the = See enhanced entry online of any buoy is directly correlated to second main reason for buoys needing to e the lifetime maintenance requirement come onshore and incur all the associated rather than the initial purchase cost. vessel and workshop costs. Furthermore, the bulk of this maintenance cost will be incurred on the occasions Case study when that buoy has to be lifted out of The best illustration of this in practice the water and brought back to land for is their work with the U.S. Coastguard. refurbishment or repair. Having solicited Expressions Of Interest from plastic buoy manufacturers worldwide with a view to assessing potential replacements for their significant
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 101 NAVIGATION AIDS
Removing obstacles to wind farm development a solution for radar interference
NB There is currently at least 9 GW The government have set renewable of wind farm capacity being impacted energy targets that are driving wind by objections from the aviation sector, energy development. To meet these, DECC’s last estimate was 1.9GW of Solution wind farm developers sometimes consented wind farm project’s held up just Aveillant has developed a solution to need to be located near airports. by the aviation issue. the root cause of the problem. Its 3D Holographic RadarTM can specifically Distinguishing wind turbines Existing technology identify the difference between wind from aircraft There are a handful of technologies turbine and aircraft signals and ensure Unfortunately airport radar struggles to which exist or are being developed to only aircraft “blips” appear on an air traffic distinguish between wind turbines and eliminate wind farm clutter. Many rely on controller’s radar screen. aircraft. For wind farms to go ahead, either blanking out whole wind farms or airports need to be satisfied their identifying targets which appear to be Differentiation technology can tell the difference. wind farms. Both approaches leave areas The technology differentiates every of significant uncertainty and come with moving object’s signature by continuously limited applicability. measuring the detailed characteristics of every individual radar reflection.
Holographic Radar™ is a 3D radar – it determines the altitude of aircraft, enabling data sharing with and accurate integration of data into multiple air traffic radars.
102 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk NAVIGATION AIDS
Range NB Aveillant has produced a white paper Aveillant’s technology currently has a Satisfying safety concerns which explains the problem, as well range of 20 nautical miles making it a Craig Webster, Business Development as the pros and cons of all mitigation regional solution able cope with any Director and one of Aveillant’s founders, technologies, to help wind developers quantity of wind turbines within this area. says: “If planning applications are to be and air traffic controllers understand this It should also allow airports to work with granted near airports, wind developers complex issue. a separation distance of 3 nautical miles – will need to satisfy safety concerns. This their preferred modus operandi. will mean providing a solution that will Please visit their micropage on our website satisfy the airport operator. To ensure by clicking on the ‘pink link’ to read the full Reduced Project risk and up- they agree on the right technology that white paper. front capital expenditure will provide a suitable long term solution Since Holographic Radar™ does not and avoid any future objections, they Aveillant is a UK technology company rely upon terrain shielding or blanking will need to understand how different spun off from Cambridge Consultants in its deployment is extremely predictable technologies work. Any objective look October 2011. Cambridge Consultant’s substantially reducing project risk for both will conclude that Aveillant’s technology spin-offs have a track record of success, airport and wind farm developer. is the only credible option in almost all generating a combined market value in cases.” excess of £1.5bn and more than 3,000 Their service model approach substantially new jobs. reduces the upfront capital expenditure as each wind farm pays only for the services Aveillant Cambridge Consultants first started necessary to cover their wind farm and www.aveillant.com working with radar in 1980 and has been the cost is spread over the life of the wind developing its capability ever since. They farm. = See enhanced entry online initially focused on short range radar e systems specifically designed to provide maximum information on targets in a volume of interest – rather than simply detecting objects that are as far away as possible.
Cambridge Consultants www.cambridgeconsultants.com
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 103 20 Questions 20 Questions Keith Brooks
Who are you? What do you do in Keith Brooks, Managing Director, Prowind your spare time? (UK) Ltd I have been a volunteer at a day care centre for the What brought you into the last 12 years and help out industry/your position? with mentally ill children, I am a qualified engineer and studied my wife and I started a accountancy/business admin and had charity a few years ago to been a wind planning consultant for 15 help people with mental years when I was offered my dream job illness and working with by Johannes Busmann (MD of Prowind them puts life in focus GmbH) What sport do you participate What talent would you like to Family status? in/watch the most? have? Very happily married (25th anniversary in 2 I like to play snooker when I can and I The skill to make people understand that weeks), 3 children follow motorcycle racing (ex-biker) life is all about family/people and not bank accounts Who is your hero and why? What is the most bizarre I have two heroes, My father for teaching situation you have found What makes you angry? me the correct paths in life and my yourself in and how did you deal When an application is delayed by younger brother who has brain damage with it? something extremely petty which is not a and cerebral palsy, who taught me never Being given half a days notice to travel to material planning condition and just there to take anything for granted Leeds and give a talk on wind energy to so the planning officer looks good Gaz DeFrance at their annual conference, What annoys you the most? no notes or preparation, and somehow What law/legislation would you People who do not understand reasons managed to be classed as the best like to see introduced? why our work is so important speaker of the night – bizarre! A law which determined that turbines were in the national need so that they could What was your worst holiday What is your favourite record/ have far less planning restrictions and why? A whole week at Butlins with CD/artist/music? a five day migrane listening to party songs Favourite record has to be Pink Floyd’s What prominent person would The Wall, favourite artist – Seasick Steve – you like to meet? Who would you not like to be? Favourite music – classic rock Ed Davey MP, to try and persuade him to Anybody famous, I do not like spotlights back our industry Who would you choose to spend What is the best advice you have a romantic evening with other What book are you reading at ever been given? than your current partner? present? Never be afraid to walk away from bad I was lucky enough to meet my wife when Guidelines for Visual Assessments 3 business I was 17 and to have a romantic meal with – I relax by reading books pertinent to anyone else would be a betrayal so I think developing the business – boring but true What is your favourite smell? I`ll pass Sounds crazy but its coal tar soap, my What car do you drive? father was a miner and it’s the first smell I If money was not a factor what A ten year old Ford Mondeo can remember as it meant he had come would you buy tomorrow? home safe A motor vehicle workshop equipped with Where would you like to be 10 all the tools needed to restore classic cars years from now? where I would head a team of mechanics Still with Prowind as I seriously appreciate teaching disabled people new skills and the trust that has been placed in me, I for them to be able to prove they do have want to create and oversee a portfolio of a role in society renewable energy developments and to be more involved with community work. What 3 words would best describe you? Honest, Respectful, Careful
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