Deutsche Windtechnik signs contracts for subsea inspections at seven additional offshore wind farms: Inspection excellence is matched by cost efficiency

As part of the sustainable, cost-efficient cluster campaign approach, more than 300 annual inspection reports will be generated in the next two years for well-known wind farm owners including Trianel Windpark Borkum I and DanTysk Sandbank Offshore Wind GmbH & Co. KG (51% held by Vattenfall and 49% by Stadtwerke München). Amongst others Deutsche Windtechnik will conduct back-to-back inspections in Trianel Windpark Borkum I, Sandbank, DanTysk and Butendiek wind farms this year as part of the campaign. While the contract scope varies for each wind farm, the inspections will include a range of structures such as jacket and monopile foundations of wind turbines, substations and meteorological masts. The work also includes cable inspections that cover everything from the entry point on the tower to the point of burial. The resulting video footage, commentary and reports will provide the wind farm operators with an overview of the condition of their assets, enabling them to make well-founded financial decisions for the future. Identifying issues early can minimise downtime and extend the lifetime of a wind turbine.

"The outcomes of our subsea inspections are enabling clients to learn far more about the subsea status of their valuable assets, well beyond standard authority requirements," said Niels Noordeloos, Business Development Manager at Deutsche Windtechnik B.V., regarding the range of inspections to be carried out. The reports contain an evaluation of every turbine location, including damage assessments and recommendations to prevent future damages. "The reports provide insights about the condition and consequently the value of the investment below water. This information can be extremely important when it comes to budgeting decisions because it helps build solid arguments in favour or against an investment."

The cluster approach delivers convincing results on multiple levels

Geert Timmers, Managing Director of Deutsche Windtechnik in the Netherlands, explained the benefits of clustering the inspection work: "The key factor for all parties is the high quality of inspection and reporting combined with the efficiency of the cluster campaign in terms of the budget, the environment and the flexibility." Working closely with the partners Bluestream Offshore and O.S. Energy, integrating new contracts into the pre-existing cluster campaign has proven to be a simple task. "The cooperation enables Deutsche Windtechnik to mobilise a highly efficient vessel with a broad range of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that are equipped with the exact tools we need for the job: high-definition cameras, cleaning tools, ultrasonic and laser measurement systems, and more. All parties benefit from the clustering, from the expertise provided, the shared mobilisation costs, the fuel-efficient routing and mooring approach, and the very clear reporting," Geert Timmers said. Deutsche Windtechnik was able to start the inspection work right away: The vessel had already begun its work at the first wind farms as the final contracts were being signed.

The conclusion of multi-year contracts for wind farms in the North- and Baltic Sea has added a total of 231 offshore structures to Deutsche Windtechnik's cluster campaign. In addition, Deutsche Windtechnik has been commissioned to carry out annual survey and subsea inspection services at Trianel Windpark Borkum I until 2023. DanTysk Sandbank Offshore Wind GmbH & Co. KG has joined the campaign, requesting both standard and specialised inspection and measurement of the cable protection systems at the DanTysk and Sandbank wind farms.