Offshore wind strategic alliance launched to offer complete O&M service package

RES, GEV Wind Power, Outreach Offshore and Rix Renewables, have launched the Offshore Wind O&M Partnership (OWOP) – a collective of complementary service companies based in the UK – to supply a complete package of quality, long-term O&M services to offshore wind asset owners.

By creating a ‘one stop shop’ for all core O&M services, the Partnership combines nearly 100 years of experience to offer a highly coordinated, agile approach that will minimise shutdowns and maximise asset performance. Through just one contract, asset owners will have access to all typical turbine, blade, substation, and balance of plant operations and maintenance services as well as workboats and advanced digital tools.

The Partnership will significantly reduce the complexity and resource intensity associated with the traditional way of subcontracting for multiple O&M services, allowing asset owners to benefit from a much more strategic approach while also ensuring execution to the highest safety standards. Underpinned by technology, the Partnership will coordinate multiple schedules of work, achieving greater levels of efficiency across asset downtime and technician attendance, while freeing up management time to focus on the ever-growing pipeline of offshore wind projects.

Simon Deacon, Operations and Maintenance Director for RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, said: “We’ve launched this partnership to ease the operational headache wind asset owners can face when organising O&M services. As the number of offshore wind assets continues to grow, the traditional way of contracting O&M services is becoming more complex and tiresome. At the same time, we are seeing a growing trend towards multi-service scopes, but few providers able to respond competitively.

“This strategic alliance of complementary UK service companies offers a new approach to securing high-quality O&M services; through just one contract, owners will be able to secure all the core services required to operate and maintain their assets, while being assured that the work will be executed to an industry-leading standard.”  

Lee Blanchard, Director for Rix Renewables, a managed services provider for the wind industry, said: “We are very pleased to be deepening our alliance with RES who we have worked with for some time to provide a comprehensive service for offshore clients. The launch of the Offshore Wind O&M Partnership is an exciting opportunity for all involved, bringing a new model of working that will unlock a level efficiency that is very difficult to achieve when individual scopes are subcontracted to multiple suppliers.” 

David Fletcher, Group Chief Executive Officer for GEV Wind Power, a global market leader in wind turbine maintenance and wind turbine services said: “We are committed to developing O&M efficiencies for our clients, to driving down turbine maintenance costs and downtime. The vision of the Partnership fully aligns with our own and as such we look forward to collaborating on some of the UK’s most notable offshore wind projects alongside our alliance partners.”  

Stuart Finlayson, General Manager for Outreach Offshore, a leading supplier of hydraulic handling, lifting and access equipment said: “We are delighted to be a founding member of OWOP to offer specialist lifting solutions. Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide a joined-up approach that will not only meet all quality and capability expectations but offer a new level of versatility and efficiency to both existing and future customers in this dynamic sector.”

To find out more about The Offshore Wind O&M Partnership and how it can support your O&M requirements visit www.owop.com