PES Wind 2016 - Issue 4

Christos Kolliatsas Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen Lindsay Roberts Conference Call Mott MacDonald’s director We hear from the President Senior Policy Manager, Scottish We preview Offshore of renewables talks lenders and CEO of The Switch Renewables on Scotland’s Energy 2016 and funding success storyWIND We turn our attention to the eagerly anticipated Offshore Energy 2016 in Amsterdam and bring you our opinion and insight. PLUS our usual plethora of exclusive interviews and articles bringing you the all latest news, innovation and technology from the around the globePOWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2016A BIRD’SEYE VIEW...A top to bottom overview of the offshore sectorfrom some of the key industry players



EDITOR’S NOTEEditor’s note POWER & ENERGY SOLUTIONSHere we are at the end of what has been a breathless 2016. It has been agreat year and I would like to thank all contributors & readers alike for their Directorscollaboration and cooperation, which I hope will carry on in 2017. Stuart Gillies Mark SmithThe Offshore Energy 2016 in Amsterdam promises to be bigger and better than Client Liaison Managerever before with, this year for the first time, a gala dinner – for sure, an event not Vikki Birchto be missed! Editor Elaine PerrigotAt the beginning of the year the future was somewhat uncertain in our industry [email protected] to both the political situation and the various challenges facing Associate Editorsthe wind market. Once again the industry has proven to be as robust as ever, Peter Martinhas been able to adapt again and to diversify while looking towards exploiting, Shona O'Halloranthe ever changing opportunities that this constantly evolving industry throws Zachary Georgeour way. Design Sarah WilmottOne thing that has really stood out over the last couple of months is the [email protected] decrease in the costs and prices. The price of producing electricity in Productionour industry seems to be decreasing almost weekly, there is a price war in the Sarah Wilmottburgeoning drone market and everyone wants lower product and service prices. [email protected] begs the question, just how low can prices drop and maintain the necessary Sales Enquirieshigh standards in materials, production and safety? [email protected] General EnquiriesIn this issue we hear how the Dutch government are leading the way lowering [email protected] prices, the success of offshore wind in Scotland, how taking full Media Partnership Enquiriesadvantage of the lenders technical advisor (LTA) can save money in the long run, [email protected] on the accuracy and speed of drone inspections and about the price war Advertising Opportunitiesin the industry, the latest power cables & cabling solutions for the offshore [email protected], the importance of safety, as well as the unmissable interviews from PES is published by P&G Media Ltdindustry luminaries. P&G Media LtdWell where do we go from here? Will other governments take the lead from the PO Box 310, Bristol, BS10Dutch and provide 5 year renewable energy plans? It seems to me that the 5WT, United Kingdomindustry is geared up to face the future in new and creative ways. This publication is copyright © 2016 P&G Media LtdOne thing is certain, it has been a whirlwind 2016. and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior permission ofEnjoy the Issue. P&G Media Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this publication, P&G Media cannotElaine Perrigot be held responsible for the accuracy of the informationEditor published herein or any consequence arising from it. From sustainably managed forests. For more information visit: www.pefc.org www.peswind.com www.peswind.com 3

CONTENTSMott MacDonald The Switch Scottish RenewablesWe welcome hydro We hear the views of Lindsay& renewables director, Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen Roberts, regarding the thriving discusses his ‘long-term’ offshore wind sector in ScotlandChristos Kolliatsas thoughts and outlook for theto PES Wind wind energy market Event Preview We look ahead and preview the Annual OFFSHORE ENERGY 2016 in Amsterdam Our lead story in this issue looks at the very latest in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies & gives us an insight in to their capabilitiesComment Ask the experts Corporate focus10 Looking at the dramatic price drop 28 The first company under our spotlight 25 We hear from ADEDE about the in both solar & wind in this issue is Altheris Sensors & challenges they face during the search Controls, meet Thijs Haselhoff for UXO both at sea & on landPES Essential & Eric Préfontaine 32 We focus on the latest in Sub-sea40 A look at the latest power cables 44 We hear exclusively from Mariecke control, monitoring & connecting & cabling solutions for the offshore Siezen, director at Technoship BV solutions sector about the importance of safety on & offshore 105 We are delighted to hear again70 We are delighted to welcome back 102 PES met up with Rick Huntley, from Stefan Weber, informing us of Jan De Nul to PES Wind, as they give the staggering success of the online us an in-depth look at Intertidal Cable director of safety & compliance at distribution platform for the wind Installations Sential Aviation, we asked him about energy sector the current situation in the market WWW.WINDSOURCING.COM4 PES Wind

CONTENTSTalking Point Think Tank36 Joost Eenhuizen, business manager 52 A look at the current state of wave maritime & offshore industry at energy, opportunities & challenges the Port of Rotterdam Authority, discusses the role the port can play in 86 We are delighted to hear from the development of wind farms at sea Mita-Teknik regarding their advanced48 Unmanned Aerial Systems are blade pitch systems attracting a lot attention currently, and rightly so, we hear from Aerlialtronics regarding the Altura Zenith UAS.92 A Dutch ‘recipe for success’ in offshore wind www.peswind.com 5

NEWSBayWa r.e.sells 30 MW wind farm in the UKAt the beginning of October, BayWa r.e. procurement, project financing and conditions for a wind farm. It is expectedsold its 29.7 MW Fraisthorpe wind farm, implementation. to generate renewable electricity for thesituated near Bridlington. The site was equivalent of 22,500 households each yearacquired by funds managed by the UK Going forward, BayWa r.e. will continue to and thereby reduce CO2 emissions byinvestment fund manager Octopus provide full service commercial and 48,000 tonnes.”Investments, one of the UK’s largest technical operations management servicesinvestors in renewable energy. to the project. The Fraisthorpe wind farm Matthias Taft, Board Member of BayWa consists of nine Vestas V112 turbines with AG, responsible for the energy business,This is the fifth successful wind farm sale a total capacity of 29.7 MW. added: “Following the successful sale offrom the BayWa r.e. portfolio to take place the Fraisthorpe wind farm, we arein the UK to date. Upon acquiring the Katy Hogg, Managing Director of BayWa delighted at the prospect of working withconsented project in December 2014, r.e. UK, commented that: “The location of Octopus Investments, as a long-termBayWa r.e. assumed responsibility for Fraisthorpe near the coast offers ideal customer….”Seaway Heavy Lifting awards Seatools with pile templateinstrumentation contractSeaway Heavy Lifting has awarded Dutch instrumentation and control system. Key Jan Frumau, Managing Director atsubsea technology company Seatools the factors that will make this project a Seatools, is very pleased with the contract:contract for the design and delivery of a success, such as positioning accuracy, “We are proud to work for a prominentpiling template instrumentation and control high installation speeds, extreme EPCI contractor like Seaway Heavy Lifting.system. The system will be used for the robustness, and reliability in the presence The contract perfectly matches our strongoffshore pile installation operations that of high shock loads and vibrations, closely value proposition for the offshoreare part of the construction of the Beatrice match Seatools’ capabilities and expertise. renewables market: an extensive provenoffshore wind farm. The project ties in with the company’s subsea technology toolbox, combined with profile and its expertise in robust dredging strong multidisciplinary engineeringThe contract includes the complete instrumentation, accurate subsea capabilities.mechanical, electric, hydraulic, and measurement technology, and advancedsoftware design of the pile template control systems.Siemens latest onshore wind turbine with larger and lighter blades receivestype certificate from DNV GLOn 6th October 2016, DNV GL and 61400-22 for conformity testing and innovations and developments throughoutSiemens Wind Power (Siemens) certification. the wind turbine, the SWT-3.6-130 will,announced that the Siemens SWT-3.6-130 according to Siemens, deliver 18-19%Onshore Direct Drive Platform wind The SWT-3.6-130 is the 2nd generation of higher annual energy production acrossturbine had been successfully type wind turbine from the Onshore Direct Drive wind speeds than the previous modelcertified by DNV GL. This certification Platform. It features larger blades than SWT-3.2-113 of the first generation ofconfirms that the new turbine complies previous generation of wind turbines, direct drive wind turbines. Siemenswith all the requirements of the giving a rotor diameter of 130 meters. Wind Power offers the turbine with variousinternational wind turbine standard IEC Thanks to this and additional technical hub heights.First EcoCoaster delivered to MeriauraMeriaura received the first of the two VG 5000 ton dry cargo ship with iceclass 1A. cooperation with Foreship and Aker ArcticEcoCoaster newbuildings ordered from Technology.Royal Bodewes. M/s ‘Eeva VG’ arrived in “Although the vessels are traditional dryFinland at the beginning of October, and cargo bulkers, they represent a new VG EcoCoasterTM is designed to causewas baptised in the port of Rauma, where generation because of their environmental considerably less environmental impactthe vessel loaded her first cargo, 4000 friendliness and energy efficiency,” says than conventional dry cargo vessels oftons of oats, for Rotterdam. M/S Eeva VG Jussi Mälkiä, Chairman of Meriaura Group. same type and size.is 103 meters long and 13.6 meters wide, VG EcoCoaster is a new ship concept developed by Meriaura Group in6 PES Wind

NEWSwww.peswind.com 7

NEWSEuropean Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) decided to lift the temporary flightsuspension of the Super Puma EC225 LP and AS332 L2 helicopters fromAirbus Helicopters.The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority put helicopters to return to flight include: service. Unusual events include externalin place the ban on all helicopters of the events that might shock the gearbox butH225 and AS332L2 type, including search – The elimination of a specific type (Type without visual evidence of damage.and rescue flights, in June following a fatal A) of 2nd stage main gearbox planet gearaccident of an EC225 LP helicopter in involved in the accident by another type EASA stated it has been closely monitoringNorway on April 29, 2016. The CHC- (Type B) which has a demonstrated reliable the analysis and tests conducted by Airbusoperated Super Puma crashed near service life. Helicopters.Bergen while returning to land from aStatoil offshore platform. – An additional safety factor applied to the “We maintain our full support to the demonstrated service life of this gear type investigation led by the AccidentAfter the crash, the Norwegian Civil (Type B), resulting in the time before Investigation Bureau of Norway (AIBN) forAviation Authority grounded all EC255 type replacement being reduced to less than the accident. This action continues tohelicopters, but the order did not apply to half its current value. address the initial safety recommendationany search and rescue flights. Later in on EASA and we will address any furtherMay, the aviation authority in Norway – The daily inspection or after 10 flight recommendations addressed to EASA,”extended the no flight ban to include the hours (whichever comes first) of the chip the agency said.AS332L2 Super Puma helicopter. detectors, and every 10 flight hours oil filter with very stringent criteria. EASA also noted it will closely monitor theAccording to EASA, the set of ‘very compliance action taken by the helicopterstringent’ protective measures which The aviation safety agency said that all manufacturer and operators following theenable the decision to allow these type of main gearboxes that have suffered from return to service along with operational unusual events will be withdrawn from information.Boskalis: unique combination of new LNG fuelled harbor tugs and LNGbunkering contractRoyal Boskalis Westminster (Boskalis) joint Bunkering Pilot Programme. The 65-tonne of the world’s main LNG bunkering ports.ventures Keppel Smit Towage and Maju bollard pull ASD tugs will be built byMaritime have ordered two innovative LNG Keppel Singmarine in Singapore using the With a large global fleet, Boskalis isdual-fuel harbour tugs, which marks a shipyard’s proprietary design. constantly on the lookout for ways tobreakthrough for realising clean reduce emissions and innovate in termsenvironmentally friendly harbour towage The LNG fuel will be supplied by Shell, for of sustainability and looks forward toservices in the Singapore port. The tugs, which two Head of Agreements have been rolling this out in other LNG ports andwhich are expected to be delivered in signed, and bunkered through FueLNG, a terminals around the world. Boskalis2018, will run entirely on LNG. For this joint venture between Shell and Keppel. believes that the use of LNG as a marinereason, the Maritime and Port Authority of The two LNG fuelled tugs will be the first fuel for harbour tugs will play a viable roleSingapore will award a grant of up to SGD clients of LNG as marine fuel in the pilot in reducing emissions that no other fossil2 million for each tug under its LNG for the development of Singapore into one fuel can currently achieve.JDR awarded contract for beatrice wind farmJDR, a leading supplier of subsea power of inter-array cables for the project to JDR COO, Richard Turner, adds: “Thecables and umbilicals to the global connect a total of 84 wind turbines. Beatrice project highlights the UK’soffshore energy industry, has been commitment to investing in offshore windawarded a subcontract by Siem Offshore JDR CEO, David Currie, says: “We are energy and our contract is a great exampleContractors GmBH to supply subsea delighted to partner with Siem Offshore of supporting UK manufacturing andpower cables for Beatrice offshore wind Contractors once again on this prestigious employment. We are particularly proud tofarm. project. As the only UK manufacturer of be working on this project, having inter-array cable, our technology offers a provided our first inter-array cables forThe 588 MW wind farm will be situated in reliable, high quality solution to the SSE’s pioneering Beatrice demonstratorthe UK’s Outer Moray Firth, 18.4 kilometres Beatrice project. We have pioneered the project 10 years ago, which included the(km) from shore, and is expected to power development of inter-array cables for first 5 MW offshore turbines.”approximately 450,000 homes. JDR will offshore wind farms and look forward toengineer, design and manufacture 180 km supporting another major project”.8 PES Wind

NEWSwww.peswind.com 9

COMMENTDramatic price dropsWords: Steve Sawyer, secretary general at GWECThe dramatic drop in price of solar and wind generated electricity, for solar in particular,has grabbed a lot of attention lately. Prices in the range of $US 0.03-0.04/kWh havecome through in tenders from Peru to Mexico and Morocco to South Africa. It is almost tothe point where in the big picture, price doesn’t matter so much anymore. As penetrationlevels begin to increase, the emphasis will be much more on how to integrate them intothe power system, or rather to transform the power system to work with wind and solar’sparticular characteristics. But when people are talking about wind, they are increasinglyadding ‘onshore’, to distinguish it from its large, slow and expensive cousin, offshore wind.But maybe not for much longer. There has been a lot of positive news from offshore sector, in the short to medium term the increasingly dynamic offshore sector of the spate of upcoming tenders is such that late. Until recently the best prices we had there are the first signs of worry about heard of for offshore was €103/MWh for the turbine supply timetables. We haven’t had Horns Rev extension in early 2015, which that problem for quite a while. was considered a very positive sign of things to come. The installation of the turbines for the first commercial offshore plant in US, the 30 However, just about everyone was MW Block Island project, was completed in surprised by the record low prices in the August, and the project is expected to be Dutch auction for 700 MW at the Borssele feeding electricity to the island community offshore site near the Belgian border in the as well as the mainland by the end of the beginning of July - less than €73/MWh; year; and just last week the US which, if you add the cost of transmission Departments of Energy and Interior would be somewhere in the low to mid-80s, released their National Offshore Wind another record. The next tender for another Strategy: Facilitating the Development of 700 MW is now open for bids which will the Offshore Wind Industry in the United close on 29 September and be awarded States. Citing US offshore potential in around the end of this year, where similar or excess of 2 terawatts with existing perhaps even lower prices are expected. technology - roughly double the US’s total The Dutch plan to tender another 700 MW existing generation capacity, the roadmap per year in 2017, 2018 and 2019. outlines a plan to install 86 GW of offshore projects by 2050, with a goal of getting In September Vattenfall won the bid for 350 prices down below $100/MWh by 2025. MW of Danish nearshore projects at a price just over €60/MWh. Granted, these projects It’s a very ambitious plan and in the are close to shore - and it should also be medium term we will probably see a noted they are mired in controversy due to substantial build-out in the US. But in the the current Danish government’s messing short term, the price gap between what about with policy, but still it’s a positive early projects in the US will cost and what sign. In fact, although the long term the market will bear is very substantial. uncertainty still haunts the European Without a federal support system for10 PES Wind

COMMENTLines/markers indicate the median expert response Shaded areas show Source: Berkeley Labthe 25th to 75th percentile range of expert responses “Can the US industry learn from the European obviously key factors, but improvedexperience? There is certainly a very healthy line- operation, siting and improved financial conditions for wind projects also pay a role. up of investors who are counting on that” The study is well worth a look and I hope they revisit it in a couple of years as Ioffshore, and with the PTC phasing out trends are positive, but how the chicken- imagine reality will overtake even the mostover the next five years, it’s not yet clear and-egg question in relation to supply optimistic projections once again; ashow that gap is going to be made up. chain, infrastructure and demand pipeline is indeed, they seem to be doing already in going to be solved is not yet clear. Europe; if indeed the pricing trends that weFor despite the cost reductions seen in are seeing now for offshore wind hold upEurope, the US faces an even greater Just last week, our friends at the Lawrence for the next couple of years.challenge, as it has very little in the way of Berkeley National Lab, NREL and othersexisting supply chain and/or infrastructure published an Expert elicitation survey on The question, as always, is whether thefor offshore wind, and it is competing in a future wind energy costs in Nature, under policy makers will establish functional andmarket where electricity prices are in the auspices of IEA Wind. Although the stable frameworks within which the industrygeneral considerably lower than in Europe. data for the study was collected prior to the can develop long term plans, automateBlock Island was easy in one sense, as the record low auction results in both the processes, cut costs and work in thecompetition is with diesel gen-sets on the onshore and offshore sectors in the last context of a stable pipeline within aisland; but for large scale commercial couple of months (and much of it before the framework it can trust. Technologydevelopments, costs need to come down dollar dramatically increased in value improvement and improved siting anddramatically. But without the volume, against the Euro 18 months ago), the study management will play their roles, butpipeline and infrastructure, that’s not going reinforces the trends that we are without a long term commitment to theto happen - hence the National Strategy. experiencing and that we expect to see as sector, it’s going to be tough. Policymakers the industry matures. in Japan, India, Korea, China and SoutheastCan the US industry learn from the Asia looking at offshore would do well toEuropean experience? There is certainly a The study identified five main drivers for take note.very healthy line-up of investors who are cost reductions: CapEx, OpEx, cost ofcounting on that - but it will take time and financing, turbine performance and project www.gwec.net/there has to be market demand. design life. Larger turbine size, larger rotorNevertheless, the interest is there and the diameters and higher hub heights are www.peswind.com 11

COMMENTOnshore wind is a hugesuccess in ScotlandWords: Lindsay Roberts, Senior Policy Manager, Scottish RenewablesRenewable energy is now our largest source of power and interventions, based on bottom-upwith over 5.5GW installed onshore, wind provides the lion’s modelling, moderated by targetedshare of that capacity. Can the Scottish and UK stakeholder interviews and a wider industryGovernments work with industry and regulators to remove survey.a series of barriers as suggested in a report by Everoze andexplained here by Lindsay Roberts, Senior Policy Manager The outcome?at Scottish Renewables? The study showed the next generation of The sector has delivered hugely impressive onshore wind projects in Scotland could be cost reductions, leading some at least 20% more cost effective if Scottish commentators to claim that it is already the and UK Governments work with industry cheapest form of new electricity generation and regulators to remove a series of plant on the market. barriers. It’s perhaps not surprising then that the That translates to potential savings appetite for further development remains upwards of £150 million a year. undiminished, with another 7GW of capacity waiting in the wings. The biggest cost saving came from the deployment of the latest generation of That pipeline, however, faces an uncertain turbines, reducing LCoE by £11/MWh. future without a viable route to market. The majority of planning applications in What is certain is that a successful future Scotland are for an upper tip height of 125 depends on our ability to reduce costs even metres or less – significantly lower than further. comparable markets like Germany or Sweden, where tip heights well in excess of Earlier this year (2016) Scottish Renewables 150 metres are the norm. commissioned energy consultancy Everoze to examine just how low the cost of onshore By simply using more modern turbine wind in Scotland could go and the steps models and increasing average tip heights needed to get us there. to 145m, with hub heights increasing by 10m, we could generate 16% more energy Everoze identified ten separate policy for 3% lower total cost. interventions across three broad themes: planning, grid and revenue. Everoze also found that introducing a more flexible way of connecting onshore wind Their analysis is a qualitative and projects to the grid and reducing the quantitative assessment of the amount developers have to pay to connect could save millions of pounds each year. Current industry practice limits the availability of flexible grid connection offers to onshore wind developers in Scotland.12 PES Wind

COMMENTThe challenge on certain parts of the “Energy storage has to be part of the future ofnetwork is to move from a philosophy of onshore wind in Scotland. As developers we“invest and connect” to “connect andmanage”. need to improve our understanding of what can be achieved now and in the future”Some network operators are already takingthe first steps in this direction with Active consumer and improving revenue. Zoe Barnes, Head of Scottish Office atNetwork Management schemes, but more Everoze, has told how she sees thecould be done. One developer, questioned as part of the publication as “more than just another research, said: “Energy storage has to be policy report to sit on the shelf gatheringBy adopting conditional connections we part of the future of onshore wind in dust”.can make better use of existing grid assets Scotland. As developers we need toand avoid reinforcements – changes which improve our understanding of what can be She continued: “This is about identifyingwould save around £58 million every year. achieved now and in the future.” concrete actions for government, industry and relevant stakeholders to find commonThe adoption of new offtake arrangements Storage, Everoze concluded, could lead to ground to enable onshore wind to fulfil itsis increasingly in vogue in the UK, though a £3/MWh reduction in LCoE for onshore potential in Scotland – delivering reliable,again they are already much more wind – an exciting opportunity to be affordable and clean energy at the heart ofcommonplace in the rest of the world. grasped, but where to start? the power sector.”So-called corporate PPAs (also known as The report outlines three actions on This report shows clearly that onshore wind“sleeving arrangements”) involve the sale of storage: “(1) raise awareness of additional can continue to achieve cost reductions,power to private end-users without building revenue streams available to onshore wind but only if government, industry anda direct grid link. asset owners from the deployment of regulators work together on the issues storage; (2) work with Ofgem to reduce identified.Everoze found that contracting directly with regulatory barriers to participation inan offtaker through such a sleeving capacity markets and ancillary services for Given just how cheap onshore wind can be,arrangement could increase revenue and onshore wind with storage, including work it makes no sense for the UK Governmentreduce the LCoE of Scotland’s onshore to reduce perceived subsidy and State Aid to exclude the technology from accessingwind pipeline by £3/MWh. concerns, and; (3) work with system competitive auctions for long-term clean operators and other enablers to direct power contracts.With the benefits of storage – innovation funding towards morepredominantly, in this arena, batteries – as demonstration projects.” www.scottishrenewables.comyet untried on a large scale, theopportunities for what Everoze dubbed a‘revenue revolution’ from the technologywere worth investigating.The report found that storage, on atechnology-agnostic level, gave onshorewind developers the ability to becomelow-cost, competitive service providers tothe grid, potentially lowering costs to the www.peswind.com 13

CONFERENCE CALLOffshore Energy Exhibition& Conference 2016Following hot on the heels of Hamburg we turn our Logistics!attention to the eagerly anticipated Offshore EnergyAmsterdam. Here is our preview, just for you. Regarding the topic he will focus on during OWC and its importance to the industry,The international oil, gas and renewable scrutinises all the planned projects prior to Finé said he was pleased with the choice oftrade event is just around the corner and bidding to work on them. “My responsibility OWC to appoint the subject of logistics, asbefore it kicks off, the Offshore WIND is to capitalise on this knowledge and really it is an underestimated part of the business.Conference (OWC) will take center stage. look to specific projects which we can Logistics should be integrated into theOWC will again be part of OEEC, taking follow and hopefully be awarded within next complete value chain, from engineering,place on 24 and 25 October also at the couple of years. At the moment, that means through pre-fabrication and construction toAmsterdam RAI, together with speakers keeping an eye on the projects planned to installation of foundations. On the final goalfrom leading companies such as DONG, be developed after 2018, because with the of the integration of logistics to help bringSiemens and Vattenfall, to further projects we have now we are fully booked,” the offshore wind costs down, Finé pointedstrengthen OEECs connection to Eric Finé explained. Eric Finé, who is the out: “When something is going wrong, itrenewables. During OWC speakers from the Business Development Manager at immediately starts to add to the cost. Weindustry will discuss how more business Smulders and one of the speakers at the count on our suppliers to further integrateopportunities can be found and how the ‘Supply chain in detail’ session during their services, including added servicesindustry can reach its potential. OWC, which will focus on the opportunities and strive to make cost reductions.” of offshore wind players, developers, windOne such company is Smulders. The turbine manufacturers and members of the OEEC in depthcompany built the first foundation for an supply chain, has given his insight into theoffshore wind farm in 2001 and is about to matters revolving around the offshore wind On 25 and 26 October 2016 Amsterdamdeliver its 1,500th foundation. Having that sector from the standpoint of an industry RAI will again host the internationalexperience means knowing not all projects player focused on offshore wind farm gathering of the whole offshore energywill be developed as planned, so Smulders substructures. industry, where exhibitors and visitors can meet more than 11,500 professionals, from engineering to sales, from procurement to finance and from project management to executive management. New this year will be the Offshore Energy Opening Gala14 PES Wind



CONFERENCE CALLDinner that will take place on the evening large investment of around 185 billion More renewable knowledge can beprior to the official start of OEEC on dollars is required within the next five years, garnered during the Marine Energy event,Monday October 24th. This festive evening to allow for fleet renovation, already organised in partnership with EWA. Thewill take place at the impressive Beurs van announced by the Iranian government, as Marine Energy Event will be held on 26Berlage in Amsterdam. well as technological innovation and October 2016 from 12:30 to 18:00 at RAI solutions. Amsterdam as part of the Offshore EnergyThis black tie gala dinner will be attended Exhibition & Conference. Learn the latestby 300 to 500 international offshore energy The Offshore Energy Exhibition & on marine energy projects in test phase,professionals from operators, service Conference (OEEC) is proud to announce marine energy solutions and large projectcompanies, contractors etc. In addition to the cooperation with CBC and as such the development updates. Attending the eventa culinary dinner, musical interludes and development of the Iran Pavilion as well as means you will meet industry leaders fromspeeches by dignitaries, the presentation the technical conference sessions focused international marine energy projects,of three awards will take place; The Best on Iran. The Iran pavilion is one of many environmental monitoring, testingInnovation in Offshore Energy Award; The pavilions, including among others: the infrastructure as well as from offshoreOffshore Energy Public Outreach Award; Netherlands, Scotland, DIT, China and Italy safety and construction. Anotherand the Offshore Energy Young Engineer as well. renewables event is the Ocean ThermalAward. Energy Conversion (OTEC) symposium, Conference in detail which is an annual meeting that bringsIran opportunities during OEEC together OTEC industry, researchers and OEECs extensive conference program, market experts from all over the world.As sanctions have been lifted, Iran has themed ‘Entering a new era’ will coverbecome a hot topic within the offshore topics such as subsea processing & More information on the exhibition, theenergy industry. The country boasts 70 per infrastructure, decommissioning, conference and tickets for the Offshorecent of the world’s total oil reservoirs and knowledge management, asset integrity, Energy Opening Gala Dinner can be40 per cent of the world’s gas resources. supply chain optimisation and LNG will found on www.offshoreenergy.biz.Furthermore, Iran hold the largest have the focus. Led by expert speakers andhydrocarbon reservoirs in the world and 9.3 moderators. Aside from this, the keynotes,per cent of the world’s total gas reserves, the Industry Panel and the Human Capitalmaking the country the alternative gas- Panel, will be back again this year.supplier to Europe. To tap this potential, a16 PES Wind



PES ESSENTIAL A bird’s eye view The latest UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology allows swift, thorough inspections to assess turbines. Drones can be used either as part of routine reporting or for detailed inspections in preparations for rope access teams. This has many significant health and safety benefits for the technical teams in terms of assuring all anchor points are secure and preparing in advance for any repair work that will need to be done at height. Here, UAVONIC Ltd, shares the fundamentals of a typical aerial inspection and how wind O&M teams can benefit.18 PES Wind

PES ESSENTIAL “One of the cost UAVONIC works closely with inspection On site the team will; saving benefits of UAV engineers to give the UAV Operators a goodinspections is the ability understanding of the wind turbine’s • Perform an On Site Survey structure. So when on site with a client, to reduce downtime pilots can understand the issues most • Update the Risk Assessment for the client, so flight commonly discovered upon inspection and plans always maintain what is required for the inspecting Engineer. • Review media after capture maximum efficiency When doing an inspection on a wind farm • Hand over to client and liaise with when shutting down usually an inspection Engineer from the site client and manager of the site on the would be present with the UAVONIC UAV day of flying the turbines” team. There may be specific issues he is already aware of that he will want the pilot A typical team includes one UAV Pilot, and camera operator to focus on, but all one camera operator and one assistant project plans will look similar consisting of to manage data and batteries. Obviously the following scope of work: ensuring quality data capture on the day is of crucial importance. While UAV battery • Project Task List technology is constantly improving, in order to ensure optimal performance on site, the • Clearance with Nearest ATC (air traffic team allows up to 4 batteries per turbine control) to be sure all areas of concern can be completely documented. • Risk Assessment for the site The UAVONIC team works worldwide on • Pre Site Survey of airspace for the site multiple models of turbines of various ages. To prevent longer shut down time then • Plan Flight Paths necessary, it is crucial to plan ahead for any eventuality. For instance, when working on • Issue of Notams (notice to airmen) where a field of older generation turbines, the needed blades’ rotations can take a significant amount of time. Therefore the work flow is • Notification to local Police if necessary www.peswind.com 19

PES ESSENTIAL20 PES Wind

PES ESSENTIAL “The engineer is then able to usethe imagery to identify if any works need to be scheduled”organised to allow for this extra time mounted on a hub that is connected vianeeded for the blades to rotate between the main shaft to the gearbox. Varying ineach turbine. Depending on the layout of lengths of up to 60 meters, the blades arethe site, flights can be planned for one made up from fibreglass and epoxy resin.turbine whilst another is rotating. Some have design specifications where polyester is used instead of resin withAfter each flight, while the blades are carbon fibre added for strength. All bladesrotated, data is downloaded and reviewed are subject to wear from weather, bird-by both the UAV team and the inspection strike etc. Please see photo examples ofengineer. This ensures each flight has typical issues spotted during UAV surveys.captured all the data requested by the To take a closer look at the bladeengineer and gives the opportunity to construction during inspection, it isrepeat the flight if any details are missing important that the cameraman captures theor unclear. All this can be done whilst full length of each side of the blade withpreparing for the next flight. One of the good overlaps.cost saving benefits of UAV inspections isthe ability to reduce downtime for the client, The UAV team takes care to documentso flight plans always maintain maximum previous repairs and replacement of theefficiency when shutting down the turbines. blades edging tape. These areas are often the most important to capture, beingA standard wind turbine is made up of over especially significant for the inspection8000 components. The rotors and the nacelle engineers. Also where the blade enters theare the main subjects of UAV inspections, nacelle, this is usually sealed with a rubberusually inspected with high resolution flange held in place with a metal gasketphotographs and videography. Inspection retainer. Inspecting a potential corrosion ofwith thermographic cameras is also currently this area is also important. And a UAV flightproving useful to detect overheating. can often offer views not available from a ground photographic survey or even ropeTypically, the team will first look at the access teams.rotors, the assembly of three blades www.peswind.com 21

PES ESSENTIALLooking more closely at the nacelle, an on each turbine is also given an ID as the the blade is always in the centre of the shot,all-around visual inspection is required of engineer needs to be able to identify the and all photos are in focus.each nacelle. Clear high resolution imagery blades individually, the order in which thewill give the engineers reassurance that photos were taken and to which turbine Particular care must be taken with certainthere has been no weather damage, which they came from. All of this information will turbine models as the copper coil in themay cause the nacelle to leak water causing be detailed on the final report. HUB to aid cooling can cause extremefurther problems later on. The nacelle interference with the video signal, it canprotects all of the internal components so The engineer is then able to use the also cause interference with some IMU’s.is especially significant. This is usually imagery to identify if any works need to be UAVONIC have discovered a work-aroundconstructed of fibreglass and can be scheduled, and where roughly on the blade and specify using custom VTX with a 7 turnsubjected to fractures. the technicians will need to go. The directional helical antenna on the diversity UAVONIC team’s process is to download monitor. All UAVONIC flights use the latestA UAV team can generally inspect 3 each data set after each flight, check, name in both UAV and camera technology. Theturbines with a 3 blade configuration in a and store before doing the next flight. This newest addition to the UAV fleet, the Falconday. Each turbine is given a unique ID, this saves any confusion later on as all the 8 drone is stable enough to reliably inspectis critical when labelling each set of blades do look identical. Great lengths are offshore wind farms.imagery and videos. In addition, each blade taken in the setup of the cameras to ensure Once all the flight paths have been completed, the high res photographs have been downloaded and tagged and the client is satisfied with the output, all the data is presented in a report. The UAV inspection report is a key reference document for O&M teams and site owners/ asset managers alike. Maintaining a file of reports updated every 6 months to a year is best practice offering a visual record of the state of all repairs and informing schedules of required works. UAVs can offer high resolution data not available from the ground, that’s quick, safe and cost effective. Understanding these basics of UAV operations will help you get the most out of your next aerial report. www.uavonic.com22 PES Wind



PES ESSENTIAL UAVONIC is a well established UAV Enterprise Services provider. Since the commencement of business in 2014, we have grown to become one of the most competitive service providers across Europe. Utilising the latest aircraft and payload sensors technology and in-house hardware/software development, UAVONIC is forging ahead to be at the forefront of our Enterprise Service market sectors. Creating a UK base in Kettering in 2015, emphasis is placed on regulations compliance and Health and Safety being the key priority whenever and wherever we are operating. Utilising proven, reliable platforms operated by professional, highly trained and experienced certified pilots, we ensure safe, time and cost effective services to our clients.24 PES Wind

CORPORATE FOCUSHidden threatsPES hears from the Belgian company, ADEDE, about the Offshore UXO surveychallenges they face during the search for unexplodedordnance (UXO) in the sea and on land. This work is often The offshore environment provides hugehazardous and sometimes uncovers some significant technical challenges, one of which is UXO.archaeological finds. And more importantly, which objects are dangerous and which are not? 25 For offshore surveying we use side scan sonar, multibeam sonar, magnetometry and electromagnetometry or EM. In order to work as efficiently as possible we use these survey methods simultaneously. It means less sails for data gathering and an accurate positioning of anomalies found on and underneath the sea bed. The data sets we produce allow us to make an initial preselection of objects that require further investigation by our dive team. A discarded tyre or oil drum for example could have a magnetic signature similar to UXO. The side scan or multibeam image enables us to exclude harmless obstacles from inspection by divers and focus on the suspect UXO targets. In circumstances where a diving operation is unadvisable we have our own ROV at our disposal for close up inspection, identification and preparation for safe removal of UXO. We can perform these missions independently or in cooperation with survey companies, as part of a wider survey agenda. www.peswind.com

CORPORATE FOCUSNearshore and onshore UXO survey surveys. The closer to land the more dense “Part of our services the deposits of ordnance becomes. The is identification andFor nearshore survey work we have our Atlantic wall for instance, running from clearance on - andown survey vessel, a 18m catamaran Norway all the way down to Spain, has four offshore. We have ourenabling us to survey water depth with a lines of defence against ships. Although theminimum of two metres. areas have been cleared in a way that own customised would make shipping safe, it has never ROV and airlift forFor areas inaccessible to a vessel towed been cleared in a way that would enable usside scan or magnetometer, like for to dig or jet trenches safely in the seabed. this purpose.”instance deltas and lakes, we deploy our We have expert knowledge on where toAutonomous Underwater Vehicles or AUV’s. look for these obstacles and of course howThese are equipped to perform to deal with them effectively and efficiently.simultaneous side scan and magnetometer We should also include the sea mines thatsurveys resulting in a combined data set. were laid in both offence and defence ofThe AUV is suited to survey in shallow water harbour and port entrances much furtherand confined areas. The fact that our AUV down the shipping lanes.navigates at a set depth over the bottommanes it gathers very consistent UXO identification and clearancemagnetometry data, adding to the value ofthe AUV as a survey vehicle. Worldwide we Part of our services is identification andare amongst the most experienced clearance on- and offshore. We have ourcompanies that use the AUV for UXO own customised ROV and airlift for thissurvey missions. purpose. The result can either be relocation of for instance the cable, removal orFor the areas where pipes and cables reach destruction of the UXO. For the latter weshore and beyond we perform land based use the Cobra system, a ready to usemagnetometry, electromagnetometry and integrated demolition and firing system thatGround Penetrating Radar or GPR surveys. relies on a minimum amount of explosivesThe data collected reveals any obstacles and can be attached to UXO by means ofthat could potentially be a hazard to the ROV. We are also licensed to performsafety of men and assets. The onshore area destruction outside the areas where this isis often overlooked with regard to UXO the task of the naval force in question.26 PES Wind

CORPORATE FOCUS “We have taken part in dredging operations worldwide and we have experts on standby to troubleshoot sudden UXO problems”Maritime Archaeology Specialist observers ADEDE ADEDE provides specialist UXO service forConstruction sites listed as offshore projects in areas with UXO risk, but where ADEDE Search & Recovery providesheritage areas are required to be assessed no survey nor clearance have taken place. Geophysics based UXO andfor the presence of objects or features of We have expert knowledge on how to deal Archaeology services for the purpose ofarchaeological value. Our side scan data with UXO that is dredged up, of local laws finding and recovering hazards andare checked for objects, which could be of regarding UXO and we advise on obstacles prior to sea floor intrusion.archaeological interest, by our maritime procedures that ensure a safe dredgingarchaeologists and advice on the operation in areas with UXO risk. Our customers are offshore contractors,consequences of construction in an area of dredging companies, energy companies,interest is communicated to our customers. We have taken part in dredging operations exploration companies, surveyIf a full archaeological investigation is worldwide and we can have experts on companies and heritage authorities inrequired we can deploy AUV, ROV, divers standby to troubleshoot sudden UXO Western Europe.and do a report as required by the relevant problems, either by identifying and guidingHeritage Authorities. Archeological by means of imagery or by joining our We specialise in UXO survey, UXOassessment is usually done during the UXO customer’s crew as quickly as possible, to identification en clearance but alsoidentification missions so there is no need ensure continuation of work in the safest archaeological survey and research.to perform two separate missions. The possible way. On most occasions though We provide these services for customerscloser to the coast you get the higher the our experts join the crew to monitor worldwide with a team of highly trainedconcentration of heritage sites, not in the proceedings during the operations. and skilled specialist geologists,least because of the anti shipping weapons geophysicists, archaeologists andthat were deployed from the coastline in Likewise where applicable we provide UXO experts.times of conflict. Most recently of course maritime archaeologists who deal withwe have added sea mines to the the types proper registration and processing of finds All our staff are certified to work in UXOof weapons used. On top of that the made during dredging operations. infested environments and are regularlyheritage interest in WW1 and WW2 related trained and briefed to ensure the latestunderwater sites is increasing, so our www.adede.com knowledge is second nature to them.combined knowledge of marinearchaeology, modern conflict archaeology We are ISO-9001, OHSAS 18001,and UXO expertise enables us to deal with WSCS-OCE (NL) and par. 7 and 20these sites in the correct manner. (GER) certified. We have offices and licences in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and Norway. www.peswind.com 27

ASK THE EXPERTSThe solution is in the sensorThijs Haselhoff, New Business Development Manager at Altheris Sensors & Controlsand Eric Préfontaine, Business Development Manager at OpSens Solutions, responsablefor the Energy market, together tell PES about this new state-of-the-art technology andexplain why fibre optic sensors are perfectly suited to the Renewable Energy market. Thijs Haselhoff PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Thanks fibre optic sensors don’t sound innovative. Eric Préfontaine for talking with us. Would you like to begin But a few years ago a new fibre optic28 PES Wind by explaining a little about the technology came on the market based on background of your organisation and how White Light Polarisation Interferometry you currently serve the offshore industry? (WLPI), which offers great benefits over its older competitors, who are using fibre optic Thijs Haselhoff: Altheris is a specialised technologies such as Fibre Bragg Grating partner for sensors, instrumentation, (FBG). measurement systems and industrial joysticks for OEM, Test & Measurement and PES: What is the difference between Automation Control Applications. We turn your technology and other optical every measurement challenge into a sensor technology? solution and advise and help you every step of the way. EP: In other technology such as FBG, the fibre optic is part of the sensing system. If Altheris and the Althen group have stress is applied on the fibre optic, it established a partnership with OpSens changes the value you are trying to read Solutions based in Canada for fibre optic and that is a major problem. FBG is also sensors. Altheris is a member of the Althen affected by temperature. Sensors & Controls group with its offices in the Netherlands, Germany, France and the The Altheris fibre optic sensors are not USA. affected by sagging or bending the fibre optic, for example in the sagging of the PES: Fibre Optic Sensors that doesn’t blade. This is because the fibre is just a sound new to me? means to carry the signal. The sensor is located at the end of the fibre optic and Eric Préfontaine: Measurement solutions won’t be affected by temperature either. based on fibre optics have indeed been Our strain sensors give a valid present for quite some time. That’s why

ASK THE EXPERTS “Yes, these sensors are extremely small and can be glued or taped on blades”measurement, because transverse strain optimise their wind turbine. If fatigue ordoesn’t affect them. This means precise deformation occurs, the customer can stopmeasurement is possible in the direction the turbine before there is more damage.where the strain needs to be measured. These strain sensors are also able to detect ice on the blades. There are variousPES: What differentiates the WLPI fibre applications for sensor integration in the blade.optic solutions from the conventionalsensors, and how can it be integrated PES: Who determines the location of thein a wind turbine? sensors?TH: This technology makes sensors EP: Depending on the measurement needsimmune to EMI- Lightning, temperature and of the customers, we advise where theRF. It can be used over long distance, up to sensors should be installed for optimal results.3 kilometres. These fibre optic sensors are An example: one of our customers wanted toperfectly suited for use in very harsh calculate the effect of ice on their wind turbineenvironments, such as cryogenic blades and so the sensors were placedapplications and under water. Our sensors accordingly. Based on the output at these keyare very small and easy to embed in a locations, they know if and where there is icecomposite, such as a wind turbine blade and if there is any weight unbalance. Thisand they easily resist the curing process in Information is crucial to them.the autoclaves. In some applications, whereheavy mechanical protection of the fibre is PES: Can you put optical sensors onrequired, stainless steel tubing can be used existing wind turbines that are alreadyand put under water. These features make it installed?perfect for wind turbine. EP: Yes, these sensors are extremely smallPES: Why would you want to integrate and can be glued or taped on blades. Weoptical sensors within the composite? have strain sensors as small as 230um.TH: Integration during manufacturing allows PES: Are there more reasons whysensing, without changing the customers should use optical sensorsaerodynamics of the blade. We have for wind turbines?customers that have embedded strainsensors within the blades to optimise their EP: For offshore wind farms, you wantpitch. Some others would like to monitor reliability and the least maintenancematerial fatigue. Just imagine the possible possible. Our patented WLPI technologymajor damage when a blade ruptures. Our allows a PLUG AND FORGET solution.sensors allow customers to monitor and This means that there is no recalibration needed. www.peswind.com 29

ASK THE EXPERTSStrain sensor that can be embedded in composite (230 um) Strain sensor that can be spot weldedOne of our customers wanted to monitor of both the mast and the self-supporting Thijs Haselhoffdifferent parameters and the most structure. Sensor solutions are numerous. New Business Development Managerimportant requirement was: the need of a15 year maintenance free sensing system. PES: Aside from the renewable energy [email protected] chose our solution, because we alone market, where else does Altheris use the office: +31 (0)70-392 44 21could fulfil this requirement. Even other fibre optic sensing solutions? mobile: +31 628217675optical sensing systems, such as optical www.altheris.comsensing with a laser source, cannot match TH: As stated, fibre optic technology has [email protected]. This feature is very important for an many benefits and is perfectly suited foroffshore wind farm. hazardous environments. These fibre optic Altheris bv, Sensors & Controls sensor solutions are used in different Vlietweg 17AAnother reason: this technology also branches. Our sensors are installed on 2266 KA Leidschendamallows the optical sensing device to be as equipment that goes into space and near The Netherlandsfar as 3 km away from the signal nuclear radiation.conditioner (reading unit), without losing Eric Préfontaineaccuracy in the reading. If a wind turbine is We developed a differential pressure sensor Business Development Managerhit by lightning, our sensors won’t be suitable for a high tesla environment. In theaffected and the fibre optic won’t carry Oil and Gas industry these sensors are used OpSens Solutionselectricity. These sensors are also good for for pressure and temperature monitoring [email protected] applications, because the strain inside a well (SAGD) and for downhole office: +1.418.682.9996sensors aren’t affected by the coldest measurement in the mining industry. mobile: +1.418.929-0343temperatures from the North. But these fibre optic sensors are also used www.opsens-solutions.comPES: Besides strain sensors, are there in totally different environments such asany other type of sensors suited for laboratories and research centreswind farms? worldwide and for structural health monitoring of complex public works.TH: Yes a variety of sensors for pressure,displacement, temperature, strain, torque, PES: Besides standard products, doesextensometers, crack meter, etc. These Altheris also develop customised fibresensors mean that we are able to offer optic sensor solutions?sensor solutions for most applications. Apopular application for the wind farm is TH: Definitely! Most of our fibre opticmonitoring strain on the structure under sensor solutions are custom made, I thinkwater. This is done with a special strain about 90%. If the standard solution is notsensor that can be spot-welded in place suited to our customer, we develop aand under water. The fibre is normally customised sensor, to suit the specific need.covered with a stainless steel sheathing,under water, in order to protect it against If you are looking for a measurementthe elements, as well as on the surface. solution, please contact Altheris. We love to turn every measurement challenge intoWe can also use pressure sensors to a sensor solution.monitor the water level in the mast. We canmeasure critical lubricant levels’ or simply Altheris Sensors & Controls willmonitor temperature. Extensometers can be at the Offshore Energy exhibitionbe used to monitor the structural integrity in Amsterdam Rai on the 25th and 26th of October. Please visit us: Hall 5 Stand 0.89.30 PES Wind



CORPORATE FOCUS Sub-sea controlling, monitoring and connecting Words: Philip Rood32 PES Wind

CORPORATE FOCUSThe marine renewablesmarket is ever growing andSEA, a part of Cohort plc,has expanded itsengineering capability toprovide a variety of supportservices to the wave andtidal energy sectors.Cohort plc, business SEA, has showcased SEA Subsea Engineering Director Matt Blair environments. From an extensive range ofits credentials, in the growing wave and explains: “Our strategy is to support existing testing sites in the Orkney Isles, EMECtidal energy support sector, by installing a customers and expand into areas where we offers test capabilities for all stages of13.2kV cable connection to support the feel we can make a difference. We have built development from scale models to full-sizeOceantec wave energy device located at a genuine track record in the renewables prototypes.the Biscay Marine Energy Park (BiMEP) test sector over the past eight or nine years.”site in Northern Spain. According to Neil Kermode, Managing In addition to the BiMEP project, SEA has Director of EMEC, wave and tidal energyBiMEP tests prototype devices for delivered several other engineering projects have been overshadowed in popularity bygenerating wave energy, in advance of to supply renewables’ developers with wind and solar for one reason: “It’s a lotcommercial production, to ensure economic reliable shore connections to export power harder and more costly to work in aand technological readiness and to ensure and maintain control and monitoring of their sub-sea environment. But tidal and wavethey are reliable and safe for commercial devices. energy offer much more predictability thandeployment. Once the devices have been wind, as well as potential environmentalverified, they can be considered ready for Managing Director Steve Hill says that SEA and aesthetic advantages.”mass production and operational use. is driving towards the goal of standard economical connections, but is able to However, connecting generators to theA team of engineers and technicians from deliver a variety of bespoke solutions whilst land-based power grid poses a significantSEA, subsea engineering division, the industry continues to adapt and challenge. “With power feeds running atterminated the device cable connection develop power generation technologies. He 11kV, the quality of connection is critical.onshore and travelled offshore to connect comments: “The power connection There are solutions around, but they canthe two halves at the wave site. The device technology developed by SEA is readily lack flexibility and can be very expensive,is now fully operational and generating transferrable from oil and gas into marine as typically they can require a cable to bewave power back to shore. renewables and we are proud to have led out of the water for up to 48 hours, while the way on this work in Scotland and sealants harden, before you can put it backThe BiMEP connections are a new variant internationally.” into the sea,” adds Neil.of the nine 33kV connections first installedby SEA in 2009 at the Orkney-based The growth in wave and tidal energy “Bear in mind that all the while connectionEuropean Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) projects has enabled SEA to utilise its takes place, your vessel must not movetest centre for marine renewable energy. offshore expertise in a fast expanding area more than a few metres off its station, or itThe connections supplied by SEA were a of power generation. One of the next stages could damage the cable, and you start toworld-first in wave and tidal energy in the renewables race is set to be floating get a feel for the complexity,” he continues.distribution. They have provided 100% offshore wind facilities where SEA is also “This approach is not really sustainableavailability for power generation, status looking to position itself as a key supplier, when you’re talking about a potential 8,000monitoring and device control, allowing through its experience in areas such as generators to reach the capacity that thedevelopers at BiMEP and EMEC to test and dynamic umbilicals and underwater government hopes to see from this area.”generate power to the grid. structures. Faced with the need to find an efficient,SEA has spent more than 15 years ensuring One of SEA’s major credentials is its work flexible and cost-effective cable terminatingthat offshore operators maximise their at EMEC, which provides developers of solution, EMEC turned to SEA. “They haveassets through effective resource both wave and tidal energy converters with a reputation for keeping things dry, so wemanagement. the ability to test equipment in ‘real-sea’ asked for their ideas,” Neil comments.The venture began in 2000, when J+SMarine, acquired by SEA in 2014, openedan Aberdeen office to offer operationalsupport to the subsea controls market inthe North Sea. The business supports arange of clients in the North Sea and hasalso carried out projects off West Africa, inthe Gulf of Mexico and in the Arabian Gulf.SEA’s support service experience workingin the harsh oil and gas environmentsubsequently provided the basis to expandits engineering capability into the wave andtidal energy sectors. www.peswind.com 33

CORPORATE FOCUS“Tidal and wave energy The original cable termination was means we can test a cable from shore offer much more produced and SEA developed a further electrically and ensure it is in good order solution in the form of the Drymate before handing it over. These features offerpredictability than wind, Connector, a specially designed undersea significant operational benefits.” as well as potential connector that provides a pressure environmental and balanced make and break connectivity The third major benefit that the SEA solution facility. It also includes termination using a delivers is rapidity of connection. Connectors aesthetic advantages” Partial Discharge (PD) free, testable are installed and running in less than 24 stop-end solution allowing full energisation hours, which means that the vessel’s time on Neil Kermode, and testing of the terminated cable. This station, is used more effectively. Indeed, Managing Director of EMEC means the cable can be terminated with the these ships are in big demand and time is of connector when it is first laid and left on the the essence in an environment where seabed until such time as it is needed. It operational costs can be extremely high. can also be raised and reconnected however often is needed, for example if a Neil is delighted with the results of cable is damaged or needs to be replaced. deploying the SEA terminations and also the Drymate Connector. “Tidal and wave “Live cables running at 11kV produce some energy are at the cutting edge of renewable very complex magnetic fields at the end of energy solutions. Working with SEA has cables so we need very effective given us the confidence that the cables termination as well as testing capabilities to these innovative new machines are make sure it is safe to electrically connecting to are in good condition, and ‘pressurise’ a cable before going live,” Neil that they can be repaired and renewed explains. “The SEA termination, with its much more cost-effectively as the need fibre optics, provides a test end which arises.34 PES Wind

CORPORATE FOCUS“We’ve seen SEA in action and have been capital replacement costs, has become “Tidal and wave energyimpressed by their high standards of increasingly valued. are at the cutting edgeprofessionalism and quality. We expect thisto be a valuable relationship because the One example developed by SEA is a rugged of renewable energywork they are doing to reduce installation Subsea Electronics Module for installation solutions. Working withtimes and provide robust and rapidly in Subsea Control Module applicationsimplemented solutions, will enable other where circumstances prevent use of the SEA has given us thethings to be done at sea safely, cost original equipment. confidence that theeffectively and quickly.” The new Subsea Electronics Module gives cables these innovativeIn the oil and gas sector, which still reliable, effective control and monitoring of new machines areaccounts for the majority of SEA’s offshore subsea production control assets. connecting to arebusiness, increased economic pressures Applications include brown-field in good condition,have made the company’s critical development, obsolescence, end-of-fieldin-service support and obsolescence life, and decommissioning applications and that they can bemanagement services even more valued, where Original Equipment Manufacturer repaired and renewedparticularly in the challenging North Sea support isn’t an option.environment. Typically, subsea equipment much morewas designed and installed with a design The module is built with commercial cost-effectively as thelife of up to 25 years but many electrical, off-the-shelf components, and runs on ahydraulic and mechanical components robust Linux-based real-time operating need arises”have gone out of production within the system. The topside (surface)design life. communications and subsea hardware Neil Kermode, interfaces are designed for compatibility Managing Director of EMEC“Anything that makes it more cost-effective with legacy seabed and topside hardware,to manage obsolescent plant and and comprise part of a new, moreequipment is of interest to the sector these comprehensive SEA Subsea Controldays and our office in Aberdeen deploys its Module launched recently.extensive experience and innovativeengineering ethos to tackle the inevitable SEA’s design, manufacture and supportchallenges and problems of obsolescence,” offshore, has been established over manycommented Matt Blair. years and its experience is certain to grow in value as the oil and gas industry facesExploiting its expertise in engineering bigger obsolescence challenges while, inservices, subsea equipment fault parallel, the considerably youngerdiagnostics, sensor repair and replacement, renewables sector looks to fill the gaps infibre, electrical, hydraulic and chemical the energy market.umbilical connections and terminations,SEA’s proposition is in enabling North Sea www.sea.co.uk/Capabilities/Subsea_operators to squeeze more from their Solutions.aspxequipment, before having to consider costly www.peswind.com 35

TALKING POINTAn energetic Odysseyin RotterdamTo realise the climate targets set out in the Paris During the UN Climate Change ConferenceAgreement, over the next few years, we will be seeing a in Paris in December 2015, 195 countriesstrong increase in the number of offshore wind farms in signed an agreement to keep the rise inthe North Sea. This will create all sorts of new temperature worldwide below 1.5 degreesopportunities for the offshore wind industry. PES spoke to Celsius. Europe’s contribution to this entailsJoost Eenhuizen, Business Manager Maritime & Offshore the reduction of greenhouse gas emissionsIndustry at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, about the role by at least 80% compared to 1990.One ofthe port of Rotterdam can play in the development of wind the ways to achieve this is an energyfarms at sea. transition to wind energy.“The port of Rotterdam is highly suitable as a smart base Growing number of wind farms at seaof operations for innovation and the construction,assembly, installation and decommissioning of offshore Wind Europe, the former EWEA, iswind farms,” says the business manager. “Collaboration is expecting considerable growth in offshorea key factor in this market and it is important to surround wind energy in European waters, onyourself with the right players. When it comes to average around 22 per cent per year. Incollaboration, the port of Rotterdam offers all kinds of 2030, the industry association for windinteresting possibilities.” energy estimates that a total of 150 GW in offshore wind energy will be in European waters. The Rotterdam project ‘2050 - An Energetic Odyssey’ included a detailed study into what would be involved in achieving the proposed reduction in greenhouse gases through the large-scale realisation of new wind power facilities. The conclusion of the investigation: we need to install 25,000 wind turbines in the North Sea between today and 2050. A consortium formed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and36 PES Wind

TALKING POINT “The port is already the number 1 energy hub in Europe. Here you will find everything that is involved in energy”a number of major Dutch companies, Eenhuizen: “The offshore wind sector can hydrogen. It can be a landing point forenvironmental organisations, designers and continue to build upon the existing maritime cables from which electricity can beports– including Shell, Van Oord, Eneco, and offshore cluster. Rotterdam acts as a distributed across Europe or can be stored.RWE, Tennet, the European Climate home base for major maritime contractors Within the existing energy cluster, theFoundation and the Port of Rotterdam such as Heerema, Allseas, Van Oord, possibilities of transformation fromAuthority – presently endorse ‘2050 - An Boskalis, Jumbo, and Seaway Heavy power-to-gas and power-to-liquid areEnergetic Odyssey’. Lifting, etc. The region offers a broad range already being investigated. If this is going to of maintenance and repair facilities, ample succeed anywhere, it will be here.”The project, which is primarily intended as room for assembly and serves as homea stimulus to boost concrete action, has base for a variety of maritime and logistics Rotterdam Offshore Wind Deltaalready pushed ahead with an international service providers. Various organisationsplan for wind farms at sea. In order to meet have mobilisation and demobilisation On top of that, the Rotterdam offshorethe increasing demand for clean energy, facilities there such as the Rotterdam cluster is not sitting still. It sees greatlarger wind farms will be necessary, which Offshore Group, Broekman Logistics, opportunities in the further development ofwill also be located further and further Franklin Offshore, Rhenus Logistics etc. offshore wind and steps are being takenoffshore. Therefore, governments of You can also find a number of high-quality collectively to further enhance the role ofGermany, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, training and educational facilities for the port of Rotterdam. In June 2016, VanDenmark, Ireland, Sweden, Norway and the offshore personnel in Rotterdam.” Oord, Boskalis, Mammoet, Ampelmann,Netherlands agreed in June to collaborate Falck, Sif, Eneco, Marsh, Keppel Verolme,on the planning and construction of wind All of these are important criteria in getting STC-Group, Rabobank and Jules Dockfarms in the North Sea. the offshore wind business off the ground. signed a manifesto to turn the Rotterdam Which explains why the Sif Group, market region into the Offshore Wind Delta, so thatPort of Rotterdam as an ideal operating leader in monopile production, has chosen it can take the lead in the roll-out ofbase Maasvlakte 2 for their new production offshore wind farms in the North Sea and facilities, for example. The company has beyond. Together, these parties areThere are a large number of developments started producing the first offshore wind engaging in acquisition, innovation,and plans for increasing the number of wind foundations at this site in the third quarter education and training, policy and lobbyingfarms in European waters and the North of 2016. and marketing. The Port of RotterdamSea and a smart operating base is needed Authority, the Municipality of Rotterdamto achieve this. The port of Rotterdam is In addition, Rotterdam has excellent and Rotterdam Partners have also joinedhighly suitable to serve as a hub for opportunities to offer as an energy centre this initiative.offshore wind farms. The port facilities with for all wind farms,” says the businesslarge-scale sites, high pressure loads, the manager. “The port is already the number 1 Space available for offshore windavailability of deep-water docks and an energy hub in Europe. Here you will findopen connection to the North Sea are everything that is involved in energy, from Also physically speaking, there is room forunrivalled. power stations to steam production and offshore wind in the port of Rotterdam. Port of Rotterdam Authority is currently www.peswind.com 37

TALKING POINT “The port of Rotterdam is a port and for oil and gas rigs in a quieter and where the traditional offshore sector, cheaper manner. focussed on oil and gas” A wind start-up also collaborated in Port XL, the port of Rotterdam’s start-upinvestigating the possibilities of Innovations at Maasvlakte 2 accelerator programme. During thisconstructing a top location for the offshore 100-day programme, participatingindustry on the outer edges of the In addition to offering space to the industry, start-ups are coached by mentors from theRotterdam Maasvlakte. The Offshore the Port Authority is also supporting industry in order to help them develop theirCenter Maasvlakte alongside the deep- innovations to further develop this growing businesses. Participant, Fibersail, haswater quay of the Prinses Alexiahaven, the market. “We have created a pilot location developed a way in which to monitor thehome port of the Pioneering Spirit, the on Maasvlakte 2 where experiments with shape of the rotor blades continuously andlargest ship in the world. The centre will smart applications can be carried out for in real time so that the maximum potentialaccommodate the various offshore markets the offshore wind sector.” One start-up, of the wind turbines can be exploited.such as the oil and gas sector, the Vizionz, is currently testing methods ofdecommissioning of oil and gas rigs and, examining the behaviour of monopiles Joost Eenhuizen: “The port of Rotterdam isabove all, offshore wind. With an during use. Delft Offshore Turbine (DOT) a port where the traditional offshore sector,expandable surface area of 70-80 hectares, has recently constructed a trial set-up of a focussed on oil and gas, plays an importantthere is plenty of room. The proportions of wind turbine which pumps water to role. But we, as the Port Authority, arethe quay will also be extremely large in generate power. Prior to this, the start-up, looking ahead and putting considerableterms of length, depth and load, and will Fistuca, experimented there with a new effort into the transition to sustainableinclude the possibility of jacking close to piling technique, where falling columns of sources of energy. We do this by offeringthe quay. water are used to drive piles into the space, supporting innovations and, equally seabed for the foundations of wind farms importantly, we are able to bring the right parties together. The existing maritime and energy clusters are vitally important to the further development of offshore wind. As Port Authority, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that these sectors know where to find each other. Together we can move ahead.” Would you like to know more about offshore wind in the port of Rotterdam? The Port of Rotterdam Authority has a stand (1.134) at the Offshore Energy 2016 Exhibition in Amsterdam on 25 and 26 October. www.portofrotterdam.com/en38 PES Wind



PES ESSENTIALSharing marine maintenancecosts within new marketspacesWords: Stephen Holden, Maintenance Account Director, Global Marine Systems LimitedAlthough there have been Certainly this is the case when compared in the number of international links, to morepower cables in the marine with telecoms cables, which have effectively harness and transmit electricityenvironment for many traditionally numbered hundreds of around the various power markets.decades, there have been thousands of kilometres laid on the searelatively few in number bed. As a result, the repair of power cables The upshot is an increased risk profile foruntil fairly recently. Those has very much been a niche market power cables, and correspondingly morethat exist are predominately revolving around securing and mobilising faults, whether from manufacturing or fromnational or short haul VOOs (vessels of opportunity) or framework third party aggression. As a consequence,international cables and in agreements, the latter mostly with the there has been a marked increase in theterms of total kilometres are original cable installer/manufacturer and number of insurance claims.rather limited. their specialist repair assets. The increased cost of liability has led The financing of these repairs has always insurers and some national/regional rested with the insurance industry, which government bodies to look at ways of because of the relative limited number of reducing costs and strengthening the cables and faults, has been a model that supply chain. A further aim is to enable a has proved suitable for the majority of more rapid and streamlined response times parties. However, with increasing - insurance-based repair models normally awareness of climate change and the incur a significant delay (months) between subsequent desire for more renewable and the fault occurring and a repair being cleaner power sources, there has been a undertaken. big push (particularly in the European region) for the development of large Power cable repair costs are frequently in amounts of offshore wind capacity. This the multiple millions. This level of has led to a significant increase in power expenditure is understandable as such cable sea bed kilometres to service and projects necessitate the diversion of a connect wind farms to their respective dedicated specialist installation vessel from national grids. In the European region its existing activities and more often than specifically, there has also been an increase not, sail it from a distant global location. Additionally, depending on the installation40 PES Wind

PES ESSENTIAL “It is estimated that there will be around 20,000 km of power cable installed in northern European waters by 2030, which means that there are likely to be between 10 and 40 large cable repair projects in the North Sea per year by that date”equipment already mobilised on board, it export cables available for transmission of regions. This has led to a significantmay be necessary to have a period of back to the grid. In this instance, the higher reduction in replacement tonnage and thereconfiguration prior to commencing the figure is where there is only one export rapid ageing of the world’s telecompower cable repair. Alternatively, the cable servicing the wind farm, while the installation and maintenance fleet.deployment of a VOO means having to lower figure represents two cables.locate and mobilise all the specialist However, by integrating the maintenance ofequipment, such as chutes, tensioners, Traditionally, telecom agreements (in power cables with telecom cable, there is acompatible jointers and jointing equipment particular maintenance zones), have a great opportunity to share assets and the(as well as some form of cable storage vessel or vessels on standby close to the related cost base while allowing vesselarrangement), prior to sailing. specific regions known to have high fault owners to increase profitability and hence rates, and are usually able to sail for cable generate sufficient return on theirCorrespondingly, everything has to be repair within 24/36 hours of being called investment to convert or build new dual-usetotally demobbed after the operation, with out. It is this preparation, localisation and tonnage.these activities requiring the cable owner or cost effectiveness that the UK’s OFGEM,insurer to cover the cost of the VOO while along with the support of some of the larger This would allow power cable owners tothis takes place, which could cost UK’s OFTO’s (Offshore Transmission see a reduction in their repair costs, whileanywhere between £65,000 and £150,000 Operators), wishes to replicate for all the telecoms cable owners would secureper day. Assuming a seven-day UK’s offshore wind farm export cables, enhanced tonnage with the benefit of DP2mobilisation/configuration, and national links and inter-connectors. becoming the standard. This enhancementcorresponding demobilisation, the pre- and would allow for easier servicing of existingpost-operational activities can cost It is estimated that there will be around telecoms cables where they are in closeanywhere from £0.91 million to £2.1 million, 20,000 km of power cable installed in proximity to offshore renewableseven before sailing to the fault site and northern European waters by 2030, which infrastructure, wherever it may be. In fact,undertaking any survey/inspection or repair means that there are likely to be between there was a recent attempt by a local utilityactivity. 10 and 40 large cable repair projects in the company on the west coast of the USA to North Sea per year by that date. place two inter tidal turbines within 170 andThese costs do not even consider the cost 238m of a high speed trans-pacificof service interruption; this was calculated Since the telecoms boom in the late 1990s telecommunications cable. Had thisfor a 300MW UK wind farm in November and early 2000s resulted in the oversupply occurred, it would have presented a far2014 by Transmission Investments LLP to of vessels, the price that the industry is more complex repair than is normallybe in the region of £3 million to £12 million willing to pay for maintaining telecoms contracted for.per month depending on the number of cables has in real terms either remained the same or decreased markedly in the majority The European coasts of the Netherlands, www.peswind.com 41

PES ESSENTIAL“In the case of Global Marine, the company’s portfolio includes an installed subsea cable base of over 300,000km, which equates to 22% of the world’s total. Global Marine has also performed 33% of all maintenance operations on the world’s fibre optic cables”Denmark and Germany also present future Of course, there are some inherent Among the telecoms vessels that canchallenges, specifically where national/local differences in the products used and operate in both markets and already boastslegislators have sometimes ignored lessons procedures deployed between an impressive track record is Globallearnt in the UK submarine sector relating maintenance contracts for telecoms and Marine’s C.S. Sovereign. The capability toto cable recovery and vessel safety. This power cables. For a start, power cables are mobilise from telecoms to power mode, inparticularly relates to when operational some five times larger in diameter and combination with skilled staff, provides asubmarine cables are surrounded by or in around 10 times heavier than traditional capable platform to take this experience to;close proximity to wind turbines, wave telecoms cables, which obviously and meet market demands.generators or inter tidal turbines. necessitates different handling and equipment characteristics; everything Global Marine is also undertaking aAnother big beneficiary often overlooked needs to be bigger and stronger for power feasibility study to convert one of itswould be the insurance industry, which cables. They are also much more sensitive maintenance telecoms vessels to enable itwould be able to confidently underwrite a to crush (side wall pressure), when being to undertake both power and telecomsrange of cable failure mechanisms with a moved and therefore traditionally require repairs within the standardgreater certainty of the likely repair cost cable tensioners with moulded trackways telecommunications mobilisation times ofrisk. This should ultimately lead to lower over standard wheel pairs and cable drums 24/36 hours. This along with the provisionpremiums and reduced O&M costs for conventionally used in telecoms. The of a readily available pool of qualified poweroffshore power asset owners, thus making physicality of power cable means the vessel jointers (similar to the industry standardthe industry more stable and attractive to a chosen needs to be of sufficient size to within the marine telecoms market) wouldpredominately risk-averse investor class safely handle and accommodate both the be a world’s first. Additionally, the company– and will ultimately benefit the energy cable and associated jointing is also looking to develop a universalconsumer with lower electricity bills. arrangements. (range) type joint to make connecting different power cables easier, in particular42 PES Wind

PES ESSENTIALwithout the need for cable jointing About Global Marine Systems About HC2 Holdings, Inc.technology from specific manufacturers. Global Marine Systems Limited, is a HC2 Holdings, Inc. is a publicly tradedThe convergence of resources and skills leading provider of engineering and (NYSE MKT: HCHC) diversified holdingallows the offshore renewable market to underwater services, responding to the company, which seeks opportunities tomaximise on the years of experience built subsea cable installation, maintenance acquire and grow businesses that canfrom the telecoms market. In the case of and burial requirements of its customers generate long-term sustainable freeGlobal Marine, the company’s portfolio around the world. cash flow and attractive returns in orderincludes an installed subsea cable base of to maximize value for all stakeholders.over 300,000km, which equates to 22% of With a fleet of vessels and specialisedthe world’s total. Global Marine has also subsea trenching and burial equipment, HC2 has a diverse array of operatingperformed 33% of all maintenance operations the company has a 165-year legacy in subsidiaries across seven reportableon the world’s fibre optic cables. deep and shallow water cable segments, including Manufacturing, operations. Global Marine’s primary Marine Services, Utilities,With these facts in mind, there are clearly markets are oil & gas, renewable energy Telecommunications, Life Sciences,many cost and availability advantages to & power, telecommunications and deep Insurance and Other.both power and telecom asset owners in sea research.repair convergence. However, to release HC2’s largest operating subsidiariesmaximum benefits, owners and regulators Global Marine holds the RoSPA Order of include DBM Global Inc., a leadingneed to consider the challenges and Distinction in recognition of 17 structural steel fabricator and erector indifficulties of operating in a marine consecutive years of outstanding the United States and Global Marineenvironment and not attempt to apply occupational health and safety results. Systems Limited, a leading provider ofshore-based frameworks to a very different engineering and underwater services onoperational plane. Global Marine has two longstanding joint submarine cables. ventures in China, S.B. SubmarineIt is also evident that dual market operation Systems and Huawei Marine Networks, Founded in 1994, HC2 is headquarteredwill help create a more stable and and in February 2016 acquired a majority in New York.sustainable supply chain, in particular interest in offshore renewables specialistrelated to skill availability and future asset CWind. For information on HC2 Holdings, Inc.,replacement. Moreover, there is a real please contact:opportunity for a reduction in the powerasset owner’s insurance costs, which would Andrew G. Backman – Managingultimately benefit energy consumers. Director – Investor Relations and Public Relations HC2 Holdings, Inc. www.globalmarinesystems.com [email protected] http://hc2.com www.peswind.com 43

ASK THE EXPERTSCustomised safetyMariecke Siezen, Director at Technoship bv, met upwith PES to tell us about the importance of safety onand offshore. We learn about the latest advances inprotection systems, the customisation of certainproducts and the training factor.PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Thanks increased demand in protection for PES: We see that safety is at the heartfor talking with us. Would you like to offshore transformer wind platforms, of your work, how important is it tobegin by explaining a little about the requiring accommodation and machinery customise the offer to the client? Whatbackground of your organisation and space protection, as well as for expensive are the cost implications?how you currently serve the offshore high voltage transformer systems. Givenindustry? the importance of continued operations, MS: Our clients are only offered high pressure watermist provides a state of customised high pressure watermistMariecke Siezen: Technoship bv has the art cost effective means to safeguard firefighting systems and deck machinery.been a technology supplier to the maritime and suppress fires using very limited Each system is designed according to thesector since 1969. Products include amounts of water. client’s specifications and applicable Classspecialist K. Chr. Steen GmbH deck regulations. The systems and techniquesmachinery, such as anchoring and mooring High-pressure watermist provides a safe are continually being improved andgear, Ultra Fog high pressure watermist fire and good alternative for gas-systems in optimised in order to achieve moresuppression systems, GT under deck terms of safety, maintenance and life-cycle protection for less lifetime cost ofsliding davit systems as well as Technoship costs. ownership.bronze chain rollers. Offshore wind projects have initiated a PES: What sort of training do you offer?PES: Is offshore energy a growing growing demand for different types of Is this to both your employees andbusiness area for Technoship? How offshore supply and service vessels, for customers?are you capitalising on this growth? which Technoship can supply anchoring and mooring systems of up to 78mm U2 MS: We offer operational training basedMS: Offshore energy projects are chain diameter and towing winches up to on FMEA, as well as basic maintenanceexpanding and particularly those for the 80 tons. training for ships’ crews.wind energy sector. We are experiencing an44 PES Wind

ASK THE EXPERTSPES: Are there precautions thatcould be taken by companies to avoidemergency situations, but aren’t?Why do you think this is?MS: Important precautions with respect tosystems for fire safety and anchor handlingare crew training, maintenance and regulartesting of the systems. Lack of priority,money and knowledge jeopardise the safetyof such systems. Once on an offshoreplatform or on board a ship on the ocean,there are not many alternatives for escape.PES: Would you like to tell us aboutTechnoship’s latest projects?MS: We recently completed the GlobalTech1 offshore transformer platform whereaccommodation and machinery spaces areprotected by Ultra Fog High PressureWatermist Systems. Technoship not onlysupplied the high pressure watermistsystem, but took care of all high pressure www.peswind.com 45

ASK THE EXPERTSinstallation work, including testing and requests for the automation of the systems, “Systems are constantlycommissioning. The feedback has been possibilities for interaction with platform being improved in ordervery positive and enormously encouraging management systems and analysis of to gain higher efficiencyfor repeat projects. system failures via an internet log-in. and safety, longerWe also supplied the entire new fleet of the There seems to be greater awareness of life-cycle use againstRoyal Dutch Navy, including joint logistic safety issues for crew handling the systemssupport ship HMS Karel Doorman, the and this results in stricter procedures, more lower costs.”largest vessel the Navy ever built, special demands for service and maintenance andships, river cruisers and mega-yachts. re-evaluation the design of the system.PES: What exactly do you mean when PES: Which aspect of the industryyou say certified repairs? provides the most satisfaction for you right now?MS: Any repair and or maintenance aredone exclusively by trained personnel. MS: As in any other technological projectThese are offshore engineers and are those that stand out, demand increasedtrained by design engineers to operate, ingenuity and creativity to come up withmaintain and update the systems whenever innovative, optimal solutions for uniqueand wherever and available at short notice. situations. Providing unique designs and solutions is what makes us tick.PES: Technology is evolving all the time,what advances have you seen in your Fully redundant high-pressure watermistbusiness? systems, with special features for control and monitoring, plus customised solutionsMS: Systems are constantly being for anchoring gear for the largest mega-improved in order to gain higher efficiency yachts, special purpose and polar vesselsand safety, longer life-cycle use against not only improves safety on board but islower costs. We are receiving more very satisfactory for us as well.46 PES Wind

ASK THE EXPERTSPES: And conversely, what presents you moving forward to 2017, with regard towith the biggest challenges? your organisation, and the wind industry in general?MS: Experience has demonstrated thatmaintenance of wind farms is a high risk MS: Our organisation is ready for the future,adventure. Fire can break out in the being ISO 9001 certified and with a vastsmallest of spaces. But once the experience and profound knowledge of themaintenance crew is on top of a windmill, systems we’ve been supplying respectivelythere is no escape in the event of fire. We since 1969 and 1991.have seen horrible accidents. For the wind industry in general, there’s anNonetheless it is challenging to persuade increasing awareness of climate changewind farm designers and owners of the and the need for green energy solutions.importance of cost effective fire The economy is quickly moving towardsprevention solutions. Another challenge sustainable solutions such as wind energyare the class regulations for wind farm and offshore wind farms in particular.. Forplatforms and coming to terms with the example, the Dutch government followingquestion whether systems should be earlier developments in Germany, hasapproved according to sea (IMO) or land recently decided to commence with theregulations. construction of multiple wind farm projects.Developing class testing systems for gas Due to global climate change governmentsturbines and LNG are other challenges. And demand more of such solutions. Hence wefor both the fire suppression and the deck can only conclude that what we see todayequipment suppliers, monitoring cost is only the beginning of the offshore windeffectiveness is ever challenging. energy sector.PES: What are your thoughts about www.technoship.nlprospects for the last quarter of 2016, www.peswind.com 47

TALKING POINTZenith excelsin inspectionsPES investigates how the Altura Zenith unmanned aerial cracks are identified, they can revisit thesystem performs at sea in high winds, as Aerialtronics site to see what changes have occurred.announces separate radical technical developments with “We can capture data with UAVs that weNVIDIA and the IBM Watson Internet of Things Platform were not able to capture before,” he says.on the cloud. Wind turbine workhorse Overcoming gales to inspect wind turbines in the Baltic Sea is one reason why Euro One of the most challenging jobs came Drone Inspections use the Altura Zenith when Euro Drone Inspections were unmanned aerial system from Aerialtronics. examining 100 metre wind turbines, with Another is the Dutch UAS manufacturer’s 60m blades in the Baltic Sea, where you rapid integration of ground-breaking have to take-off and land on a moving technology. vessel in high winds. Euro Drone Inspections were an early The operation is complex and demanding adopter when it came to choosing the but Rik was able to capture aerial video Zenith, which has given them an edge over footage using the Altura Zenith ATX8 their competitors. Using the Zenith UAS has equipped with a high definition camera. Rik proved to be a very effective method of says: “What we proved in the Baltic tests is inspecting wind turbines, especially where that the Zenith performed very well in force there are safety issues concerning 6 gales, which makes it one of the few personnel. systems that can handle this type of environment.” Rik Bijl, Chief Executive Officer of Euro Drone Inspections, says they use Rik, of Euro Drone Inspections, has specialised software and geometrically identified other practical aspects of the calibrated cameras to take measurements drone. One of the unique selling points and collect images for surveys on wind about the Zenith is how easy it is to change turbines. The advantage is that if any the payload quickly. For example, if you want to switch from thermal to visual cameras, it’s simply a case of unhooking two connectors, pushing a button, turning a turret and replacing the payload. It’s not48 PES Wind

TALKING POINTquite as quick as changing four tyres in “One other key feature of the Zenith UAS isFormula One, but it comes close. its sense and avoid development”One other key feature of the Zenith UAS is www.peswind.com 49its sense and avoid development. You canset an inspection range, say three metres,and the flight computer will take over andnot allow you to fly closer to the objectthan the distance you set. It’s great newtechnology.Paving the way towards automationAerialtronics are now taking inspectionsand drone autonomy to the next level bydeveloping a smart dual camera that packsmassive onboard processing power withboth digital vision and thermal sensors.Using a NVIDIA embedded SOC platform,the project, led by Michele Moscaritolo,Head of Vision at Aerialtronics, is a giantstep forward in onboard data analysis andprocessing with drones. The prototype canprocess both raw data streams from theday-night camera, allowing the AlturaZenith UAS to be used more effectively ina multitude of onboard computing tasks,from object detection and recognition topath planning for security tasks, towerinspecting and 3D mapping in mining.Aerialtronics have developed a camerawhich combines an NVIDIA Jetson TX1

TALKING POINT “We have been onboard processor to provide detailed locate cracks and damage in wind developing dual algorithms and make autonomous devices turbines.” cameras that allow like drones more intelligent. users to switch The technology has great potential for the between vision and Jan Wouter Kruyt, Head of R&D at drone market. Aerialtronics customersthermal data streams Aerialtronics, says: “We have been already use aerial data from the UAS to for some time” developing dual cameras that allow users inspect mobile communication towers, to switch between vision and thermal data electric pylons, bridges and oilfield streams for some time. Now we have put pipelines. With this camera, the Zenith can these data streams into the NVIDIA chip recognise the detailed shape, type and and it means users can do some very smart materials used in these structures, wind things with it. turbines, oil rigs and other buildings while enhancing details for 2D images and 3D “NVIDIA have delivered embedded modules models. in the Jetson family which will lead to a new generation of smart, learning devices. The Turning aerial data into valuable great thing about working with this open real-time information chip is that we can inject any algorithm we like and, more importantly, so can “This is a major step forward in the level of the user. autonomy for drones,” Kruyt explains. “Now you can pre-program a drone and it will fly Fly, identify and notify on a path you set for it. But if you integrate machine vision on an embedded chipset, “We have gone a step further by integrating you create something more intelligent a vision and digital thermal camera with because it can identify what is around it. NVIDIA’s Jetson TX1 chip. No one else offers this powerful data combination. “If you drive up to a wind turbine, utility This means the user can analyse both data pole, mobile phone tower or a house, all do streams and use the information. Right you need to do is press a button. The Altura now, it allows users to do smart things with Zenith will go out with the camera, identify the images. Next we will be connecting this what it needs to inspect, perform a routine to the flight computer and then the whole inspection and even design its own mission drone will become smart enough to based on what it sees. It will verify it has respond to what it is seeing. completed its mission before returning to base.” “The Altura Zenith will use the video streams and information it observes to Robin van de Putte, Chief of Product adjust its flight plan. For example, it can Strategy at Aerialtronics, says: “We don’t fly over a parking lot, find the cars that still want to end our inspection mission with an have the hottest engine and scan their SD card in our hand and invest a lot of time number plates for payment or security. The in data offload and post-processing. video stream can recognise faces, identify Instead we want to be able to immediately and measure the speed of vehicles or verify the results and take quick decisions.50 PES Wind