Fred Olsen Ocean has developed an offshore heliport to be fixed to the seabed within a turbine array to boost helicopter use for the operations and maintenance of next generation ‘far-from-shore’ wind farms.
The heliport will be part of Fred Olsen Windbase and allow helicopters to be used more effectively in the offshore wind industry, the company said.
Fred Olsen said a commissioned review of offshore wind opportunities in the European market found more than 64 projects fit the criteria for Fred Olsen Windbase.
The criteria are projects larger than 400MW, conditions suitable for Universal Foundation’s mono bucket and over 90 minutes transit time in a modern crew transfer vessel.
Fred Olsen Windcarrier UK general manager and project director for Fred Olsen Windbase David Matthews said 12 of the projects have been granted consent, with 19 likely to be built between 2018 and 2025.
“This represents an enormous potential for the heliport, which provides offshore refuelling facilities, enables a safe commuting option for personnel, and supports service operations vessels in poor weather,” he said.
Matthews said the offshore wind industry has not had the in-built infrastructure to make use of helicopters effectively, unlike the oil and gas sector.
“We are at the start of a new phase of delivery for offshore wind, and helicopters, along with the offshore heliports they will depend on, are set to play an every increasing role,” he added.
Image: Fred Olsen heliport (Fred Olsen Windcarrier)
Fred Olsen plans offshore heliport
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By EBS