Maersk Training has launched a global specialised course in partnership with Siemens Gamesa and HV installation and commissioning specialist Delpro Wind.
The High Voltage Authorised Person (HVAP) training will be based in Denmark initially, with global roll out planned for next year.
The course will meet the requirement of supervised operations by first performing switching operations in a simulated environment, where it is possible to induce stress on delegates, introduce errors and allow participants to fail safely.
Secondly, it will perform switching operations in a non-controlled live environment onshore.
The simulated environment will include noise, alarms and vibrations to induce stress and create a realistic learning environment for the team in the field, as well as a simulated SCADA allowing to practice communication and cooperation between AP and control room engineer, Maersk Training said.
The course is the result of an approach from Siemens Gamesa and Delpro Wind to Maersk Training
The compannies wanted to discuss possible solutions to maintain the high safety and skill levels while increasing the number of technicians to be trained as High Voltage Authorised Persons.
Central to this was to increase the competency level to lower the number of faults, Maersk Training said.
Siemens Gamesa HV commissioning engineer David Collard said: “For us, the key is that the training focuses on live switching as well as familiarisation with grid, single line diagram, the functionality of the system, and interaction with the control centre.
“With the technology at Maersk Training, using IT-based solutions in a simulated environment makes it possible to monitor the trainees in a fault situation and see how they react, then review the situation afterwards.
“Through evaluations of their actions in such situations, we can develop their profiles and the interaction with the control centre.”
“This collaboration sets new standards for development of High Voltage Authorized Persons within the offshore wind industry. Working with Maersk Training and Delpro Wind, we aim to create a training program that will cover all companies, suppliers, and clients, up to 72.5kV.”
Delpro Wind division head Dennis Hansen said: “The training is key for us to ensure we can meet the growing need for technicians approved as HV APs, while continuing to deliver the most competent workforce and the highest level of service – anywhere and anytime.
People are the backbone of our business; thus, we are willing to invest in their safety and developing their competences further.”
Maersk Training operations manager Per Larsen said: “With having more than 40 years worth of experience in working with the blend of technical and non-technical skills in high-risk operational industries and our expertise as one of the pioneers in training offshore wind technicians, this partnership with two of the most competent players in the wind industry, will take the training of HV APs to the next level.
“The program is built on lessons learned, causes and best practice from the industry, and integrates technical and procedural training with human factors to mitigate and reduce the errors experienced in real operations.
“Furthermore, the program include a high portion of practical hands-on activities and two-way discussions, and will make use of Maersk Trainings advanced simulators.”