Wind farms require huge investment and planning to develop and construct, but what is often forgotten is the amount of effort required to keep the turbines spinning when operational.
Our 15m catamaran, CRC Gladiator, is currently working on a multi-year contract to provide transfers for technicians out to an East Coast wind farm 365 days of the year. We spoke to one of their technicians to find out what they do.
“On our wind farm of 30x 2MW turbines we need to sail most days throughout the year (weather permitting) to diagnose faults and carry out repairs. Every hour that our turbines aren’t spinning is lost revenue so each one follows a meticulous servicing schedule every 6 months, consisting of replacing gearbox oil, hydraulic and air filters, and greasing various bearings. Nitrogen is carried on our CTV vessel too as accumulators need topping up regularly to maintain the pitch and yaw of the blades so they always face into the wind.”
“In the summer, extra maintenance campaigns will take place including blade repairs. This involves abseilers lowering themselves down to the blades and repairing the leading edges that have worn away from fatigue. For this job, the techs need low winds and warm weather so the resin they use can cure.”
“Occasionally we may have to exchange a major component in the turbine, such as a generator or gearbox. This will involve several days of preparation beforehand, disconnecting all cables and sensors before a jack-up barge with a crane arrives to swap the component out in a delicate lifting operation. In total, more than a dozen technicians could be involved.”
Thanks to Chris G for your time and insight! We at CRC have a proven track record of providing vessels for not just wind farm construction and initial cable laying support, but also the ongoing maintenance that follows, whether that is planned servicing or emergency breakdown response. Check out our Fleet page to find the right vessel for your project.
