Belgium’s Port of Oostende and renewable terminal operator REBO have invited representatives from European ports and the offshore wind industry to join them on 7 September in a forum aimed at encouraging ports to work together on offshore wind deployment, WindEurope reports.
Ports are expanding facilities to accommodate a growing offshore wind industry that must service thousands of turbines in the northern seas with ever-larger components.
For example, today’s monopiles weigh-in at 1,300 tonnes and blade lengths are approaching 100m. As technological progress accelerates, ports will have to adapt to the needs of developers and equipment manufacturers.
The WindEurope Offshore Wind ports platform is initiated by the Port of Oostende and REBO to allow ports, developers, manufacturers and the wider supply chain to share best practices and find solutions that contribute to cost reduction in offshore wind.
At the launch event, developers and supply chain players will present the challenges and opportunities facing the offshore sector and what role ports can play.
On Thursday 8 September, the Port of Oostende will also be hosting the stakeholder showcase for the EU-funded LEANWIND project, which will demonstrate how ports can contribute to optimising the supply chain for an offshore wind farm.
Notably, it will present project work to improve on-land and port logistics as well as new turbine and foundation installation strategies.