Vestas and Maersk Supply Service, in cooperation with MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, are developing a crane solution that could, according to the companies, significantly bring down the cost of wind turbine installation.
The project has received DKK 47 million (approx. EUR 6.3 million) from the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (EUDP) through Danish Energy Ministry, and marks the first step of a recently established partnership between Vestas and Maersk Supply Service that aims to address future installation and logistics challenges to lower the cost of energy.
The project, developing an installation concept called Vertical Installer, was initiated Maersk Supply Service with the aim of finding a more efficient method to install offshore wind turbines utilising its current fleet.
“This is an exciting step for Maersk Supply Service and a great example of how our marine knowledge and versatile fleet can be leveraged in new industries. Our partnership with Vestas and the development of Vertical Installer demonstrates that we are taking action to overcome industry challenges and ensure that the energy needs of the next generation are met,” said Steen S. Karstensen , CEO of Maersk Supply Service.
Vestas and MHI Vestas Offshore Wind are providing the industry insight necessary to ensure that the new solution is tailored to industry needs and developed with the most up-to-date knowledge of challenges, logistics, operator requirements and potential design modifications for future wind turbine models, Maersk Supply Service stated. They are also providing access to test facilities both offshore and onshore, which will reduce project risks and the time required before the solution is available in the market.
“The Vertical Installer crane is the latest example of innovation that will continue to drive offshore wind forward. The concept will allow for improved logistics and more efficient installation – critical areas for our customers’ business case. We are proud to participate with Vestas and Maersk Supply Service in bringing this concept to life,” said Flemming Ougaard , Chief Operations Officer at MHI Vestas Offshore Wind.
“The partnership with Maersk Supply Service will significantly improve and expand Vestas’ existing market-leading capabilities for advanced installation and logistics solutions. We have a strong strategic fit, and the new Vertical Installer crane underlines how the partnership will support our goal to improve our efficiency in an area that will grow in importance as turbine components get bigger and infrastructure become more complex,” said Bo Svoldgaard , Senior Vice President for Innovation & Concepts at Vestas.