As offshore wind farms move further offshore, new challenges arise to ensure cost-effective and safe operations. Longer transport times, unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, and the limited availability of resources are becoming critical factors. That’s why we’re proud to announce that the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) Offshore Wind R&I Program has selected Buccaneer Next Ocean to demonstrate its technology for the challenging environment and applications at West of Orkney Windfarm.
Buccaneer community member Next Ocean develops radar systems for vessels that can predict wave patterns several minutes ahead. By forecasting future ship movements, these systems provide crews with critical information to perform offshore operations in the most challenging conditions. This reduces the risk of accidents and allows operations to be performed more efficiently, even under extreme circumstances.
“We are very pleased with the opportunity offered by the Offshore Wind R&I Program to demonstrate and further optimize our technology for the challenging environment and applications at West of Orkney Windfarm. Harsh wave conditions are right up our alley and we’re looking forward to increasing operational weather windows for the windfarm’s transport, installation, operations and maintenance, and at the same time making the vessel crews’ lives easier and safer.”
Dr. Peter Naaijen, CTO Next Ocean
The £1 million R&I program, delivered by EMEC and sponsored by the West of Orkney Windfarm, is designed to find innovative solutions that could deliver offshore wind faster, cheaper, and at lower risk. The project has already begun and will be completed by the end of this year. We are excited to see the outcomes and believe that implementing this technology could pave the way for developing more offshore wind farms in turbulent locations.