Ørsted Deploys Heavy-Lift Drones for Borssele Offshore Wind Farm Operations

Ørsted Deploys Heavy-Lift Drones for Borssele Offshore Wind Farm Operations

(IN BRIEF) Ørsted has deployed heavy-lift cargo drones at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm, marking a significant advancement in operational efficiency and safety. These drones, capable of carrying up to 100 kg, significantly reduce the time required for cargo transport to each turbine, enhancing overall efficiency and safety. This innovation underscores Ørsted’s commitment to pioneering new technologies in the offshore wind industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) FREDERICIA, 7-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, has introduced heavy-lift cargo drones (HLCD) in an operational campaign at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm. This innovative approach aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety in the offshore wind industry. The drones will transport cargo from a vessel to each of the 94 wind turbines at the Borssele wind farm.

Building on previous drone trials at other offshore wind farms, Ørsted is now using 70 kg drones, which have a wingspan of 2.6 meters and can carry up to 100 kg of cargo. This operational deployment follows successful tests conducted last year at the Hornsea 1 Offshore Wind Farm in the UK.

In this campaign, Ørsted is updating critical evacuation and safety equipment in each turbine. Traditionally, this task involves a vessel traveling between turbines and using cranes for cargo transfer, which can take approximately six hours per turbine. By utilizing drones, Ørsted has reduced this process to about four minutes per turbine, making the operation 10-15 times faster and significantly more efficient.

Rasmus Errboe, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO at Ørsted, highlighted the benefits of this innovation:

“Ørsted has led offshore wind’s journey from a niche technology to a cost-competitive and large-scale source of renewable power. The drones at Borssele 1&2 improve safety, reduce carbon emissions, and lower the cost of operating offshore wind farms, enhancing the commercial appeal of offshore wind for investors, governments, and corporations.”

The use of drones not only reduces costs and time but also improves operational safety and efficiency. Drones eliminate the need to shut down wind turbines during cargo delivery, minimize risks to personnel, and reduce the number of ship journeys required, thereby lowering carbon emissions.

Ørsted is pioneering the large-scale deployment of heavy-lift drones in operational settings and is seeking partnerships with top cargo drone operators and service providers to expand its supply chain.

Cutting-Edge Offshore Wind Innovation

This deployment of heavy-lift drones exemplifies Ørsted’s commitment to innovation, which has been integral to its success in transforming offshore wind power into a major energy technology. Technological advances have already reduced the cost of renewable energy, making it competitive with fossil fuels. Ørsted continues to leverage cutting-edge technology to make green energy more affordable, reliable, efficient, and sustainable.

Recent innovations from Ørsted include optimizing offshore wind monopile installation and using autonomous vessels for offshore surveying. With over 300 R&D projects and partnerships with more than 50 universities and research institutes, Ørsted is dedicated to bringing the best ideas from the lab to the field.

About Ørsted
The Ørsted vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and onshore wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, renewable hydrogen and green fuels facilities, and bioenergy plants. Ørsted is recognised on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action and was the first energy company in the world to have its science-based net-zero emissions target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Headquartered in Denmark, Ørsted employs approx. 8,900 people. Ørsted’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2023, the group’s revenue was DKK 79.3 billion (EUR 10.6 billion). Visit orsted.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Media Contact:

Michael Korsgaard
mikon@orsted.com
+45 99 55 94 25

SOURCE: Ørsted A/S