Heavy-lift cargo drones next big thing for maintaining wind parks?

As a world-first global offshore wind leader, Ørsted has successfully deployed heavy cargo drones for operational work in the Netherlands. These emission-free drones replace the costly, more polluting ships that usually fit the bill. The launch is a pat on the back for offshore renewable energy production reaching net zero.

Following successful tests at the UK’s Hornsea 1 wind farm last year, Ørsted has moved on to wider-scale implementation of cargo drones capable of heavy lifting. They’re called Heavy Lift Cargo Drones or HLCDs, in short.

In the Netherlands, at Borssele 1 & 2, inaugurated four years ago, Ørsted has started using 70 kg drones, with a wingspan of 2.6 meters, which can transport up to 100 kg of cargo from a ship to all 94 turbines. In this particular example, the drones are deployed to renew evacuation and safety features in each turbine.

Ten to fifteen times faster

Typically, a vessel would move from one wind turbine to the next, using a crane to hoist each equipment box onto the transition piece. This is followed by lifting the box with the nacelle’s crane to reach the nacelle and then positioning it at the top of the turbine. In contrast, the giant drone will now make direct trips between the offshore supply vessel and the top of the nacelle, bypassing the need for cranes.

A ship needs six hours per case to perform the task. In contrast, the drones can complete it in about four minutes per turbine, accelerating the operation 10 to 15 times. The option of drone flights reduces operational costs, improves safety, and minimizes carbon emissions by reducing the need for multiple ship journeys.

The latter has also been a thorn in the side of the Belgian maritime company CMB.Tech, which found it disturbing that polluting diesel ships transport personnel and equipment to offshore wind farms for maintenance and repair of the machinery that produces an energy product labeled as renewable. Responsible for the logistics, CMB.Tech has, therefore, shifted to vessels running on hydrogen.

Looking for partners

Likewise, Ørsted wants to position itself at the forefront of the offshore wind industry by putting a strong accent on environmentally friendly operations. The use of cutting-edge technology like HLCDs must reflect this commitment. The company now actively seeks partnerships with top cargo drone operators to enhance its supply chain further.

CEO at Ørsted Rasmus Errbo highlighted the deployment: “The drones at Borssele 1 & 2 will improve safety, reduce carbon emissions, and lower the cost of operating offshore wind farms, enhancing the commercial fundamentals of offshore wind for investors, governments, and corporations.” Ørsted is in the process of transforming offshore wind from a niche technology to a large-scale, cost-competitive source of renewable energy.