WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

INTRODUCTION‘Spotlight’on the Tyne& the TeesContinuing our successful‘Spotlight On’ features weagain visit the Tyne & Teesas ‘an area of excellencein the wind energy industrythroughout Europe andbeyond’The area is becoming more and moreimportant to the wind energy industry.As you will see the depth and breadthof the companies and organisationswho have contributed to this feature donot disappoint.The feature boasts the largest pagecount so far which stretches over 40pages!Collaboration and the VesselCo-OperativeOur industry lead article in this editionfeatures the conference held inGreat Yarmouth recently organisedby Offshore Marine Support. As youwill find within the article the aim ofthe conference was to get as manyinterested parties involved in movingforward, with the objective of servingthe industry’s needs.We will continue to follow the cooperative’sprogress in future editions.Regular featuresWe can boast no fewer than 9 separatefeatures within this edition. Someare planned and can be found in our‘Forthcoming Features’ tab on ourwebsite – we do however react to editorialreceived, which we believe is importantto the industry and create new features tosuit.Therefore please do not hesitate to let usknow about any subject area which youfeel is important to the continued progressof the industry and we will endeavour tobring it to the fore.Wind energy industry skills gap– initiative updateI year ago we reported that there were 4main areas to focus on if we are to satisfythat need and would include a focusedapproach in the following areas.We have over that period covered...• Schools – from primary throughsecondaries to 6th form• Schools’ 6th Form /further education –schools/colleges• Engineering and science graduateattraction – universities• Mature experienced individuals fromother relevant energy industries/sources e.g. oil & gas industry/forcesThe time has now come to reviewthe situation having gathered all theinformation and response from theindustry and you will find this within thefeature.Magazine and websiteinteraction – QR codesYou will have noticed that we changed ourpink and green flashes indicating moreinformation online in the last edition. QRcodes have been substituted which meansthat you can scan the code with your smartphone and it will direct you to the featuredcompany/organisation micropage heldwithin our website, so that you can learnmuch more in all sorts of formats.These have already become very popularas it links the printed magazine in a veryinteractive way – a great marketing toolfor our decision making readership tofind out about products and servicesimmediately following the reading of aninteresting article. Contact the commercialdepartment to find out how to get one foryour company.Click to view more info= Click to view videoDuncan McGilvrayEditor | Wind Energy Networkwww.windenergynetwork.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk01

WIND ENERGY NETWORKCHALLENGINGENVIRONMENTSThe cover image was supplied byCapital Safety just to remind usthat working environments can bechallenging!Our feature on ‘Working at Heights andwithin Confined Spaces’ contains anumber of very helpful editorials fromsome of the best experienced in theindustry.Regular featuresAmongst some 9 features within thisedition we focus on Specialist Surveying,Law and Lubrication & Filtration to namebut 3.Spotlight on the Tyne & TeesThe largest regional feature so far atmore than 40 pages, with a wide rangeof articles from small companies tomulti-nationals as well as organisations,educational established and membershipgroups featured.Skills GapAn update on this initiative which startedjust over 1 year ago and has featuredprimary and secondary schools, 6thforms, colleges, universities, companies,both large and small, and the Forces.Duncan McGilvrayEditor | Wind Energy NetworkFront cover image: courtesy of Capital Safety02www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

CONTENTSCONTENTSPage 4Industry lead article – the UK & Ireland vesselco-operative conference 2013 held recently inGreat YarmouthPage 78Offshore Wind: A Guide For Business conference– held at the Advanced Manufacturing ResearchCentre (AMRC), RotherhamPage 8Page 14Page 16Page 20Page 24Page 26Page 70Your Industry News section starts hereYour regular events calendar and what’s newSkills Gap – our Wind Industry Careers initiativeupdate now 1 year on, including more contributionsacross the 4 target areasBusiness Development section – regular advice fromour team of expertsAll in a day’s work – Jeff Main, Managing Director ofTyne & Wear MarineSpotlight on the Tyne & Tees– we return to theregion to highlight progressRisk management – Risktec, our regularcontributors, on Quantitative Risk Assessments, part 2Page 80Page 86Page 88Page 94Page 96Page 100Page 102Andrew Jackson Solicitors heads up ourLaw featureEvent feature – EEEGR’s SNS 2013 conference heldat the Norfolk Showground, NorwichWorking at heights and within confined spacesfeature – we hear from the expertsEvent feature – Humber Renewables Awardsceremony held in Hull‘Distributed wind’ feature – ICE Renewables start byexplaining the conceptEvent feature – RenewableUK event ‘Future ofoffshore wind’ held in OrbisCentre, LowestoftMetmasts featurePage 72Feature on Lubrication & Filtration - expert advicePage 108Substantial feature on Specialist Surveyingp27p40p98Green Energy Publishing Ltd (Northern) The Oaks, Oakwood ParkBusiness Centre, Bishop Thornton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 3JNGreen Energy Publishing Ltd (SOUTHERN)OrbisEnergy, Wilde Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1XHTELEPHONE 01765 644224WEB SITE www.windenergynetwork.co.ukEditorial duncan@greenenergypublishing.co.ukSales sales@greenenergypublishing.co.ukWind Energy Network magazine is happy to accept unsolicited contributions for consideration. Editorial opinions expressedin this magazine are not necessarily those of Green Energy Publishing Ltd and the company does not accept responsibilityfor advertising content. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for omissions or errors. The contents of thismagazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk03

INDUSTRY ARTICLEIndustry Vessel Co-operativeWithin the lastedition the leadarticle highlightedthe importance ofcollaboration in theindustry.With this in mind we featured thework of Offshore Marine Support ingetting together many companiesand organisations to service the windenergy industry by setting up a vesselco-operative.The first event was held in Gt Yarmouthrecently and we now report on theconference – it is also well worth featuringthe progress of the co-operative in futureeditions because of its significance in thewind energy industry.Limited riskThe co-operative market the vessel andsubmit tenders for appropriate jobs, takinga small percentage of the charter rateshould the vessel be successful, thus riskto the owner is minimal. The range ofvessels, and related equipment, availablewithin the co-operative is vast – fromsurvey vessels to jack-up barges.Cost efficientFor the end user, the daily charter ratesare kept to a reasonable level as OMSdo not have the overheads of a largerorganisation.DiversificationThe co-operative has enabled owner/operators of vessels to diversify theirown businesses and work in an industrysector that still displays growth – i.e. manyfishing companies have joined the cooperativeto offer their vessels for guardduties. We have a number of fishermenwho completely endorse the concept ofOffshore Wind which has gone a long wayto change the mind-set of those who maypreviously have been against it.Currently, there are offices in Gloucester,Preston and the Isle of Wight andvessels available are at various locationsthroughout the UK and Southern Ireland.About the co-operativeThis co-operative has brought togetherseveral small owner/operators with one ortwo vessels with the aim of presenting amore forceful presence in the RenewablesSector. The co-operative has built upmany senior contacts within the industrywhich enables the smaller operator to gainaccess to people that they may not havebeen able to before by joining the cooperative.There is no charge to join.04www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

INDUSTRY ARTICLEThe UK &Irelandvessel cooperativeconference2013Image courtesy of Fendercare MarineWelcomeThe Mayor of Gt Yarmouth, Her WorshipCouncillor Colleen Walker, welcomed allpresent to Gt Yarmouth and describedhow important the wind industry has, andwill continue to be a very important sectorto the success of the area.IntroductionAndy Iannetta, MD of Offshore MarineSupport and Chairman for the day, gavea very enthusiastic introduction of what toexpect during the conference and invitedall to voice any opinions and/or concerns.He emphasised that it was very early daysin the life of the co-operative and everyoneinvolved felt it essential that every basewas covered regarding any concernsexpressed.Andy further explained, assisted by video,the reasoning behind the set up andexpressed his eagerness to involve allinterested parties, including educationalestablishments, colleges and fishermen/fishermen’s organisations.Speakers included...• Sean Matthews (Navitus Bay) – theNavitus Bay project• Jules Morgan (KPM-Marine) – safety atsea and crew habitation• Tim Smith (Fendercare) – support basefacilities and vessel innovations• Mark Hart & Alistair Hackett (OceanSafety) – man overboard & life safetyequipment• Ian Pease (Lowestoft College) – skills &training for wind farm support vessels• John Hawthorn (Red7Marine) – thevessel fund• Chris Holden – what do RES Offshoreneed from vessel suppliers to providea ‘one-stop-shop’• Paul Lines – the importance of safetymanagement systems within theco-operative• Jimmy Buchan – diversification andthe views of fishermenConclusionAll in all a very worthwhile day and we lookforward to following the progress of theco-operative through its formative yearsand beyond.There were a number of subject areaswithin the speakers’ presentations whichwe will be elaborating on in future editionsOffshore Marine Support ltdwww.offshoremarinesupport.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk05

INDUSTRY NEWSAlnmaritecmakesDiscoveryin 2000 - at the time, the first offshoreinstallation anywhere in the world - andduring this time we’ve built a lasting andtrusting relationship with Alnmaritec.”Specifically in regard to ‘NSL Discovery’Mr Armstrong said “I am delightedwith the performance of the new boat.She has proved herself on trials tobe extremely capable in some verydemanding conditions and she will be areal asset to our North Sea operations.She is a credit to theworkforce at Alnmaritec andI am confident that she willprove to be one of the bestvessels in the industry”.Wave Captain class specificationThe 19m Wave Captain class boat ispowered by 2 x 880bhp Doosan enginesand reaches over 25 knots. She hasdemonsatrated exceptional sea-keepingcharacteristics and superb handling whenapproaching and pushing up on the windturbines.Finished with the innovative ‘Intersleek’paint system designed to provide fuel andenvironmental benefits, this state of the artwind farm support vessel (WFSV) designhas full suspension seating for 12 andincludes a large galley and mess area aswell as four day berths on the lower deck.Alnmaritec Company progressThe 11th boat built by Alnmaritec forNorth Sea Logistics, Discovery is alsohull number 150 for the Blyth basedcompany. Managing Director ChrisMillman commented “We’re delighted tohand over ‘NSL Discovery’ which is thelatest of our builds intended to work inthe growing offshore wind industry.”North Sea Logistics progressNorth Sea Logistics Managing DirectorDavid Armstrong commented “We havebeen involved in the offshore windindustry for 13 years, starting with theconstruction of the Blyth Wind FarmChris Millman said “I amextremely happy with theway the boat has turned out.The wind farm market is animportant one for us and weare determined to stay in thevanguard of the developmentof these boats.”Relevant pastexperienceBut it’s not just the offshorewind sector Alnmaritec supplyto as Mr Millman explains, ”Wehave been building boats forover 20 years and have supplied vesselsto operate in some of the harshestconditions on every continent in theworld, for clients operating in a range ofsectors. For example currently in buildwe have a pilot boat for a project in WestAfrica, a passenger vessel for a Scottishconstruction project and workboats forclients in Korea and Singapore which willbe used in the Oil & Gas industry.”Alnmaritec Ltdwww.alnmaritec.co.uk08www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SKILLS GAPWind energyindustry skills gapinitiative updateHistoryIn the April/May 2012 edition we featuredthe ‘Kent Schools Wind Energy EnterpriseChallenge’ which started our initiative onaddressing the wind energy industry skillsgap as a matter of urgency.I year ago we reported that we see thereare 4 main areas to focus on if we areto satisfy that need and would include afocused approach in the following areas...• Schools – student engagement andawareness at the early stages ofcareer development (ages 14 onwards)• Schools’ 6th Form /further education –schools/colleges• Engineering and science graduateattraction – universities• Mature experienced individuals fromother relevant energy industries/sourcese.g. oil & gas industry/forces etcA major feature in the June/July 2013highlighted each of these areas as aprelude to a series focusing more in detailin each of the following editions.Editorial evolved over those editions andfeatured all sorts of contributions frommany areas of the UK and also drew lotsof interest from Europe and beyond.The time has now come to reviewthe situation having gathered all theinformation and response from theindustry.Wind Industry Careers websitePreparations are in hand to launch thenew Wind Industry Careers website. Wedelayed this launch until the industryunderstood what we are trying to achievein the best interests of the industry as awhole.This interactive and informative websitebe used to attract people of all ages andabilities into the wind energy industry.There are a number of initiatives to helpthe industry progress in the skills areaand it is our policy to compliment theseinitiatives and not to be in competition withanyone.Wind Industry Careers steeringgroupWith this in mind we created the WindIndustry Careers steering group to guideus through the set up and monitor theprogress of the initiative.The group met in late 2012 to set policyand procedures – the first meeting wasextremely successful and the secondmeeting is scheduled in 2013 followed bythe launch of the new website.Wind Industry Careers ‘roadshows’It remains our intention to tour the UKand organise road-shows at appropriatevenues suited to the 4 target areas i.e.selected schools, colleges, universitiesand company sites/forces bases – alldecision makers from the relevant areas ofthe industry, some of which have alreadybeen approached for their comments,were enthusiastic about getting involvedwith this initiative. Following furtherconsultation with interested partiestimescales and road-show formats can bediscussed and decided.We will keep you informed ofdevelopments.Regular skills gap featureThe Skills Gap initiative has attracted manyeditorial contributions from educationalestablishments who are carrying outsterling work in their own areas ofexpertise.We will therefore continue to host a regularskills gap feature within each edition of themagazine – please feel free to contributeregular editorial for inclusion.Duncan McGilvrayEditor14www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SKILLS GAPLowestoftCollegefacilitiesunderspotlightLowestoft College’s engineering andmaritime facilities were under thespotlight recently when Skills MinisterMatthew Hancock had a tour of thespecialist facilities.Matthew Hancock, Skills Minister, with Waveney MP PeterAldous in the Lowestoft College training tankMatthew Hancock, Skills Minister, atLowestoft College’s Ship’s Bridge SimulatorMatthew Hancock with apprentices/studentsWhistle-stop tourMr Hancock had a whistle-stop tour ofsome of the College’s facilities includingthe 18 metre wind turbine tower whichwas installed just over a year ago to trainworkers in the wind farm industry. He alsowatched Uniformed Services studentsbeing put through their paces with anemergency evacuation drill in the TrainingTank before being wowed by just howrealistic the Ships’ Bridge Simulator was.ApprenticesMr Hancock also spoke with EngineeringApprentices and watched them at work inthe recently upgraded workshop which nowboasts state-of-the-art training facilities.There was also time to meet travel andtourism students and answer their questions.Gaining an insightSimon Summers, Principal at LowestoftCollege, said: “We were very pleased thatSkills Minister Matthew Hancock spenttime with us and was able to see whatLowestoft College offers. By talking toapprentices and students he was ableto gain a good insight in to the issuesfacing them and see just how committedthey are to their studies. The visit wasalso an excellent opportunity for us toshowcase the range of courses we offerincluding those which support the keylocal industries of Maritime, Offshore andEnergy.”The Minister was joined by Waveney MPPeter Aldous and Leader of Suffolk CountyCouncil, Cllr Mark Bee.Lowestoft Collegewww.lowestoft.ac.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk15

SKILLS GAPHonorary degrees forindustry leadersIndustry leaders in the power andenergy sector have been madehonorary graduates of the Universityof Strathclyde – recognising theiroutstanding contribution to one of themost important fields in the Scottisheconomy.International technologicaluniversityAs a leading international technologicaluniversity, Strathclyde plays a pivotal rolein research, teaching and knowledgeexchange in power and energy, and iscurrently the Times Higher Education UKUniversity of the Year.The Power NetworksDemonstration CentreThe University of Strathclyde is home tothe largest electrical power engineeringand energy research group in Europe.Later this year it will officially open– a worldclass research centre which is the first ofits kind in Europe.PresentationThe honorary degrees were presented ata specially-arranged Power and Energyevent held in the Glasgow Science Centre,with First Minister Alex Salmond deliveringthe keynote address.Receiving the awards were KeithCochrane, Group Chief Executive of theWeir Group; Ignacio Galán, Chairmanand Chief Executive Officer of Iberdrola;Steve Holliday, Chief Executive of theNational Grid; Professor David MacKay,Chief Scientific Advisor at the Departmentof Energy and Climate Change; IanMarchant, Chief Executive Officer of SSEand Sir Ian Wood.Academic seminarThe ceremony was preceded by anacademic seminar involving the sixgraduates, where each spoke on themajor themes and challenges facing theindustry. It was attended by researchers,students and figures from across thesector.Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principalof the University of Strathclyde, said:“Strathclyde plays a key part in theglobal power and energy sector and thisevent provides us with the opportunityto recognise the significant contributionmade by key individuals.“As a major contributor to economicdevelopment in Scotland, it is vitallyimportant that academia and industrycollaborate to develop world-classresearch and ensure that Scotlandcontinues to flourish as a leader in powerand energy.“In being named UK University of theYear, Strathclyde was described asa ‘bold, imaginative and innovativeinstitution’ – an approach we share withthe individuals we have honoured today.”First Minister’s commendationFirst Minister Alex Salmond said: “The sixprominent energy figures honoured byStrathclyde University today have beencentral to the development of the energyindustry in Scotland in recent yearsthrough their business leadership andacademic expertise.“These deserving graduates have made,and are making, a major difference to oneof Scotland’s most important sectors andby doing so are also making a differenceto the prosperity and wellbeing ofcommunities across the country.“Today’s event also recognises the extentto which universities such as Strathclydebenefit from close links to industry, andhow much each of the industry figuresreceiving these awards gain from theirinteraction with the education sector.“Only by forging partnerships andcollaborations such as the ones highlightedtoday will Scotland’s energy sector be ableto harness the talent of our young peopleand continue to drive the renewablesrevolution in the coming decades.”Technology and InnovationCentre (TIC)In addition, 2014 will see the opening ofthe TIC. The centre will forge new levels ofcollaboration with business and industry,creating jobs and attracting inwardinvestment.Major partnersDeveloped with industry, for industry, the£89 million centre has already attractedmajor partners including SSE, the WeirGroup and ScottishPower and it willbecome the cornerstone of Scotland’sInternational Technology and RenewableEnergy Zone (ITREZ), a global research anddevelopment hub in the heart of Glasgow.University of Strathclydewww.strath.ac.uk16www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SKILLS GAPCompany re-launchesto tackle skills challenge“There is not a significant skills shortageyet, but with the continuing gas fieldwork, new nuclear and the developingwindpower sector, if we do not get ouract together now the gap could becomehuge. We want to ensure clients areprepared.“What we are looking to achieve as abusiness is to provide a seamless supportservice to our clients.”The company can also offer recruitmentprocess outsourcing to clients withouttheir own specialist or HR teams.John Balch (left), NWES Strategic Director, welcomes PWE ManagingDirector Stuart Smith to OrbisEnergy.The search for enough skilled workersto meet the future demands of theEast of England energy industry hasprompted one recruitment business tore-name and re-launch itself ready forthe challenges ahead.People with Energy (PWERecruitment Group Ltd)Inspired by its own slogan, Beccles-basedPDS will from this week be known as thePWE Recruitment Group focusing totallyon recruitment and saying farewell to a25-plus year heritage since it started life asProject Design Services.“Over the last few years, we have gonefrom strength to strength and expect lastyear’s £2.4m turnover to leap to £3m thisyear,” he said. “We’re not only steppingup the recruitment business but intendtaking on six new staff ourselves over thecoming three years.”Sister companiesThe group comprises sister companiesForces4Energy, which recruits ex-militarypersonnel for the energy industry, andLondon-based Forces4City, which hasa wider industry brief and specialises infinance and information technology.ClientsRecruiting everyone from directors andsenior managers through to techniciansand labourers, PWE has companies likeMott McDonald, Proserv Controls, TycoFire & Integrated Solutions and 3sunamong its clients.EEEGRMr Smith said they were indebted toEEEGR (the East of England EnergyGroup) and consultant John Balch forsupport and funding arrangements duringthe redevelopment plans.PWE Recruitment Groupwww.peoplewithenergy.co.uk2013 – a year of changeStuart Smith, who took control of thebusiness four years ago after workingthere for nearly two decades, said 2013would be a year of change, evolutionand expansion with more than £65,000invested in the company’s re-branding.And as well as its Beccles headquarters,PWE has offices at OrbisEnergy,Lowestoft, and Sunningdale and isopening shortly in Aberdeen.Keeping the lights on“Keeping the lights on is paramount sothe energy industry is always buoyant.”said Mr Smith.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk17

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTCoachingLet’s start with coaching. This is awork activity that rates highly amongstprogressive people at all levels. It seemsthat many of us really enjoy developing theskills of new and improving staff. In factmany regard passing on skills and adviceto ‘learners’ as one of the most fulfillingparts of their job whether they are in asupervisory role or in an expert role.No problem anticipated here then. Maybeyou just need to let the boss know thatyou want to start coaching or spend moretime doing it. The more you do the morewidespread will be your legacy of goodpractice in your profession.On the days when you take someoneto a higher level or stop someone doingsomething wrong you are ‘changing’ thefuture for that person. Indeed it might besaid that you are changing the future - oneperson at a time.MentoringLet’s move on now to mentoring.Speaking personally I can only coachpeople in my areas of experience andexpertise e.g. management, teambuilding, negotiating, presentation skillsetc. However over the years I seem tohave acquired more and more ‘mentoring’clients i.e. people who want the magic ofone-to-one learning sessions as well as, orinstead of, the classroom experience.I am usually a mentor to professional,technical and scientific people becauseI cannot really coach them to performtheir individual calling. I am not on thepremises, like you might be, to coachthem, to run behind them or sit alongsidethe individual who wants to do his/her jobbetter, or inspire a group of disgruntledpeople at a meeting.What you and I can do in the mentoringrole is listen carefully to the individual’sconcerns and then bring a lot of goodexperience into play in a discussion abouta problem that is really vexing an individualor his/her employer.Again I can only speak for myself - butthe type of problems and work situationsI have helped people tackle successfullythrough mentoring include career issuesat junior and senior levels; dealing withdemanding people, performance issues atjunior and senior levels and a wide rangeof other thorny management questions.How is this done? Typically the mentoring Ido is face-to-face at a convenient location,or on the telephone (in an emergency).I increasingly mentor on-line with e-mailmessages going back and forth.ResultsResults as far as I can tell seem to have allbeen positive to date. This is in no smallpart down to the honesty and realismthat comes from a one-to-one session.For example a middle manager in a highlysuccessful company, seeking a £25k perannum pay rise immediately, becamemore realistic following our telephonementoring session he was able to quicklysecure an extra £20k per year – with theincrease spread over three years.In recent times I spent a day mentoringa young and untrained supervisor whohad reading and writing difficulties of hisown. He confided that he would neverattend conventional management trainingcourses because of the (continuing) painand embarrassment he had suffered sincehis school days. However, one to onementoring sessions, that involved a lot ofwalking around his premises and talkingabout his job, helped him to transformhis performance and his employer nowrecommends mentoring wholeheartedly.Again in recent times an outgoingmanager sent his replacement (his deputy)for a series of half day mentoring sessions.After each session workplace goalswere set for the coming week and theindividual would then report on his resultsat our next half day session. The outgoingfellow was able to monitor results, whichexceeded everyone’s expectations, andby using the quieter half days disruption tonormal working was minimised.So if you are looking to add even moresatisfaction to your role then thinkabout mentoring as a way to boost theperformance and confidence of yourpeople. It is cost-effective use of your timeand you can customise it to the needs ofthe individual and the requirements of youremployer.Good luck with changing the future – oneperson at a time. In the second part of thisarticle I will look at how you can changethe future by making presentations topeople – standing up and speaking up!Frank Newberrywww.franknewberry.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk19

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTManagement MattersIn the last of the workshop series,created by of Renewables Networkto help businesses prepare forthe demands of the offshore windenergy supply chain, the subject ismanagement. Here John Britton,Director of Renewables NetworkLtd, discusses the critical, but oftenmisrepresented role of management.Many things have been published overthe years that have simply served toconfuse managers by mixing styleand function as if they are the samething. In this workshop the focus is onfunction, leaving the question of styleto the individual. The only style thatwill work is the one that is natural toyou.LEAD OR MANAGE?This is the first question that needs to beresolved. One hears a number of onelinersthat are designed to capture theessence of each.“Leading is transformational, managing istransactional”“Leaders are inspirational, managers aretechnical”These statements sound catchy, butthey confuse function and style. Oneof my favourite books on the subject is“Burn! 7 Leadership Myths in Ashes”by Mitch McCrimmon. In it he clarifiesvery effectively that leadership andmanagement are distinct roles, both ofwhich can be accomplished in a rangeof styles. For him the role of leadership isto set a new agenda for the team. Thismakes the role more than innovation,there are plenty of innovators who don’tmanage to sell the change of agenda towhich their innovation opens the door.A leader has to sell the change to the‘agenda setters’. As such a leader canexist anywhere in an organisation, not justat the top.The role of management is to executethe agenda. The agenda can be one ofincremental improvement of performanceto maintain a ‘no change’ strategy, or itcan be to execute exciting and significanttransformation triggered by a newstrategic vision. The specific challengesmay be different, but the role is the same –to execute the agenda.• Are these roles mutually exclusive?No, a manager can also be a leader.• Are these roles mutually dependent?No, a leader can emerge from thelaboratory or from the sales force tosell a new concept, never having hadany management experience at all.Also a manager can be a superbmanager without ever being a leader.CHANGE MANAGEMENTThere you have it. The function thatis the subject of countless seminarsand hundreds of books is changeMANAGEMENT, not ‘change leadership’.This whole topic embraces the two roles,but the far more significant functionin the achievement of change is themanagement role of executing the changeagenda. John Kotter is, perhaps, a betterknown author than Mitch McCrimmonand his book ‘Our Iceberg is Melting’co-authored with Holger Rathgeber hascertainly achieved book of the monthstatus in management circles. The clarityKOTTER1 Create a sense of urgency – help others to see the need forchange and the importance of acting immediately2 Pull together the guiding team – make sure there is a powerfulgroup guiding the changewith which Kotter describes the essentialsteps required to secure organisationalchange is very helpful for every manager.3 Develop the change vision and strategy – clarify how the futurewill be different from the past4 Communicate for understanding and buy-in – make sure asmany others as possible understand and take ownership of thestrategyThese steps are:Step 1 is exclusively the role of leadership;this is where the change concept is soldto the agenda-setters. Steps 2 and 3 willcertainly involve the leader to ensure theconcept is not diluted or hi-jacked byanother influence, but it is in these stepsthat the management of change beginsto be organised. From there on in the roleis exclusively management. WheneverI check my own conviction by readingthrough this list I get questioning thoughtssuch as “Step 5: Empowering others –that sounds like leadership”. But I soonrealise that I am thinking about style ratherthan function, I am thinking about inspiringand then charismatic communication.Empowerment of others (or delegation)is a management function and can be asuccess in a number of styles, just thesame as it can be a miserable failure in anumber of styles, but more of that later.5 Empower others to act – remove all the barriers so that those whoare committed to the change can succeedMcCRIMMONLEADMANAGE/LEADMANAGE/LEADMANAGEMANAGE6 Produce short term wins - create some visible, unambiguoussuccesses as soon as possible.7 Don’t let up – be relentless in achieving change after change untilthe vision is a reality8 Create a new culture – hold on to the new ways of behaving untilthey become strong enough to replace the old traditionsMANAGEMANAGEMANAGE20www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTQUALITY MANAGEMENTWhether the subject is the management ofquality or the quality of management themessage is the same.The principles of ISO9001 are almostuniversally valuable, but the value ofISO9001 implementation is almostuniversally ridiculed.The subject of implementation, and theoutrage of consultants selling overlybureaucratic compliance systemswithout a single care for the achievementof ownership throughout the team,is discussed at greater length in theworkshop.Let us concentrate on the positive firsthalf of the statement in this short text.We are talking about Kotter’s steps4 and 5. The delivery of a consistentquality performance depends upon thedecisions that every individual takeswhen confronted with the variables ofhis/her operation. Any other concept ofteam performance is significantly lessproductive.When every individual can take ownershipof, and personally commit to the principlesof quality management he or she is thenable to implement them consistently in allthe varying situations with which he/she isconfronted. We call this initiative.So what are the principles of ISO9001?1 Understand our customers’requirements2 Create the environment to succeed3 Involve the team fully to achieveobjectives4 Identify the activities & resource thatmake a process5 Manage the processes that make abusiness system6 Turn experience into learning &improvement7 Manage information to improvedecisions8 Create value together with ourcustomersIt sounds good stuff doesn’t it? And so itis. However, I would guess that 95% ofthe individuals who work for businessesthat have been sold ISO9001 have nofamiliarity with this set of principles.The ONLY chance of successfullyimplementing ISO9001 is if 100% ofthe individuals understand how theseprinciples relate to their work experience,and are committed to applying them.ENVIRONMENTIn our workshop on competence youwill recall that the three constituents oforganisational competence are Expertise,Equipment and Environment. One cansee just how important it is for managersto create, maintain and develop theright work environment. Without theunderstanding of objectives and principlesindividuals in the team cannot volunteertheir commitment, andwithout each individual’scommitment to performa manager is consignedto the close supervisionof everyone’s actions.These managers feelthe need to monopolisethe authority to makedecisions because, intheir view, no-one hasearned the trust to be‘let loose’.The litmus test fora successful workenvironment isdelegation.DELEGATIONWhen I think aboutthe good managers I have worked for(there have been some) and the badmanagers (there have been more) thereis one common factor… delegation.All of the good ones were successfuldelegators, and all the bad ones wereawful delegators. Indeed there are veryfew shades between good and baddelegation.What is the difference between a gooddelegator and a bad delegator?For me the answer is authority. Thinkabout it as it affects you. In order tosucceed in achieving an objective youneed to know that the responsibility isyours, and that you have the authority totake the necessary action. And there youhave it, good ones delegate responsibilityand authority, and bad ones delegateresponsibility, but not authority.FINAL THOUGHTSMcCrimmon and Kotter have clarified thesubject of management for me. I urgeyou to read the books I have detailed. Forthose avid readers amongst you there isone other book in my list of ‘must reads’.Marcus Buckingham’s ‘First Break All theRules’ sounds like a call to rebellion, butit really isn’t. It is challenging and thoughtprovoking, anything less would be a wasteof time.Management is a function, a responsibilityto execute the agenda.Resist the temptation to mimic someoneelse’s style. Even if they have beenhugely successful, they have got thereby doing it THEIR WAY. They may sellbooks by promoting style, but they won’timprove your chances of being a bettermanager by persuading you to adopttheir style. There is only one successfulstyle…YOURS, but the functions of goodmanagement are universal.John Brittonjohn@renewablesnetwork.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk21

ALL IN A DAYS WORKALL IN ADAY’S WORK...Name: Jeff MainCompany: Tyne & Wear MarineOccupation: Managing DirectorHabitat: TyneAccoladeNot many people can boast the accoladeof 500 years experience in a specialistenvironment, collectively in the company!well Tyne & Wear Marine certainly can.Leading the way is Jeff Main, all told aneclectic and charismatic person who’s storyis a most unusual and enlightening one.In the beginning...A background as a fabricator and welderfor many years, Jeff utilised his experienceand became a welding inspector forsome 10 years. However the oil industrybeckoned, where he enjoyed many yearsemployment.Alas, with the slump in the 80’s he wasone of the casualties and was maderedundant.Not one to rest on his laurels, havinggained a wealth of experience and a ‘cando attitude’ he set about designing andbuilding his own salvage vessel. No meanfeat!Jeff, his colleagues in the businessand also his marine engineering friendscreated a 20 m 140 tonne steel workboatcomplete with a 15 tonne hydraulic crane– The TWM Reclaim. Almost 1 year to theday of sitting down to design his salvagevessel the company of Tyne and WearMarine Ltd was born in 1987.This quickly became a successfulbusiness, where there was muchdemand for his expertise, not only withinthe salvage business, but also withinengineering. With his diverse experience,he grew the company employing over 20personnel and over the years owning andmanufacturing some 20 vessels, 14 inplace currently.Challenges into solutionsJeff’s passion derives from the ability toturn challenges into solutions and has theinnate ability to be innovative – thinking‘out-side of the box’ as the saying goes.When he was building the TWM Reclaimhe was met with many build issues, oftennot having the correct tool or equipmentwith which to work – there was nothingsuitable available on the market - so hedesigned and built one which did!Jeff is very quick to point out that hissuccess is due to the support and loyaltyof his team, with particular mention tohis Business Manager and PA MargaretCarrigan and in recent years his ProjectsManager John Crammon who, he believesis very much on the same wavelength.Often coming up with the same solutionsto problems without conversing. Theybounce ideas off one another whendesigning and forward planning andtherefore make a formidable team.DiversificationThe success of his business is the abilityto diversify and offer a variety of serviceswithin the marine environment – with thisin mind Jeff and his team are constantlyflexing to the demands required within theindustry.New premisesSo much so, that they are currentlyplanning on new premises on thewaterfront, seeking an ideal location with adeep water berth, as they are increasinglydealing with the wind industry and wish toconcentrate on wind farm mobilisation.Wind energyAs the wind sector expands Jeff is findingthat the company is undertaking more andmore windfarm related projects.While chatting, Jeff just happened tomention matter of factly that he was one ofthe pioneers for deep wreck diving usingrebreathers and blending mixed gases in theNorth Sea. Diving - a passion he still enjoysto this day and has been involved for over30 years for both sport and work.Micro-ROVsTo add to his list of talents, he pilotsmicro-ROVs, and undertakes numerousdemonstrations and seminars on aregular basis. These micro-ROVs area scaled down version of their largerrelative, however just as adept andskilled in undertaking inspections suchas foundations, ships, j tubes, quaysides,walls and pipelines.Jeff has forged such a good rapportwith the company called Video Ray, whodesigned the micro-ROVs, in the USA thathe has undertaken seminars and talksover there as well as with Atlantas Marinein the UK; TWM has even designed toolsfor them!Jeff and John have also developed sidescanningfor quay walls and jetties whereimages can be processed immediatelyand work can be physically underwaywithin hours; where previously it wouldtake a dive team weeks to come up withthe same information. This developmenthas created a great deal of interestthroughout the world.Real life scenarioTyne & Wear Marine were called upon toassist with a wind farm vessel which hadbeen holed in the river, on an exposed oldpile, which ripped through the bottom ofthe ship. Thankfully, it did not sink and thewater was contained. Jeff’s team went inwith a micro-ROV, surveyed the damageand an underwater team sealed the holeon the outside of vessel - crisis averted!HobbiesDesigning and inventing (not surprisingly)and also skiing. Jeff also has a passionfor Salsa dancing, as he and his wife areregular travellers to Cuba, and no doubtend up dancing in the streets! Not sure ifthis is the case in Tyneside, but if anyoneheralds the way it will be Jeff and Gill!Unusual circumstances?One particular challenge that was broughtto his table was one that encapsulatesJeff in a nutshell – this was one whichdemanded tenacity, strategic thinking andabove all ingenuity! – all three things hehas in abundance!A client had some damaged dock gatesin a marina which were constantly leaking.They had to be sealed before work couldcommence and repairs carried out. Anumber of contractors had tried and failedpreviously to do this, however the gatescontinued to leak.22www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

ALL IN A DAYS WORKInnovative SOLUTIONAt home, asleep and in the middle of thenight, Jeff sat up bolt upright and askedhis wife “how much is butter?” His wife,somewhat bemused from her slumberresponded.Jeff had had an epiphany moment. Thiswas his solution to the leaking dock gateswhich had been giving him a problem!Boxes and boxes of Lurpak butter (salted)were bought and used to seal the gates.Eureka! It worked allowing the repair totake place in the dry. A week later, ondive inspection there was found to bea natural marvel – thousands of crabshad congregated to the gates and werefeasting on the gastronomy – just goes toshow what a superior butter it was!In the past when operating his salvagebusiness he was called upon to salvageshipwrecks, whereupon insurancecompanies would contact him. Alas nogold bullion was recovered!Variety is the spice of life– no two days are the sameVariety certainly keeps the momentumgoing and there is no such thing asa typical day. Jeff is called upon toundertake inspections on a regular basisand he is a regular at the Port of Tyneadvising on fabrication projects – he canbe fitting fenders on the dock sides or benegotiating with clients.Ingenious by design and yet so simple, itconsists of standard 10m x 4m pontoons,interconnected, and when assembled cancarry loads of up to 100 tonnes over waterutilising an interlocking pushing tug also10 x 4; it is extremely manoeuvrable andvery versatile.The FutureJeff’s ambition is to grow the business –he is not yet ready to retire, to build a newdeep water berth and to establish newpremises and continue...Describe yourself in 3 wordsModestly, he declined to remark,whereupon his wife came to his rescueand stated; kindness; integrity and a ‘cando’ attitudeIn short Jeff’s ingenuity and enthusiasm isinfectious, his attitude is inspiring and hisambition is boundless. It was a joy to havejust had a snippet of this enthusiasm inour brief interview.Fliss ChafferWind Energy NetworkClick to view more infoInnovative prowessAnother example of his innovative prowessis the design of a modular pontoon whichhe uses within the wind industry. Thisallows the huge turbines to be transportedvia water and not road, which has beenused for transporting massive structures– Technip have recently utilised this totransport one of their new SMD Trenchers.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk23

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURESpotlight focuson the Tyne& the TeesWelcome again to an area of the UK describedas ‘an area of excellence in the wind energyindustry throughout Europe and beyond’On this occasion we visit the North East, which our readersmay remember from some time ago, when we featuredthe entire area in a fairly general way. We now focus in onthe specific area of the Tyne and the Tees where particularadvances have been made.Existing projects and Round 3 preparationsThe area not only prepares itself in readiness for the Round 3Offshore Wind developments but also continues the work alreadyundertaken within existing offshore wind projects includingconstruction, service and maintenance.Our sponsors for the feature, PD Ports, pick up the story withcomments for moving things forward more quickly...24www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk25

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREThinking bigthe challenge for logisticsThe logistical challenges oftransporting or installing outsize andheavy components such as turbinesand blades are considerable, andwith larger units on the horizon thoseinvolved in the renewable energysector require planning and foresight,alongside more Government clarity.UncertaintyThere is great uncertainty in the wind farmsector which many believe is based onlack of demand and no clear directionfrom the UK Government.The uncertainty of manufacturers in therenewable energy market is reflected bycompanies, including those involved inproviding transport and logistics servicesto those manufacturers. The problemis particularly acute because much ofthe equipment and facilities required tohandle, for instance, wind turbines, willneed to be purpose-built.TransportationAbout 90% of the world’s non-bulkcargo is transported in containers, butsubstructures, turbines and blades fallinto the 10% of cargo that is too large orheavy to be shipped in a sea container.And while some transport companies andports are used to handling a wide varietyof ‘heavy and ugly’ freight, it makes nosense for them to invest in facilities forhandling wind farm equipment until theyknow exactly what will be manufactured.Going in blindJerry Hopkinson, Managing Director –bulks, ports and logistics at PD Ports,explains: “We have the ability to developour port assets to cater for a rangeof different scenarios, but, given thediffering requirements of the variousmanufacturers and fabricators, untilwe know exactly the nature and scopeof what will be fabricated and shippedthrough the port, it is difficult to developthe port infrastructure.”Mr Hopkinson further explains, “We needthe developers and the manufacturersto make the decisions, but they are notmaking the orders because they arewaiting on Government commitments onlong-term policies and subsidies.”Time, the greatest hurdleThe problem is made worse by the factthat building vessels and upgrading portand other transport facilities takes time.But time is something the UK Governmentdoes not have. It has signed up to the EURenewable Energy Directive, committingit to producing 15% of UK energy fromrenewable resources by 2020. Andfor electricity specifically, the target is30%, with more than two-thirds of thatpredicted to come from onshore andoffshore wind.Round 3 developmentsIn 2010, the Crown Estate announced thesuccessful bidders for Round 3 of the UK’soffshore wind development, in nine furtherzones. These Round 3 developments areenvisaged on a much bigger scale thanRounds 1 and 2 combined.At the moment, there are just 16 offshorewind farms, generating 1,858.20 MWe(compared with 324 onshore wind farms)according to RenewableUK. “Unless theGovernment makes some decisions verysoon, or manufacturers make the bolddecision to build wind turbines withoutany firm orders, our ability to build thefacilities to assist in meeting these targetsis hindered.” says Mr Hopkinson.Hampering potentialPD Ports owns the ports of Teesport andHartlepool and has already designatedHartlepool as the focus for its renewableenergy facilities. The port has deep water,plenty of land available for companies tobuild manufacturing facilities and is alreadyhome to JDR Cable Systems, a leadingcable manufacturer for renewable energyprojects, and HeeremaFabrication Group,which specialises in theengineering and fabricationof large and complexstructures, mainly for theoffshore oil and gas andenergy industry.“We are talking to theindustry all the time butthere are still so manyvariables. We couldconfigure Hartlepool ina particular way to suit aturbine manufacturer, butit would need to be different if it was asub-structure manufacturer – so we can’tprepare in advance.”While some vessels are being built witha view to the Round 3 market, there willpotentially not be enough to meet needsif a sudden upsurge in demand follows aGovernment policy announcement.Unlike electronics, where products getsmaller as technology advances, there isno reason to believe the same is true aswind power technology advances. In fact,the European Wind Energy Association(EWEA) predicts that as the number ofwind farms grows, the more they will haveto be located in deeper water where thewind speeds are higher – and the larger theturbines will have to be.Huge potentialMr Hopkinson concludes: “Like someother ports, we already have stronglinks with manufacturers in the sectorand have handled a range of productsfor renewable energy customers. Thereis huge potential for ports and othertransport companies to develop at leastpart of their businesses around therenewable energy sector, but we areall hampered by the lack of informationabout what is needed.”PD Portswww.pdports.co.uk26www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURENewcastle GatesheadPowering the future of wind energyRenewable energy is a key growthsector for Newcastle/Gateshead.The area has been chosen by the UKgovernment as the national centre forresearch into renewable energy andis the location of some of the world’slargest testing facilities for offshorewind and marine renewables. We’realso one of six designated Centre’sfor Offshore Renewable Engineering(CORE) in England.LocationTheir location on the north east coast ofEngland means Newcastle/Gatesheadis situated perfectly as a gateway to thevast amount of opportunities created asthe sector grows. They’re the closestport (96 nautical miles) to the world’slargest proposed wind farm zone, DoggerBank, making Newcastle/Gateshead anideal place for businesses involved in theresearch & development, manufacturing,specialist logistics and operations &maintenance of wind turbines.Company clusterNewcastle/Gateshead has a strongcluster of companies with the key skillsrequired for the development of offshorewind farms such as: Cable and umbilicalmanufacture and expertise; ploughing,laying and subsea cables; sea bedoperations and undersea connectiontechniques; project management anddesign engineering; specialist logistics andprofessional services.Innovative riverside facilitiesand local supply chainThe innovative riverside facilities,development sites and local supply chainof supporting technologies add to thealready compelling offer tothe industry’s businesses,and provide an ideal settingfor them to offer directsupply lines to UK offshorewind farms.Working togetherA key element of the area’sproposition to offshore windsupply-chain is the extentto which local schools,colleges and trainingproviders are workingwith major companieslike Maersk, Siemens andNewcastle InternationalPositioned for successPipeshield has been operating fromtheir Teesside supply base at AVDawson’s for over 10 years. Theysupply subsea protection andstabilisation products and services toclients and projects far and wide.Their products are designed andengineered to withstand the toughestand most challenging environmental andsubsea conditions in the North Sea andare used for submarine pipeline and cableprotection, scour prevention, crossingsand much more.ConvenienceHaving access to well-maintainedquayside facilities affords their clients theconvenience and benefit of collectingproducts alongside their manufacturingsite, saving on handling and delivery costs,as well as time and transportrestrictions.Port facilityPositioned on the east coastof the country, Dawson’sQuay facility near Teessideprovides an uncongestedand efficient port facilityto serve the immediaterespective offshore windfarmdevelopments, includingthose operational and futureplanned projects.Airport to develop new skills and trainingprogrammes specifically for the industry.Every day they deliver innovative offshorewind solutions globally, helping to shapethe industry’s exciting future.Whether you’re looking for office space,need the inside track on what’s happeningin the region, or want to know how totap into the best talent, their InwardInvestment team is here to help.NewcastleGateshead Initiativewww.investnewcastlegateshead.comWind energy industryFrom their Teesside supply base, theyhave recently supplied products andservices for the Lincs, Lynn and InnerDowsing wind farms within the North Sea,as well as wind-farms in the German andDutch sectors.They continue to promote Dawson’s Quayas a well-positioned, efficient and effectivequayside facility to support the needs ofthe renewable sector.Pipeshieldwww.pipeshield.comClick to view more infoAV Dawsonwww.av-dawson.comClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk27

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREDe-risking energytechnologies before goingoffshore28www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREModus:TWO SIGNIFICANT PROJECTSSpecialist subsea contractor, ModusSeabed Intervention has delivered twosignificant projects for Van Oord on thehigh profile EDF Energy RenewablesTeesside Offshore Wind Farm.In addition to providing inter-array cabletrenching and survey services, Modusdelivered new equipment to bury theexport cables that will carry the powergenerated by the array to the shore.Specialist modificationTo facilitate the burial of the two 1.2kmexport power cables, the Darlington-basedcompany invested in a shore approachand shallow water towed jetting spread,which was specially-modified by Modus’engineers to meet the requirements ofoffshore wind farm construction.The trencher, designated JS1, wasoriginally designed to bury fibre opticcables up to 3m below seabed level inwater depths of up to 18 metres. Modus’engineers modified the unit to enable it tobury heavier and more rigid power cableswith a diameter of around 200mm.Local supply chain supportWith the support of its North EastEngland-based supply chain, Modus alsoincreased the instrumentation of JS1 anddesigned a new control system, to ensurethe operation was less labour intensive,and added a number of features to furtherenable it to meet the requirements ofrenewables projects such as sonar andunderwater cameras.Delivering important projectsJake Tompkins, Managing Director ofModus Seabed Intervention, said: “Wewere very proud to deliver these twoimportant projects for Van Oord and EDF.“As well as being a strong endorsementof our position in the offshore wind supplychain, delivering these contracts continuesto demonstrate our ability to innovate anddevelop technology-led solutions, whichsupport the cost-effective construction ofoffshore wind farms.”experience and expertiseJake added: “By applying our technologydevelopment experience and expertise,we have expanded our trenchingservices through the introduction of theJS1 trenching spread.“Modus is now able to deliver shallowwater cable trenching from offshorewind farms to the beach to complementthe capability of our existing fleet oftrenching systems.”Moduswww.modus-ltd.comInnovative engineering solutionsACEDA, a leading provider ofintegrated engineering solutions,based in Stokesley, Teesside,are working closely with keyorganisations within the offshore windsector to design and deliver turnkeyIP integrated services using leadingedge fibre optic technologies.Core infrastructureFibre optic cables form part of the exportand array cables between substationsand offshore wind turbines. This core fibreoptic backbone provides a platform for IPconnectivity for SCADA communicationswhilst providing future scalability foradditional IP edge device utilisation.ACEDA provide connectivity for a numberof edge devices that are controlled,monitored and maintained through asingle IP management platform.Nick Harker, GroupManaging Director30www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETyne & WearMarinea case studyTransporting a 55 tonneTrencher with TWM’s ModularPowered Pontoon System (MPPTS)The powered pontoon system is the latestmulti-functional bespoke TWM designedand built equipment added to the growingrange of resources that is available for hirethrough the company. Tyne and WearMarine Ltd has specifically invested inbuilding these resources to meet the evergrowing needs of their oil, gas and windenergy business sector clients.Project (March 2013)Operation carried out: Thetransportation of a SMD 55 tonneTrencher valued at £4.3 million.After many hours of planning, 10 minuteswas all it took to carry out the operation oftransporting the Trencher from the Northside to the South side of the River Tyne.Using the MPPTS proved to be a costeffective way by avoiding the logistics oftrying to move the 55 tonne trencher bydismantling it, and transporting by roadthrough the City of Newcastle.After the launch of this multi-role system in2012, it has been so successful it has nowhandled a range of diverse contracts. Therecent enhancement of building anothertwo units now taking the equipment towell over a 100 tonne payload.Unique interlocking systemThrough a unique interlocking systemcreated and manufactured by TWM, thiseight piece Modular Pontoon Systemwhich can be powered by a 10 x 4interlocking Pushing Tug and becoming a9 piece Modular System, so flexible that ithas for example been used as follows...• A crane barge• Dredging• Transporting equipment up to 100 tonne• Stand-off pontoons• A quick and easy to install ferry landingwith a 25m linkspan• Dive support platformThe system benefits are...• Multiple uses in many configurations• Easily mobilised and de-mobilised• Totally road transportable• Can be fitted with spud legs• An 8 tonne knuckle crane (removable)is fitted to one of the pontoons• Can be fitted with a 4 point mooringsystemTyne & Wear Marinewww.tyneandwearmarine.comClick to view more infoLeading technologyPossibilities for IP edge device integrationare infinite. The company is currentlyconducting research and developmenton a number of IP solutions for the windturbine industry, including monitoringsolutions using fibre optic technologiesto detect strain, movement and thermalchanges on subsea cables and turbinestructures. Other technologies includeIP CCTV to monitor health & safety andenvironmental conditions during theinstallation, operation and maintenancephases of an asset lifecycle. Integrated IPAccess Control allows key stakeholders torestrict and monitor access within certainareas of a wind turbine to authorisedpersonnel.Flagship project – The LincsACEDA are currently involved in The Lincsoffshore wind farm project providing aturnkey engineering solution, includingthe fibre optic network. Paul Warnes,Energy & Process Divisional Director,said, “The Lincs is a flagship projectfor the company, being involved fromevolution to execution has allowed usto design and deliver an IP networkengineering solution, which provides theclient with the SCADA communicationscapability and the facility for further IPedge device integration. We believethat the potential to develop the coreinfrastructure on offshore wind farms isinvaluable. Working with clients duringthe design stage is essential to ensurefull operational capability is achieved forthe lifecycle of the asset.”Skills capabilityAs a turnkey solutions provider, they havea strong in-house engineering team todesign and deliver each project. Eachsolution is often complex and requires ahigh level of engineering experience andexpertise. The company has overcomethis by recruiting and training a numberof specialist engineers who have thecapability to provide a multi-skilled servicefrom subsea HV and fibre terminating andcommissioning to integrating an IP CCTVand IP access control system if required.North East drivenACEDA was founded by Group ManagingDirector, Nick Harker, and has recentlycelebrated 20 years of trading. Majorprojects are managed from the head officein Stokesley, and have regional officesin Aberdeen, London and Manchester.Nick Harker commented, “ACEDA hasbenefited from being based in the NorthEast of England, over the years wehave excelled by sourcing local skilledengineering resource and buildingrelationships with key clients andsuppliers who are often located nearby.A number of key players in the windindustry are based in the region and haveaccess to excellent transport links and anumber of large industrial ports. We arein an excellent position and will continueto support the region through recruitmentand building local supply chains.”ACEDAwww.energy-process.aceda.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk31

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURESMD deliver an HD3 Plough ahead ofschedule to Reef SubseaSoil Machine Dynamics Ltd (SMD),subsea equipment designer andmanufacturer, succeeded in the earlydelivery of an HD3 inter array cableplough to Reef Subsea’s subsidiarycompany, Reef Subsea Power &Umbilical Ltd (RSPU).The vehicle which RSPU have named theirHDIA (Heavy Duty Inter Array) Plough willsoon be mobilised onto the Polar Princesubsea construction vessel.Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind FarmThe HD3 cable plough, which is scheduledto go straight onto the Gwynt y Môr offshorewind farm, is well suited to the simultaneousor post-lay burial of large bend radiusproducts up to 200mm diameter.SpecificationsIt can be towed with up to 150 tonnesin consolidated soils, has on-boardjetting to boost performance in sands,and is equipped with subsea loadingand unloading capabilities. It has anunique feature allowing it to cut a trenchat shallow trench depths (1 to 1.5m)or at deep trench depths (2.4m) withminimal risk to the product compared to aconventional plough.Q1000 jet trencherThe HD3 plough follows the delivery of theQ1000 jet trencher in October 2012. TheQ1000 has now successfully completedsea trials and her maiden scope of work inthe North Sea.HD3 cable ploughPaul Davison, SMD Trenching Manager,said: “We are particularly pleased withthe successful build and delivery ofthis plough. To meet and exceed achallenging schedule is a testament tothe SMD and Reef Subsea project teams.We look forward to supporting the ploughtrials and subsequent operations. Interarray cable burial with the HD plough isan enhancement to previous operationson the Polar Prince with the SMD MD3Plough. Ploughing inter array cables isa step change in process and we lookforward to supporting such innovation tohelp our clients improve assurance andreduce installation time.”Reef Subsea Power & UmbilicalTim Sheehan, Reef Subsea ChiefOperating Officer, said: “These latestacquisitions to Reef Subsea Power &Umbilical positions the Group at thetop of its sector. The new HDIA cableplough, added to the Q1000 TrenchingROV delivered last year, allows us toanswer the needs of our clients in a largerange of soil conditions. Both tools canbe easily mobilised onto any of ReefSubsea’s subsea construction vessels aspart of our integrated subsea services.”Daryl Lynch, Managing Director of ReefSubsea Power & Umbilical, said: “Thelaunch of the new Heavy Duty Inter-Arraycable plough is sure to place Reef SubseaPower & Umbilical as a leader in subseainstallation and trenching sectors. Weare extremely pleased to have securedthe plough work for the next year as itwill play a fundamental role in the Gwynty Môr offshore wind farm, and will thencomplete a workscope in 2014 on theGrane Life of Field project in Norway.With the introduction of the new ploughand the jet trencher, we are well preparedto handle forthcoming wind farm and oil &gas developments in the UK, as well as inEuropean and Nordic waters.”Soil Machine Dynamics Ltdwww.smd.co.ukClick to view more info= Click to view videoReef Subsea Power & Umbilicalwww.reefsubsea.comClick to view more info32www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURE6 figure investmentfor BarrierBarrier Ltd, which is part of the BarrierGroup, has completed a significantnew investment to support thetransference of skills and technologyinto the offshore wind sector.steam that spreads and bonds therubberto Risers and J-Tubes. The vulcanisedrubber protects the componentsfrom corrosion and provides abrasionprotection.Barrier Group was formed in 1975 to carryout painting of structures to be installed aspart of the growing North Sea oil industry.The company has gone on to completemore than 200 major contracts, totallingmillions of square metres of surfaceprotection and has worked for most of theworld’s major oil companies.Further expansionMore recently the company has expandedits operations beyond the oilsector and the group now carriesout passive fire protection, metalspraying, powder coating andsub-sea insulation across theaerospace, marine and offshorerenewable energy sectors.The Wallsend-based company hasexpanded its Coatings Division to be ableto deliver neoprene coatings and rubberclamps for offshore wind towers.InvestmentAs part of a six-figure investment, Barrierhas introduced a 14 metre x 3 metrevulcanising vessel, which enables theprocess of applying rubber to externalRisers and J-Tubes, which are fitted tocollector platform jackets and larger deepwater wind turbines.The steam-driven vessel generatesconsiderable amounts of high-pressureIn addition, Barrier also has the capabilityto apply ribbed rubber to the internal partsof clamps, which are welded onto jacketsor wind turbines to hold the J-Tubes andRisers in place.Proven corrosion protectionprocessThe corrosion protection process usingvulcanised rubber is already used inthe oil & gas market, particularly in theNorwegian market. However, Barrierhas diversified the process to meet therequirements of the offshore wind sector,which has included up-skilling a team offifteen of its engineers.Paul Harriman, Managing Directorof Barrier Ltd, said: “While thisis a relatively new market for us,the principles of delivering highquality engineering solutionsare the same as we have beenapplying for nearly 40 years. Theability to diversify our productsand services is essential asenergy generation opportunitiesemerge and grow.“The offshore wind sector hasseen a lot of transference in its supplychain from the oil & gas sector. This hasbeen due to the technical expertise andextensive experience of companies likeBarrier, which have a proven track recordof successfully meeting the requirementsof contractors and operators.”He added: “We are very pleased with theinvestment we have made as it will openup new opportunities for the business andhelp establish a position in the offshorerenewables supply chain.”Barrier Groupwww.barriergroup.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk33

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREDemolitionmaking waves atNorth East portA fresh wave of demolition projectstaking place at a burgeoningNorth East port are freeing upmuch needed space for strategicexpansionPort of Sunderland bosses have given thegreen light to a number of new demolitionprojects, as it clears space that will allowit to unlock opportunities for expansion.Clearance of the Cemex UK site atJunction Wharf (formerly No 31 Berth)between Hendon and Hudson Docks inthe Port of Sunderland was completedby the Washington-based Hellens Groupas part of a scheme to flatten derelictbuildings and create new investmentopportunities.Increased potential storage anddevelopment areasDemolition of the dilapidated metal-cladshed, once used by a concrete producer,has increased potential storage anddevelopment areas, contributing to plansto bring more trade and offshore vesselsto the Wear. It is the second phase ofdemolition projects undertaken at the portover the past few months, all designedto make it a more attractive prospect forinvestors.34www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETyne Gangwaya world leader in the design andmanufacture of lightweight marineaccess systemsThe company is experienced in supplying equipmentworldwide using a network of skilled agents, which allowsthem to fulfill overseas requirement quickly and efficiently.ServicesGangways, accommodation ladders, bridges, lightweightstructures and stowing gear are designed and manufacturedin the company’s modern production facility using a skilled andflexible workforce.They offer a standard range of ship and offshore accessequipment which are approved by all of the major classificationsocieties and regulatory bodies.HistoryThe company was established in 1934 when most of the worldsmarine access equipment was manufactured from selectedhardwood and built by skilled carpenters.In the 1960’s Tyne Gangway were pioneers in the introductionof lightweight aluminum alloys for manufacturing this equipment.Assembled using cold riveting techniques until the introduction ofwelding in the early 1980’s.Leading the way insupporting renewablesTAG Energy Solutions has created theUK’s fi rst offshore wind turbine tubularfoundation production plant.With extensive experience in oil & gas,TAG combines this expertise with state-ofthe-artfacilities to design, project manageand construct monopile foundations, jackets,sub-station jackets and topside fabrication & fi tout for the offshore energy sector.Located in North East England, TAG unites this new £20 millionproduction facility and new modern blast and paint facility with itsexisting large construction hall, extensive wet dock and 6,000te loadout quay.Today welding is carried out using the latest synergic pulsemachines which offer superior quality and a high performance.Available items• Accommodation ladders – a comprehensive range ofaccommodation ladders ranging from 3.5 metresto 30 metres in length with step spacing and designcriteria in accordance with the British Standard BSMA89 orthe International Standard ISO5488.• Gangways – a range of Lightweight Gangways from 1.5metres to 48 metres in length, the longer units being jointedfor ease of transportation. The Gangways are provided withself-locking socket type stanchions to keep stowage spaceto a minimum, or permanent rigid handrails, making up astrong girder configuration, used where a gangway is subjectto an extreme high design load.• Design and Manufacture – using the very latest Design &Drawing software (Staad Pro & Autocad) the in-house designdepartment within the company is able to work closely withall their clients.The company offers a fast and efficient service, ensuring thattheir customers’ expectations are met and exceeded from theinitial design concept, manufacture, delivery, installation andthrough life service.Repairs – statutory examination andthrough life servicingTyne Gangways’ service department have fully trained in-housetechnical engineers that offer a comprehensive on-site and or inhouserepair service. Their engineer’s flexibility ensures that theycan travel globally to carry out statutory testing and examinationof their clients’ access equipment.Tyne Gangwaywww.tynegangway.comClick to view more infoT +44 (0)1642 565500 | E enquiries@tagenergysolutions.comwww.tagenergysolutions.com36www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREMoving picturesAlmond Productions are a North-East based videoproduction company specialising in working withengineering and offshore related organisations. They area team who are passionate about making video that is notonly good quality, but can convey the right message for theirclients.History and leading clientsAlmond Productions was set up justover 10 years ago by Almond Kellacherwho was initially trained in the broadcastindustry. The team has now grown andeach team member has a professionalqualification in their specialist area.Previous clients include Amec, BP,Mammoet and Tyne Tunnel 2 amongstothers. Having produced video for the oil, gas and constructionindustries they are keen to offer their bespoke services to the windenergy and renewables sector.Why Video?Video has become the most powerful and effective communicationstool of the last 100 years. Video on the Internet is growing quickly,and viewing content online has actually surpassed traditionaltelevision viewing. Video included on a website not only portrays avisual message but also aids Google searches and can become apart of search engine optimisation.There may be many reasons that a company might choose toengage with video. Video can show a product or service in action,and for large engineering projects this means that their large scaleprojects can be showcased not only to investors, but to otherinterested parties quickly and easily.Video can also help you reach markets, or locations that could bedifficult or costly for live training or speakers to reach, with the addedbonus of a consistent message to all who view it.Further advantagesApart from ‘showing’ an aspect of a project or a completedconstruction in full working order, video also has the advantage ofbeing able to tell a story and engage with audiences on a deeperlevel. Because of this, the company likes to work closely with theirclients to make sure that the finished video meets all of its objectives,especially in terms of getting the right message across. This mayinclude design and construction of a wind farm, and add value toin-house training.Service and Quality is Never an AccidentIt is Always the Result of Intelligent EffortSUBFLEX Cable Protection SystemsSUBSEA ENERGY SOLUTIONS HAS BEEN FOUNDED ASA DIRECT REQUEST FROM THE RENEWABLE ENERGYINDUSTRY FOR THE NECESSITY FOR INCREASEDCOMPETITION, REDUCED SYSTEM COSTS ANDENHANCED SOLUTIONS, WITHIN A LIMITED CABLEPROTECTION SYSTEM MARKET PLACE.DEMAND FOR COST REDUCTIONSubsea Energy Solutions, an ISOQAR 9001 : 2008registered company, has risen to the urgent industrychallenge for the demand for offshore wind farm longterm sustainability, through means of cost reduction.With industry assistance, Subsea Energy Solutionscan signifi cantly contribute towards the reduction ofoffshore wind farm design, construction, operational,maintenance and de-commissioning costs.EXPERIENCE & INDUSTRY ADVICEWith our industry and project wide experience, theunique patent pending SUBFLEX TM Cable ProtectionSystem offers many unrivalled and unparalleledtechnical and commercial features.Subsea Energy Solutions have sought industryadvice during the development of the SUBFLEXTMCable Protection System and taken intoconsideration many requirements such as purchasecost, rapid offshore assembly, rapid installation,rapid burial, enhanced cable protection, eliminationof maintenance requirements, standardisation ofcomponents to name just a small selection of features.CABLE INSTALLATION IMPORTANCEOffshore windfarm cable installation is a highcost / high insurance claims theatre and it is welldocumented that 70% of insurance claims fromwindfarm operators relate to cable damage, so therehas never been a greater, more important time,for the renewable industry to come together andsupport a rapidly emerging company in developing afully coordinated and fully standardised approach tomonopile J-tube & J-tube-less installations.Return on investmentAll of these aspects benefit from having a well thought out plan forthe video which they can help to develop. Like many engineeringprojects video production can work in a similar way, the morefront end research and development the stronger and better theoutcome. All of which makes for a good return on investment.Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)Almond Productions recognises that sometimes it is difficult to filmoperations such as the inner workings of a piece of machinery orunderwater drilling. To overcome this they can now incorporate CGIinto video to create a realistic view of what the operation actuallylooks like.Almond Productionswww.almondproductions.co.ukFOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:+44 (0) 1748 828580E sales@subenesol.co.ukW www.subenesol.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk37

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURENewcastleChambers ofEngineeringHistoryNewcastle has a long history ofengineering from the Victorian era rightthrough to the Second World War.Newcastle was a hub of engineeringproviding the world with armaments,railways, shipbuilding and miningequipment. The companies providing thiswere engineering giants of their time suchas Vickers, Armstrongs, CA Parsons,Clarke Chapman, Hugh Woods andalso The Swan Electric Light Companyamongst others. Design and developmentof power distribution systems such aselectrification of Newcastle commercialand transport system was developed byMertz & McLellan who were fundamentalin designing the national grid system.More than a hundred years later Newcastleis still a hub of engineering because of itshistoric roots and prime location.38www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURENCOENewcastle Chambers of Engineering(NCOE) was set up nearly ten years agoand have taken some of their inspirationfrom Mertz & McLellan, with a modernday approach. For example, providingengineering project developmentassociated with power and energysystems. They also provide a modernday service of safety and risk reductionservices to increase reliability and reducecapital spending.Tom Kellacher from NCOE says “Webased our business model on the way ateam of barristers operate their chambersas a structured partnership. This givesour clients the advantage of knowing thatalthough we are a team of engineers witha wealth of experience, we are all workingto the same set of standards and ourclients can expect consistency from eachmember of NCOE.”The teamThe team at NCOE comprises of a groupof registered chartered engineeringprofessionals. It has a core competenceof project engineering and safetymanagement with a broad collectiveexperience in the on-and-offshore energy,oil & gas and petro-chemicals sectors.NCOE is now looking to play a key partin the wind and renewable sector takingenergy from field to grid.helpful engineering articlesOver the past Year NCOE has beensupplying the Wind Energy Networkmagazine with engineering articlescovering important aspects to drive thequality and professionalism of the offshorerenewable industry forward.Based in NewcastleNCOE is ideally situated to provideservices to the growing renewable sectornot only in the North East of England, butalso to a national and international market.Tom Kellacher, a founding memberof NCOE, has a longstanding historyof working on Tyneside. His earlycareer started with Parsons and ClarkeChapman’s and then developed furtherinto providing a service to energysuppliers, and their subcontract suppliers,which he has new been doing for over 30years.Tom says: “With the historic backgroundto engineering that exists in Newcastle,this gives us the perfect platform andlocation to be amongst the diversesupply chain that export internationallyand give us the leading edge.”The Future“Our aim is to grow larger in Tynesideand with the excellent universities whosupply top engineering graduates andinnovative research we couldn’t beplaced in a better position.”“Looking ahead, Newcastle upon Tynehas a bright future, because here inthe region we will continue to providean international service of engineeringand design. Renewable energy has alsohad recent investments onto researchand development. This puts Newcastleat the forefront of the next phase ofengineering developments. And, asNCOE grows we will continue to providea modern and up to date approach toengineering services.”Newcastle Chambers ofEngineeringwww.ncoe.co.ukClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk39

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURESouth TynesideCentre of excellencefor renewable safetyLeading safety training and equipmentsupplier to the wind energy sector,Safety Technology, recently selectedTyneside as the location of their newCentre of Excellence for RenewableSafety. With existing training facilitiesin South Wales, Europe and the USA,what made Safety Technology choosethe Tyne and Tees?training expertise throughout the UK, andto continue to provide a high standardof safety courses for the industry’stechnicians.”AccreditationTo ensure the continued growth of windenergy in this area it is vital that there isa secure supply chain to support thistraining is often small. By locating itstraining in the heart of the activity, SafetyTechnology are able to offer a flexibleservice to Tyneside and the surroundingareas, helping to keep their clients’operations running smoothly.Safety Technology’s further collaborationswith South Shields Marine School andthe Port of Blyth allow the safety trainingprovider to offer a full suite of wind energysafety courses for working both onshoreand offshore, including RenewableUKWork at Height and Rescue and MST.Safety training under one roofWorking with industry leaders SafetyTechnology soon recognised the need foran ‘all under one roof’approach to safetytraining. By offeringcompanies completetraining packagesfor working on windfarms onshore andoffshore, individualscan receive all oftheir required safetytraining with theminimum disruption totheir employers.Why THIS AREA?When choosing a location for a furthertraining venture, Safety Technology lookedclosely at the existing and planned windenergy activity in the UK, and it was soonapparent that the North East was theplace to be. Its close proximity to over 20wind farms, including one of the world’slargest energy projects, Dogger Bank,and a further 10 consented or in planning,makes the Tyneside estuary a hub of windactivity both onshore and offshore.A focal pointGeneral Manager of Safety Technology,Mike Dickens, said of their new traininglocation: “The North East is quicklybecoming a focal point of renewableenergy, and Safety Technology sees thisas an exciting opportunity to further itsexpanding industry. As an establishedtraining provider, with RenewableUK andGWO accreditation, Safety Technology areworking hard to provide full safety supportto the Tyne and Tees to aid growth in thissector.Working with industryspecialistsSafety Technology offers a host ofsafety training from this region, includingRenewableUK and GWO approvedcourses, delivered from the NationalRenewable Energy Centre’s (Narec) 27metre high wind turbine training tower.With the huge surge in wind energy inrecent years, the UK’s need for trainedtechnicians has grown dramatically, andthe window for completing vital safetyHealth & safetyservicesThe wider safetyservices provided bythe company to theTyne and Tees areainclude assistancewith the health andsafety co-ordinationon wind farms, withrecent projects atLynemouth andMiddleton. The safetyspecialists are alsofully certified to carry out inspection andmaintenance on a range of fall arrest andrescue equipment used in wind turbines,including the Cresto RedPro.Planning for the futureWith a recently announced investment of£180m for the Port of Tyne’s south bankestate in South Tyneside, it seems thatgrowth is the only way forward for thisarea. With further development in thepipeline as the Port markets its North Bankestate as a site for offshore wind turbinemanufacturing, Safety Technology arecurrently in talks with partners for furtherexpansion to their Centre of Excellence forRenewable Safety in the area.Safety Technologywww.safetytechnology.co.uk40www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETransferable skills of engineeringapprentices will support offshorewind growthThe transferable skills gainedby engineering apprenticeswill be a boost for thegrowing offshore windsector, according to The TTETechnical Training Group.Working with industryThe Middlesbrough-based trainingorganisation works closely with industryto provide skilled technicians through itssuite of apprenticeships and up-skillingprogrammes.Workforce developmentIn addition, TTE also provides workforcedevelopment for global industry andregularly welcomes technicians fromlocations such as West Africa and theMiddle East to its highly-specified,industry-standard training centre.They also provide in-country skillsdevelopment and consistently deployteams of training professionals around theworld who train and assess candidateson site.Scientists, Warehousing, and BuildingServices, with many transferable acrossdifferent sectors, including offshore wind.Modus Seabed InterventionOne of the companies they work withis Darlington-based Modus SeabedIntervention, the subsea specialist, whichoperates across the oil & gas and offshorewind sectors.TTE has devised a training programme,which provides the skills required tosupport the company’s rebuilding andmaintenance operations for its fleet ofremote operated vehicles (ROVs) andassociated equipment.Andy Buckworth from The TTE TechnicalTraining Group, said: “As industry hasevolved, particularly in the energysector, we have continually refinedour programmes and facilities to meetemployers’ requirements. Many ofthe skills required in the offshore windsupply chain are transferable from otherindustry sectors, which are supported bythe training programmes at TTE and ourspecialist training equipment.Predominately serving the manufacturing,energy, process and engineering sectors,TTE works closely with more than 100North East-based companies supportingtheir workforce skills development.With considerable experience working withindustry employers, TTE has developedits training provision to meet the everchangingrequirements of different sectors.Its programmes cover disciplines such asMechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation,Process, Laboratory Technicians, Young“The offshore wind sector has thepotential to grow dramatically in the nearfuture, which will require a considerableinflux of personnel. As well as newentrants to industry, through the deliveryof apprenticeships, there will be skilledpersonnel from other sectors that willrequire elements of re-skilling to enterthe sector.“TTE is well-placed to support skillsdevelopment for this sector and has theexperience, facilities and expertise todeliver the standard the levels of technicaltraining and qualifications required by theoffshore wind supply chain.”TTE Technical Training Groupwww.tte.co.uk42www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURESupply chainsupport fromIndustrial & MarineHydraulicsIMH offers significant supportto the wind energy supply chainthrough the design, manufacture,installation, commission andservice of hydraulic systemsthroughout the UK andinternationally.Solutions and experienceThe company has built a reputationon delivering highly technical hydraulicsystems solutions, and has wideranging experience in difficult to solveproblems.High profile clientsClients include Fred. Olsen MarineServices and MPI Offshore, workingacross their jack-up systems, main& auxiliary cranes, ballast systems,deck winches and machinery, lifeboatdeployment and recovery, steeringgear, water-tight doors and thrustercontrols.SPECIALISED TECHNOLOGYPaul Griffiths, Company Director,says: “In the renewables industry,the technology is so specialisedand still being further developed,even the main crane equipment is aspecial piece of technology, whichbrings the challenge of assisting withthe development and maintenanceof these systems. As a technicallybased company this is what wewere founded to do, and these arechallenging and exciting times.”MPI OffshoreMPI Offshore operate the world’s mostadvanced and efficient wind turbineinstallation vessels, in terms of a jackingspeed of 0.5metre/minute and 6,000tonnes of cargo, deck space, liftingcapacity including a 1,000 tonne maincrane and positioning capabilities. IMHhave offered consistent support to theirfleet since 2003.24/7 standby supportAs part of the wind sector supply chain,IMH are ideally placed to offer 24/7standby support as well as plannedmaintenance. With vast experience acrossa range of vessels and environments,companies can count on IMH’s hydraulicand piping engineers to deliver a robustand efficient service of their technicallyadvanced systems.Dave Galloway, Fleet Manager atMPI Offshore says: “IMH are a veryprofessional company with goodtechnical knowledge and dedicated staff.They have been with us from the start,always on hand with support and adviceto keep our systems running smoothlyand efficiently. We count on IMH forreliable support for our fleet here in theUK and overseas. It is always a pleasureto work with the team and we wouldstruggle without them.”Other clientsOther clients include Soil MachineDynamics and Deep Ocean Group,supporting the design, build andmaintenance of their subsea trenchingmachines, deployment and recoveryequipment and ROVs.In terms of R&D, the company iscurrently working with Wind Drive on aninnovative turbine concept for onshorewind energy development and hopes tobe able to report on technical advancesin the near future.IMHwww.imh-uk.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk43

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURELifting equipmentand height safetysystemsLift-rite offer support to the offshorerenewable sector with servicesincluding statutory examination,maintenance and testing of liftingequipment and height safety systems.Specific experienceThe company has worked extensivelyon Greater Gabbard providing offshorequalified engineers to carry out statutorythorough examinations of lifting equipmentand maintenance and testing of fall arrestsystems on turbines, offshore platformsand on-shore sub stations.Case studyLift-rite were challenged to design,manufacture and install a bespoke liftingsolution for Rhyl Flats. This was designedto assist in the removal of alternators inconfined and restricted spaces.Offering their services to the offshoreindustry, they are specialists in shipmobilisation and de-mobilisation worksand provide a complete rigging servicefrom lift planning through to theirqualified rigging teams to carry out liftingoperations.Complete vessel mobilisationserviceThe company travels to various ports toundertake this type of work and haverecently opened an additional depot withinthe port of Blyth with quay and cranefacilities to provide a complete vesselmobilisation service.Offshore projectsThe main offshore projects Lift-rite haveworked on are Greater Gabbard, RhylFlats, Gwynt Y Mor and London Array.Lift-ritewww.lift-rite.comClick to view more info44www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREBIG PLANS AFOOTThe winds of changeare starting to blowfor the North Eastof England. Withmany of the Round 3Offshore wind farmsbeing located off theeast coast of England,the industrial regionson the banks of the ofthe river Tyne and river Tees are proving ideal locationsfor companies looking to supply into this exciting arena.Present situationThe Tees already has the yards of Heerema at Hartlepool andThe Wilton Group on the banks of the Tees looking to supplyheavy fabrications into the offshore wind market and TAG (TeesAlliance Group) have recently invested over £20m in a newfacility for the manufacture of monopiles and towers.Tees Valley COREAdd to this the cable lay capabilities of Deep Ocean and the newOffshore Processing Centre at TATA Steel at Hartlepool and onecan see why the Tees Valley is one of the Government’s CORE(Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering) regions.North Eastern CORESimilarly the North East region’s other CORE on the Tyne is fastbecoming a hive of renewable activity. In 2012 Technip choseGateshead for the location of a second Offshore Wind office inthe UK and SMD have continued to grow at Wallsend supplyingboth ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles) and subsea cable layingtractors to the offshore market. In addition the Port of Tyne 40ha site at North Shields and the old Swan Hunters ship yardoffer excellent potential as logistics hubs or locations for newmanufacturing capabilities.OGN (Offshore Group Newcastle)One company based on the Tyne has “big” plans to supportthe UK offshore wind sector. OGN (Offshore Group Newcastle)has planning approval for a 39,000m2 by 56m high newmanufacturing plant on the Hadrian yard at Wallsend.Regional Growth Fund grantThe company have also been provisionally awarded a RegionalGrowth Fund grant for the factory at which they intend to massproduce jacket wind turbine foundations for the deeper waterareas of many of the Round 3 wind farm sites.State-of-the-art fabrication facilitiesWhen completed the facility will bring state-of-the-art fabricationfacilities back to the area of the Tyne that is famous forproducing the record breaking liner the Mauretania and alsofor the world’s first steam turbine powered ship, the Turbinia in1894. Once again the Tyne looks set to lead theworld in the world of marine heavy fabrication.Offshore Group Newcastlewww.ogn-group.comClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk45

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURESubsea array cable installation beginsThe latest stage in the construction ofGwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, offthe North Wales coast, has gotunderway with the start of inter-arraycable installation.The subsea cables will connect all 160turbines to the two offshore substationsalready installed more than eight miles offNorth Wales in Liverpool Bay. The workis being carried out by UK based ReefSubsea Power & Umbilical Limited usingthe Polar Prince vessel.Reef Subsea PowerThe £40m contract for the company,which has offices in Stockton-On-Teesand Aberdeen, will see Reef SubseaPower & Umbilical assist with engineering,project management, ROV (remotelyoperated vehicle) and survey operationslinked to the subsea installation and burialof all in-field array cables.Electricity generated by the Gwynt y Môrturbines will be carried via the array cablesto the offshore substations and then takenby four subsea export cables to a beachlanding point at Pensarn, near Abergele,North Wales. From there, the energy willbe carried underground via an 11km cableroute to a new substation near St Asaphand fed into the National Grid.Project progressProgress is wellunderway with workson the undergroundcable route andonshore substationalmost complete. Windturbine installation isscheduled to beginfrom the Port of Mostynon the Flintshirecoast in April with firstgeneration expected inthe summer.One of the largest offshore windfarms currently in constructionin EuropeAt 576MW, Gwynt y Môr is one of thelargest offshore wind farms currently inconstruction in Europe. It is a sharedinvestment between partners RWE Innogy,Stadtwerke München GmbH andSiemens(1).Once fully operational, energy generationfrom Gwynt y Môr is expected to beequivalent to the average annual needs ofaround 400,000 homes(2). Gwynt y MôrOffshore Wind Farm Limited has awardedcontracts worth more than £80million tocompanies in Wales.Reef Subseawww.reefsubsea.comRWE npowerRWE npower renewables’ Gwynt y MôrProject Director, Toby Edmonds said:“The start of array cable installation is animportant milestone in the constructionof Gwynt y Môr. 148 kilometres of 33kV cable has been manufactured by theNorwegian company Draka and will beplaced in the seabed to connect eachturbine to the offshore substations.“Half of the wind turbine locations alreadyhave foundations installed and the arraycables will be connected to the transitionpieces before the towers, blades andhubs are placed later this year. Arraycable installation is scheduled to continuethroughout 2013 and into 2014.”Tim Sheehan, Executive Vice PresidentCommercial of Reef Subsea, said: “Weare extremely pleased to be now workingoffshore installing cables on the Gwynty Môr offshore wind farm. It has been avery complex mobilisation phase, whichhas demanded a significant amountof pre-engineering work, major vesselenhancements and delivery of a new cableplough. With the support of a very skilledteam both onshore and offshore, we lookforward to continuing the installation of all161 inter-array cables throughout the restof the year and into 2014.”Click to view more infoRWE npower renewableswww.rwe.com(1) Gwynt y Môr represents a totalinvestment of more than EUR2 billion,shared between RWE npower renewables’parent company RWE Innogy(60%);Stadtwerke München GmbH, Munich’smunicipal utilities company (30%); andSiemens(10%).(2) Energy predicted to be generated bythe proposal is derived using wind speedsmonitored46www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETata Steel cuts the costsof renewable energyFollowing a recent £2 millioninvestment to develop integrated,steel processing facilities in the NorthEast, Tata Steel is working togetherwith its customers to cut the costs ofrenewable energy.Offshore Processing Centre (OPC)The Hartlepool-based OPC manufacturestubular sections used in the fabricationof jacket foundations and includes stateof the art cutting, bevelling and profilingmachinery. Through early engagement withdesigners and engineers, Tata Steel canhelp customers to optimise the steel usagein a project and identify potential costsavings in steel foundation structure design.The semi-processed steel products arethen despatched in batch quantities, in linewith a customer’s build sequence. Thisapproach enables fabricators to fully utiliseoperational space at their own premisesand reduces stockholding and workingcapital costs.Ideal locationThe OPC is ideally located on the North Eastcoast, with good sea, rail and road links forefficient delivery to customers throughoutthe UK and Europe. The Tata Steelworkforce reflects the engineering skillset ofthe region, with the site playing its part in akey network of industries in the area.Richard Bell, Director, Energy andPower, Tata Steel, says: “As a leadingsteel maker and manufacturer, we arecommitted to building partnerships thatenhance our customers’ performance byproviding effective project management,engineering expertise and products andservices that create value. We havealready booked our first order for theOPC and we are actively involved with anumber of developers, working togetherto identify the best steel solution for theirprojects.We are confident that close co-operationthroughout the supply chain will identifyopportunities to minimise costs andincrease productivity; key to building asuccessful offshore wind industry in theUK.”TATA Steelwww.tatasteel.comClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk47

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETAG Energy SolutionsThe story continues...TAG Energy Solutions have beenfeatured within our publication for anumber of years now we have beenfollowing their progress with interest.They are one of the leading companiesin the industry who have invested heavilyin the future of offshore wind energy andare already reaping the rewards. Not onlythis but they have been instrumental, withthe assistance of NOF Energy, in settingup the ‘Energi Coast’ group in the NorthEast to ensure the area, as a whole, takescommercial advantages which the industrycan provide.We feature a number of initiatives withinthis extended article on the company, itsmanagement and its progress...Mike Fosterexperienced engineeringprofessional Mike Fosterbecomes tags new ChairmanHe was, until 2011, Chief ExecutiveOfficer of FTSE 250 company, CharterInternational plc where he had been onthe board since 2000, initially as a Non-Executive Director, before becoming CEOin 2006.Mike has been the Chairman of listedcompanies in India and South Africa, andis now active in a range of Non-Executiveroles and industrial early stage companies.A University of Cambridge graduate inEngineering and Electrical Sciences, asolicitor and a Fellow of the Associationof Corporate Treasurers, Mike has anextensive background in engineeringmanagement.After graduating he qualified as a lawyerand worked for GKN plc in law andcorporate finance, before moving toTrafalgar House and Kvaerner wherehe was responsible for the KvaernerEngineering and Construction Division.During his tenure as an executive withCharter International plc, the company’sturnover trebled and the profitabilityincreased more than 500% in the periodup to 2008.Bringing a wealth of experienceAlex Dawson, Chief Executive of TAGEnergy Solutions, said: “Mike brings awealth of operational and board-levelexperience, which will be a huge asset toTAG Energy Solutions. Working with ourboard and the management team, Mikewill support our ambitions to becomea preferred supplier to the offshorerenewables and oil & gas sectors.”Mike Foster said: “I am very pleasedto become Chairman of TAG EnergySolutions. Alex and his team haveestablished innovative engineering andmanufacturing systems that are attractiveto the energy industry and I am lookingforward to being part of the future of thebusiness.“In particular, the offshore renewablessector has the potential to be verysuccessful for companies such asTAG, which offer effective supply chainsolutions. As activities in the sectorgain momentum the opportunities forUK suppliers should grow considerablycreating a positive future for our industry.”Working together with PrinciplePower (Europe) LtdThe company is working alongsideinternational renewable energy technologydeveloper Principle Power (Europe) Ltd,who is developing innovative floatingsupport structures for offshore windturbines.WindFloat System awardPrinciple Power Ltd has been awarded£689,630 from the Department of Energyand Climate Change to advance thedevelopment of its innovative WindFloatSystem for the use in the UK market.TAG Energy Solutions will provideengineering and manufacturing supportfor the project, which will identify andaccelerate the suitability of the UK offshorewind supply chain to construct and deployUK-specific WindFloat systems.48www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREIt primarily produces monopiles, transitionpieces and jacket foundations for offshorewind turbines and has recently beenawarded a contract to deliver 16 x 60metre foundations and transition pieces forE.ON’s Humber Gateway wind farm.Innovative featuresThe innovative features of the WindFloatdampen wave and turbine inducedmotion, enabling wind turbines to be sitedin previously inaccessible locations wherewater depth exceeds 40m and windresources are superior.The project is expected to identify aregion-specific WindFloat design for theUK market, rather than a design whichchanges for individual projects.In addition, the project will develop serialmanufacturing processes which will resultin an industrial construction schemecapable of producing the WindFloatdesign to meet the cost needs of themarket.Teesside-based fabricationfacilityThe engineering and serial manufacturingstudy work will be undertaken at TAGEnergy Solutions’ 170,000sq metreTeesside-based fabrication facility,which utilises state-of-the-art productionprocesses.Alex Dawson said: “Our facilitydemonstrates our desire to be at theleading edge of manufacturing for theoffshore wind industry and we aredelighted to work alongside PrinciplePower (Europe) Ltd on the developmentof its WindFloat innovation.“This project is important as it’s essentialthat the sector maximises opportunitiesto exploit innovation and advances intechnology that can increase the energyharnessed from offshore wind resourcesin deeper waters, in a cost-effectivemanner.”Principle Power’s CEO, Alla Weinsteinsaid: “This DECC funding will allowPrinciple Power to advance the designof the WindFloat specifically for theUK market, with focus on meeting theOffshore Wind Task Force levelised costof energy targets.“The WindFloat’s innovative features allowoffshore wind installations, independent ofwater depth, where the wind is strongerand more consistent. The WindFloateliminates the need for seabed-disturbingfoundation structures and can be sited toavoid conflicts with other marine uses.“The WindFloat offers considerableeconomic advantages becauseit is suitable for serial productionmanufacturing and on-shorecommissioning of the a fully assembledsystem - floating foundation and theturbine.”CONTINUED...>www.windenergynetwork.co.uk49

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETAG awarded E.ON’s HumberGateway offshore wind farmcontractE.ON and TAG Energy Solutionsannounced recently that TAG has beenawarded a contract to manufacture 16monopiles and transition pieces for E.ON’sHumber Gateway offshore wind farm.CONTINUED...>UK Round 3 sites“With nearly 55% of UK Round 3 siteshaving water depth of greater than 40meters, project developers and utilitiescan realise significant economic benefitsfrom WindFloat systems and reducedcomplexity in their project contracts.Principle Power will be working with TAGEnergy Solutions, its project partner, ondefining methodology for the WindFloatserial production using UK basedindustrial infrastructure.”First UK manufacturer to securea substantial monopile andtransition piece projectThe contract will see the Teesside basedmanufacturing firm become the first UKmanufacturer to secure a substantialmonopile and transition piece project for awind farm in British Waters. An additional60 people will be employed to deliver thecontract.Preparation work for the manufacturingof the sixteen, 60 metre long, 650 tonnemonopiles and associated transitionpieces will begin immediately at TAGEnergy Solutions’ state-of-the-artproduction facility on the banks of theRiver Tees.The first steel is expected to arrive inMarch and the contract is planned to becompleted by quarter four 2013.Humber Gateway windfarmE.ON’s £736 million Humber Gatewaywindfarm, situated 8km off the YorkshireCoast close to the mouth of the HumberEstuary, will consist of a 73 turbinearray that will generate up to 219MW ofelectricity, enough energy to power up to170,000 homes.CongratulationsEdward Davey, UK Secretary of State forEnergy and Climate Change, said: “I wantto congratulate TAG Energy Solutions onbecoming the first UK manufacturer tosecure a contract of this kind for a windfarm in British Waters. I hope that they arethe first of many.“The development of a thriving UK supplychain is vital to support ourrapidly-growing offshore windindustry. The Government isworking closely with industry tohelp fulfil its ambition to sourceat least half of all project contentfrom within the UK. This willhelp build the lasting legacy of astrong domestic offshore windmanufacturing capability.”Tony Cocker, CEO of E.ON UK,said: “We’re extremely pleasedto be able to work with TAG onthis very important next step inthe construction of our HumberGateway wind farm and tosupport local businesses in thisway. I welcome TAG on boardand hope that this is just thebeginning of our organisationsworking together.”Alex Dawson said: “This highprofile contract represents asignificant achievement in TAG EnergySolutions development and the importantrole it plays in the manufacturing ofcomponents for the offshore renewablessector. We are very pleased to be workingwith E.ON and this award demonstrateswe have the skills, products andcapabilities to serve the offshore windindustry.”50www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREHe added: “We are in the uniqueposition of being the first, fully preparedBritish manufacturer to provide volumemonopiles and transition pieces forUK wind farm developments. E.ONhas demonstrated its confidence inTAG Energy Solutions and Britishmanufacturing and we are very proud tobe part of one of the country’s flagshipwindfarm developments.”Construction on E.ON’s Humber Gatewayis well underway, with first foundationsexpected this summer, and completiondue in 2015.From creator to FounderCreator of the TAG Group of companies,David Eason, has stepped down asChairman, to pursue other interests.David has agreed to remain in the role ofFounder and will continue to support TAGas its founding shareholder.MajormilestonesDavid first createdthe TAG groupof companies in2006 and wasresponsible forseveral majormilestonesin TAG’sdevelopmentincluding there-generation ofits Haverton Hillsite in Billingham,the successfulaward andconstructionof offshoreprojects andthe successfulpursuit of inwardinvestmentto build itsautomatedtubular productionfacility that sawTAG re-focusits business tobe able to meetthe demand foroffshore windfarmfoundationstructures.David has been succeeded as Chairmanby experience engineering industryprofessional Mike Foster featured in moredetail at the beginning of this article.Investor gratitude for courageand foresightDavid continued, “I am grateful to TAG’sinvestors at Platina and ETF for havingthe courage and foresight to back thevision that we had for TAG in 2010 andI am delighted to continue to remaininvolved with TAG as its Founder. Iam pleased to welcome TAG’s newchairman, Mike Foster, and firmlybelieve that his knowledge, experienceand understanding of the industry willbe a significant benefit to TAG and itsmanagement team.”Sam Goss, Investment Director at PlatinaPartners said “On behalf of TAG, itsmanagement team and its investors, I’dlike to thank David for his contribution toTAG over many years. TAG is pleasedthat David has agreed to remain in theposition of Founder in order that it canrely on his support.”TAG Energy Solutions Limitedwww.tagenergysolutions.comClick to view more infoLocal industry championA champion of local industry and with along history of having created employmentand opportunities throughout Teesside,David said “I am delighted with all thatTAG has achieved over the years andits on-going success is of paramountimportance to me. Having redevelopedthe Haverton Hill site from its humblebeginnings to the fantastic, state-of-theartfacility it is today and put in place theworld-class management team it nowboasts, it is something I can take hugepride in.”www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 51

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURELeading the way for boltingservice to the renewable sectorIn the constantly changing landscapeof the wind power industry, turbinedesign is being taken to new levels inorder to maximise efficiency. Largerparts with tighter tolerances are beingused, higher quality materials aredemanded, reliability is essential, andcost-efficiency is a must.Wind turbine assemblyHYTORC has been involved in turbineassembly since the early daysof the industry, and hasinvested heavily to stayahead of the curve onits progression. Thiscan only be achievedby implementingthe new techniquesand products fromthe company thatmake wind turbinemanufacturingand maintenancesimpler, faster andmore cost effective.ExperienceWith over forty years of experience inindustrial bolting technology, HYTORCis the world’s oldest and largestmanufacturer of hydraulic and pneumatictorque wrenches. They are dedicated toproviding the highest level of customerservice by continually developing newproducts to make bolting jobs as safeand hassle-free as possible. More andmore specially designed tools are useddaily in the wind industry than all otherbrands combined. The products are CE,TUV & ISO 9001:2000 approved and thecompany understand that the renewablesector is different in attitude to other powergeneration sectors and have respondedwith a unique approach to supplyingcustomers.Local Support and ServiceWith its local presence in the North East,Aberdeen and Ireland the companyhas worked hard to build a wind energynetwork to provide fast service and quickturnarounds in every area of the BritishIsles. The new UK head office is locatedin Cramlington. The new premises havebeen designed with the expansion of therenewable industry in mind, with over10,000 sq. ft. of space tohouseits trainingfacility andindustryapprovedcalibrationand servicecentre.DedicationWhile most torque tool manufacturersmerely supply tooling through theirnormal distribution network, thecompany discovered a need for reliableequipment and, more importantly,dedicated, knowledgeable wind energyrepresentatives. In the early stages ofthe renewable industry the companyresponded by hiring specialists that hadworked in the wind power industry andwere familiar with the many differentmanufacturers of wind turbines. The nextstep was identifying the different obstaclesthat each manufacturer was facing duringturbine assembly and/or maintenanceand working together with their highlyexperienced engineering staff to provide asolution.In the last five years alone, kits have beendeveloped for nearly every applicationon the various turbines offered by everymanufacturer in the industry. Withspecialist engineers available for free onsitesupervision and training in nearly everycountry in the world, the company hasoffshore trained personnel to assist withthe development of easier systems andmethods of bolting and are constantlylooking to build on their reputation forreliability in the industry.Engineering a SolutionAlthough most torque tool manufacturersrely on existing technology, in-house hasa designated CAD-design centre whichis available to provide 3D drawings ofproducts and/or customised solutions.These drawings can be integrated intothe turbine design/manufacturing processto allow manufacturers to reduce designtime and minimise unknowns during theassembly process.With an emphasis on safety, trainedwind power specialists will facilitatecommunication between the turbinemanufacturer and the HYTORC designcentre to optimise production processesand to help alleviate assembly linebottlenecks. In one example, a customfixture was designed to reduce assemblytime for the shrink disc application.This application had previously takenup to nine hours, which slowed themanufacturing process for the entireturbine. HYTORC delivered a customdesigned solution which reducedmanufacturing time for the shrink disc tojust one hour.As the inventor of the first hydraulic wrench,the company has been behind nearly everyinnovation in the bolting tool industry. Theirlatest tooling includes the most innovativedevelopments to improve safety and liabilitywith the benefit of accurate bolt loadswithin 2%. This is achieved using thepatented ‘hands free bolting’ technology.Within the range of bolting solutions wehave special wind tooling which can beoperated hands-free, giving maximumsafety to the operator.52www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREVisualresidentialamenityseeingthrough theissuesThe Coalition Government’s LocalismAgenda is filtering down to localcommunities who feel empoweredto comment upon proposed localdevelopment. Some members of thepublic have strong views concerningwind energy development and objectto applications, seeking to influenceboth the relevant Case Officer and alsomembers of the planning committee.South SharpleyAn increasingly common issue is visualamenity associated with residentialproperties and local panning authoritiesare refusing projects on these grounds.One such example is at South Sharpleywhere Durham County Council issued arefusal notice concerning three turbines.The refusal notice alleged that theproposed development would have asignificant adverse visual impact on specificresidential properties. The applicant (REGWindpower) appealed against this decisionthrough written representation.No clear guidelinesCommercial wind farm development willinevitably cause some local visual effectsfor nearby residential properties. Despitemuch ill-informed rumour, there are no clearguidelines about the minimum distancefrom a property within which a wind turbinemay have an overbearing affect.A review of appeal decisions does assistin providing some useful benchmarkingconcerning the distance within which aturbine will be seen as being overbearing.The matter can be forensically analysedby undertaking a residential amenityassessment which specifically examinesparticular properties and their relationshipwith a development proposal. A number ofkey militating factors need to be consideredwhen assessing whether a turbine willhave an overbearing impact on any givenresidential property.No particular individual has a right to aview, but there comes a point by reasonof proximity and size of a turbine where aresidential property would be rendered sounattractive, as a place in which to live thatplanning permission should be justifiablyrefused. The key test is whether viewedobjectively, in the public interest, would aproperty become an unattractive place inwhich to live.Carland Cross and Burnt HouseFarm InquiriesThis test was applied at the Carland Crossand Burnt House Farm Inquiries. Clearly,there needs to be a degree of harm overand above an identified substantial adverseeffect on a private interest to take the caseinto the category of refusal in the publicinterest.Residential Visual Amenity Study(RVAS)A detailed RVAS was prepared for theSouth Sharpley appeal to examine to whatextent local properties would be affected.The appeal decision for South Sharpleywas issued in April 2011. In allowing theappeal, the Inspector was satisfied thatthe proposed development would notunacceptably harm the living conditions ofnearby residents. This demonstrates thatwhilst there can be substantial oppositionfrom local communities, careful examinationof the facts can clearly demonstrate thatthere would be no unacceptable harmupon residential visual amenity.Andy Cook/Paul BurrellPegasus Groupwww.pegasuspg.co.ukClick to view more info56www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURESouth TynesideCollegeSouth Tyneside College’s MarineSafety Training Centre is one ofthe foremost training facilities inthe UK and has been developed toprovide the most realistic trainingenvironment possible.Within their training pool area there is aneight-seater helicopter escape module,helicopter winching arrangements, davitlaunchedlife raft equipment, a rangeof marine and aviation life rafts, survivalsuits, life jackets and associated survivalequipment, and an offshore platformtransfer simulator. The centre also has ajetty which provides mooring.A large, practical seamanship area isequipped with a wide range of shipboardequipment and models of ships’ structuresand devices. Other accommodationincludes modern classrooms and meetingrooms.urgent need for a review ofstandardsGraham Johnson is Head of School atSouth Tyneside College’s Marine SafetyTraining Centre in South Shields. He isa professional mariner to rank of Masterand has worked around the UK’s coastin tankers, supply boats and anchorhandlers. He also spent two years onsemi-submersible rigs in the North Seaand ran fishery patrol and survey vesselsfor the Environment Agency. He joined thecollege 13 years ago.Graham explains...To ensure the safety of employees, Ibelieve a review of the training standardis urgently needed within the marinesafety industry for transfer from vessel toinstallation.More realistic but controlled and safetraining is required than is currently laiddown by Renewable UK (RUK) and theEurope-wide Global Wind Organisation(GWO), the two safety accreditationbodies.Industry questionsTo start that process, two questionsshould be pondered by our industry andits regulators as they seek to give theiremployees the best possible training andfulfil their duty of care.1 Is transfer training in what can bedescribed as ‘benign’ conditions doinganyone any favours?2 How many days a year are the windand sea conditions around Europe’sshores so good that a transfer to orfrom an offshore turbine can be calledbenign?ExperiencesI have experienced a transfer in nearperfect conditions on Burbo Bank but,with the ever present risk of bow wavesfrom passing ferries and other vessels,nothing should be taken for granted.In the early days of RUK, a large numberwithin a sea survival working party arguedagainst transfer training in unrealisticconditions, those conditions which fail tomatch how it really is in the water.It was noticeable that those most in favourof this were those who were unable tocontrol the sea or water conditions andwho would have been at a disadvantageif the standard had dictated a set waveheight transfer requirement.Having delivered transfer training to amajor European company which specifiedtransfer in wave conditions, and havinggiven all our delegates the option ofbenign or wave conditions, all requestedmotion. I have no doubt that this is thebetter option.ObservationsVideo footage from inside transfer vesselsor from fixed cameras on installationsshow that transfers are taking placeroutinely in large wave conditions andthat individuals are transferring withoutadequate training. Comments fromdelegates on boat transfer courses reenforcethis point.Training providers across the country offerheight training. This intensive instructiontakes place at a realistic height and overtwo days offering training for a task that isin the main predictable and controlled.UnpredictableHowever, the transfer to or from a ladderto a vessel around the shores and furtherout to sea in European waters is far fromroutine and is unpredictable.Sadly, RUK and GWO require us only todo training that is carried out in the flatcalm and for only a very short period oftime, with no emergency scenarios orrescues practiced.No mandatory guidelinesFortunately, neither organisations’guidelines are mandatory and at therequest of individual companies wecarry out training as realistic as possibleto those witnessed around Europe’scoasts in our 4m-deep, 18m by 10menvironmental pool by using our variablewave pattern generator, as well as wind,rain, light and sound effects.Urgent needIt is because of RUK and GWO’sunrealistic guidelines that a review of thetraining standard is urgently needed. Thisis an industry that is growing rapidly, isin the public eye and can attract adversepublicity - and has no excuse from notlearning from industries that have workedwith the sea for decades.Graham JohnsonSouth Tyneside Collegewww.stc.ac.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 57

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREIncrease invessels justifiesnew deepwaterquay on the TeesSpecialist logistics firm AV Dawson iscontinuing to see major growth in themarine and offshore sectors with a surgein the number of vessels it handles.who have established their marine baseswith AV Dawson include subsea energycompanies, Modus Seabed Intervention,Reef Subsea and energy cable layingcompany, and most recently PrysmianPowerLink Services.In the UK Prysmian manufactures energycables for low voltage to extremely highvoltage applications, and with the recentacquisition of Global Marine SystemsEnergy now rebranded as PrysmianPowerLink Services – it offers the completecable installation and protection solution.North Sea Supply Base benefitsJustin Hewlett, Prysmian’s Asset andSurvey Systems Manager, added; “TheNorth Sea Supply Base is an ideal choiceThe family-run firm, which celebratesits 75th anniversary this year, saw itsvessel numbers almost double to 150last year and is on course to smashthat figure with 53 ships recorded inthe first quarter of this year.£10m expansion programmeIt comes as the offshore support specialistis undergoing a £10m expansionprogramme which includes the creationof a new deepwater quay at its NorthSea Supply Base terminal and theopening of its intermodal rail terminal theTees Riverside Intermodal Park (TRIP)at its 100-acre site at Middlesbrough’sRiverside Park, in Teesside.Facility specificationsThe new £3.2m quay is due to becompleted this summer and will boastwater depths of up to 8.5m and will be150m long, allowing larger vessels to takeadvantage of Dawson’s one-stop-shopservices and taking the overall quay lengthat AV Dawson’s riverside terminals to750m.Perfect timingGary Dawson, managing director ofthe company said; “The timing of thenew deepwater quay is perfect to takeadvantage of the opportunities we’reseeing in energy markets, both offshoreoil and gas and renewables. We will beable to accommodate conventional shipsin the 12,000 tonne bracket and the largeroffshore support and specialist projectvessels all of which require 8m plus ofwater and are up to 25m wide. We arealso receiving an unprecedented level ofenquiries for quayside and associatedwarehousing and open storage.Gary Dawson andNew Quay Piling Works“Running parallel with the quaydevelopment is a major rebuild of ourheavy lift crane. The Rosenkranz cranewill lift 215 tonnes at 18m radius, enablingthe lifting of A-Frames and DeploymentTowers to supply vessels without theneed for expensive hire cranes.”Established clientsThe investment is perfectly timed forcompanies wanting to bring in projectvessels for mob- and de-mob. Clientsfor our marine operations allowing usto benefit from the excellent on-sitefacilities for asset and cable storage,equipment maintenance, transportationand the extensive deep-water quayside.”The new quay will also be attractive toDawson’s conventional markets in drybulk aggregates, fertilisers, and steelgoods with companies benefitting fromcheaper sea freight by charting largervessels into the supply base. It will also58www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURENorth Sea Supply Basebe better suited to emerging biomassshipments as UK coal fired powerstationsconvert to wood pellet and other biomassin line with the Renewable EnergyDirective.Long term strategic decisionThe £10m expansion programme cameas a result of a strategic decision morethan ten years ago to diversify andtarget more offshore related work, whichnow accounts for more than half of thecompany’s turnover – compared with just10 per cent five years ago.Gary Dawson, managing director of AVDawson, said that while the companywas offering increased support tooffshore wind energy, the investmentsmade by the firm were also of benefit toits traditional oil and gas markets clients.“While the UK has more offshore windenergy than the rest of the world, it stillonly represents 5.5 per cent of the UK’senergy supply,” he said.And added “There are greatopportunities in offshore wind buttraditional oil and gas still has a very bigfuture and our North Sea Supply Basecontinues to support that market as wellas our traditional, dry bulk clients.”Huge fabrication hallsDawson’s also boasts huge fabricationhalls – the largest on the River Teeswith a height of 45m – The halls are inconstant demand from fabricators of largeoffshore and on-shore modules, includingaccommodation and substations. Finishedmodules are invariably lifted or rolled ontovessels at the adjacent heavy lift load outquay only 80m from the hall doors.Added Gary: “We’re in a position tobecome the go-to logistics firm foranything related to offshore support andwind energy. Our customers workingwithin the offshore energy sector willonly increase as we continue to movetowards a 24-hour quayside operation.”AV Dawsonwww.av-dawson.comClick to view more info= Click to view videoCONTINUED...>www.windenergynetwork.co.uk59

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURECONTINUED...>AV Dawsonsubsidiary companyCockfield KnightCockfield Knight are long establishedshipbrokers, shipping agents,customs and documentation agentsspecialising in dry cargo , projectcargoes and offshore vessel support,and are located on the North SeaSupply Base in Middlesbrough on theRiver Tees.Customer focused serviceThe company offers a very hands-oncustomer focused service where notask is too difficult to ensure the efficientturnaround of vessels. They are asubsidiary of major terminal operator andfreight logistics company AV Dawson,and as such work very closely with theAV Dawson North Sea Supply Base sitestaff, providing the added benefit for theircustomers of a large supplier base.Strategic alliancesHowever Cockfield Knight workindependently as agents and cover allports in the North East UK and haveestablished strategic alliances with otheragents to offer global port representation.Project successCockfield Knight have organisedcomplicated project cargo and shipmovements and have gained experiencein operation of major scour protectionprojects including the completion of amajor contract in the Port of Tyne on theBrae gas pipeline.Cockfield Knightwww.cockfieldknight.comClick to view more infoTees Valley CoatingsTees Valley Coatings is based in theNorth East of England on the AVDawson site in Middlesbrough, whichis perfectly situated on the banksof the River Tees. The company isresponsible for supplying specialistand protective coatings to the offshore,petrochemical, nuclear andmarine industries.AccreditationIn December 2012 Tees Valley Coatingsachieved the ISO9001-2008 qualitystandard and has completed ICATStraining for all personal working within itscoatings operations. This certification hasmade a significant difference to both theirclients and themselves, and demonstratesthe service and quality which they provide.Services range from blast cleaning,painting, refurbishment, thermal sprayingand fire protection coatings.Increased demandOver the last twelve months Tees ValleyCoatings has seen a rise in demand inthe Oil and Gas Industries for additionalaccommodation on off shore platforms,which, as a result, has increaseddramatically the amount of work TVC hassecured and completed.ClientsRecent clients include Nexen, Talisman,Conoco Phillips and Stena, which hasresulted in over 34 modules beingcompleted over a 12 month period.InvestmentThey have therefore been in a positionto invest in their equipment and facilities,with their newest facility having a floorspace of over 700 metres squared andtwo 10 tonne cranes. This, along with ourquayside location, has enhanced whatthe company can offer to existing andprospective clients, enhancing a numberof current and future projects.Tees Valley Coatingswww.teesvalleycoatings.co.ukClick to view more info60www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURETrailer hire business sees demand growacross the globeThe trailer arm of specialist logistics firm AV Dawson hasseen demand for its fleet grow across the globe followinginvestment of more than £1.8m in the business.Tees Valley TrailersTees Valley Trailers, which offers fully serviced commercial largegoods vehicle trailers for sale or hire, has seen its initial rental fleetmore than double from 100 to 250 in the eight years since it waslaunched.At the same time, its specialist export arm is now seeing trailersdespatched regularly to Eastern Europe, the Middle East andBurma.From strength-to-strengthGary Dawson, Director, of Tees Valley Trailers, said: “We’recontinuing to go from strength-to-strength. After a periodof cautious growth, a recent investment of more than £1.8mhas significantly increased the number and variety of trailersavailable for hire. We’ve also undergone a substantialrefurbishment programme to ensure that our trailers areexactly what our customers need.”“An excellent effort by the commercial team headed byDavid Ormston and Jon Lambert has resulted not only inan improvement in the quality of our trailer stock, but alsoa substantial improvement in the quality and depth of ourcustomer base.”Comprehensive fleet and flexibilityThe company boasts a comprehensive fleet including stepframedouble decks, curtainsiders – standard and tallboy – sliding andtipping skeletals, flats with full specification, extenders and bulktippers.Trailers can be hired on a short or long term basis and newequipment can be specifically sourced for long term contracts.50 years’ experienceTVT works with small and large businesses across the country,mainly in the logistics industries, and its sales team has morethan 50 years’ experience.Tees Valley Trailerswww.teesvalleytrailers.comClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 61

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURE£110 billion ofinvestment expectedin UK waters by 2020Centres for Offshore RenewableEngineering (CORE)In England there are locations that havebeen awarded CORE status by the UKGovernment. CORE status is awardedthrough recognising the existing portinfrastructure, skills and supply chain toenable rapid growth within the offshorewind sector.CORE sitesEngland has six CORE sites: these arethe Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, theHumber, the Kent, the Liverpool CityRegion, the North Eastern and the TeesValley.CORE areas provide...• Excellent infrastructure and logistics• Large amounts of available land fordevelopment including deep wateraccess• Skilled and available local workforce• Experienced supply chain• Easy access to Round 1, 2 and 3offshore wind farms• Extensive business support available• Local government support providingfree location finding services andassistance on skills, premises and grantfunding applicationsThe North Eastern COREThis is an important hub for worldwidetrade and investment, central to the UK’seconomic growth for hundreds of years.The North Eastern CORE offers:Enterprise Zone sites with enhanced capitalallowances up to £100 million, businessrate discount and simplified planning atthe Port of Tyne and on the North Bankof the River Tyne, at the Port of Blyth andadjacent to Nissan’s Sunderland plant.Three Ports• Port of Blyth offers strategic sites andexisting office accommodation, withwell-established cargo handling,storage and distribution service for therenewables sector and Enterprise Zonesupport.www.berez.org.uk• Port of Tyne, the largest trust port in theUK, offers 250 hectares of availableland, 30 hectares carries EnterpriseZone status.www.offshorewindtyne.com• Port of Sunderland is well located foroffshore energy investment with instantaccess from open sea to deepwater river and dock berths, andoffers 115 hectares of waterfront landfor development.www.portofsunderland.co.ukThe National Renewable Energy CentreNarec, is located in Blyth and provides thenational research, development, testingand demonstration centre for offshorerenewable energy technologies.Financial Support – North EasternInfrastructure Fund available to secureinvestment, job creation and economicgrowth in the local area, £30 million growthcapital for investment and largest Englishregional venture capital offer.Supply Chain – Over 250 North Easterncompanies with existing commitment orpotential to diversify into offshore windsupply. World leading offshore and subseaengineering and manufacturing supplychain, backed by national and regionalprofessional services cluster in Newcastle.Skills and Training – Highly skilledworkforce serviced by specialist trainingfacilities at Siemens, Maersk and ShepherdOffshore.Connectivity – Newcastle InternationalAirport is within 20 miles of each portAdjacent to largest Round 3 concession,and accessible to Forth and Humbersites. Two direct trains an hour to London,Edinburgh and the Midlands.The Tees Valley COREA prime location for offshore windinvestment with long industrial heritageand a track record for delivering largescale projects in oil and gas, ship building,fabrication and de-commissioning.Tees Valley’s main strengths are in itsprime land availability and existing supplychain. Tees Valley has the world’s largestcluster of subsea cabling and trenchingcompanies, plus expert offshore fabricationfacilities and also prime port sites ideallylocated for three of the world’s largestoffshore wind projects.Ports• PD Ports Hartlepool, 300 acresincluding sites with ECAs and simplifiedplanning.www.pdports.co.uk• ABLE Seaton Port, 126 acres of landwith the largest dry dock in Europe.www.ableuk.com• ABLE Middlesbrough Port, 40 acres ofland with 200,000 sq ft of existing unitsinc cranage.www.ableuk.com• North Sea Supply Base, Multimodallogistics centre.www.av-dawson.com• A&P Tees, Centre of Excellence foroffshore vessels.www.ap-group.co.uk62www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURE16GW of wind farm development within 90 miles of portsites – Dogger Bank (9GW), Hornsea (4GW) and Firth of Forth(3.4GW).Tees Valley provides an excellent European base for exportingto the continent as well as accessing UK markets. It also hasclose proximity to supply into North Eastern CORE,Humber CORE and Scottish supply chains.12 Enterprise Zone sites (423 hectares) with simplifiedplanning and Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) upto £100 million – The Enterprise Zone encompasses awide range of sites including a number with existing units (11office and six industrial units currently available, plus 12,500square feet of smaller units). The sites include both new andestablished business and enterprise parks, plus large clearedindustrial sites with access to utilities, port services andlogistics.Logistics – Take advantage of the largest exporting port inEngland, PD Teesport, including many available deep waterport sites perfect for offshore wind manufacture and operationand maintenance. Tees Valley also has the fastest-flowingurban traffic speeds in the UK, integrated rail connected portsites and three international airports within one hour.Skills – Take advantage of first class colleges and universitiesspecialising in engineering courses, combined with localindustry training providers including TTE, NETA, FaradayCentre, Teesside Industrial Solutions, TWI and Falck Nutec.Affordable workforce – Wage rates in Tees Valley are onaverage 10% lower than the UK average.Major industry names already located within Tees ValleyHeerema, MPI Offshore, Deep Ocean, Modus, Global Marine,IHC EB, Reef Subsea, VSMC, JDR Cables, MTE, EDF EnergyRenewables, Tata Steel, TAG Energy Solutions, Tekmar, ALE,Hertel, Millfield Composites, Falck Nutec, Wilton Group, AbleUK, PD Ports, AV Dawson, A&P and TWI.With over 200 companies already in offshore wind, there areopportunities to locate within Tees Valley and supply into theexisting supply chain covering all energy sectors.The North Eastern COREand The Tees Valley COREwww.gov.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 63

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURERecord number ofapprentices plannedfor Port of TyneThe Port of Tyne plans to more than treble itsapprenticeships in 2013, creating new opportunities foryoung people to learn the ropes right across the business.This follows the success of the long established programme forengineering apprentices which the Port has operated for many years.Investing in peopleAndrew Moffat, Port of Tyne’s Chief Executive Officer, said:“Investing in our people and developing a highly skilledworkforce is the key to future success. Last year thePort invested almost £1.3m in training and development.Launching the biggest apprentice programme in our historyis also indicative of the way we aim to support our localcommunity and in particular young people.“As a major employer we’re committed to helping more youngpeople in the area get a foot on the ladder to work. We havealways had apprentices working in our engineering departmentand for the first time last year we had a business administrationapprentice. We also support many community programmesthat help develop confidence and skills in young people.”How innovativerope productsare transformingoffshore wind farmconstructionBridon International, the global technology leader in wireand fibre ropes for demanding applications, is usinginnovation to transform offshore wind farm construction.In October 2012, Bridon supported RWE, one of Europe’sleading energy companies, in installing one of the UK’s newestand largest offshore wind farms 18 miles off the coast of NorthWales.Wind energy industry objectivesIn the offshore wind farm construction sector, safety isparamount and regulations are stringent. Typically, wind farminstallation has been conducted using generic steel ropeproducts, but demand has been growing for industry-specificrope solutions, in particular rope products which can match orboost typical support capabilities whilst reducing the potential fordamaging delicate components (such as turbines) and structures(such as blades).Fibre rope slingsIn order to achieve these objectives, Bridon suggested that RWEemploy its Steelite Xtra High Modulus Polyethylene fibre ropeslings, which boast equivalent working load limits to commonly“Apprenticeships seem the best way to do this and we are verypleased that we will be able to take on 13 further apprenticesthis year who will be working towards recognised qualificationsand learning about the world of work and the opportunitiesthere may be for them in the future whether with the Port orelsewhere.”CommitmentWith a 10.8% unemployment rate in the North East region thePort is committed to supporting projects that address skills andreadiness for work to help improve young people’s chances ofemployment.South Shields MP David Miliband said: “I have seen thedifference that can be made by a high quality work experienceplacement that can boost a young person’s CV. The Port issetting a great example by bringing in apprentices across thebusiness and it will reap benefits not only for the Port but thelocal economy as it is an investment in the whole community’sfuture workforce.”The Port has appointed South Tyneside College as its trainingprovider. Lindsey Whiterod, Principal, said: “This is a fantasticstep by the Port of Tyne and we are delighted to be workingwith them in delivering the apprenticeship programme.“This kind of commitment is exactly what is needed for youngpeople, their future employment and the local economy.The college has recently undergone a major transformation,creating a very exciting time to be connecting with businessesin the region like the Port of Tyne, and we are thrilled to beproviding the Port’s apprenticeships.”utilised rope technology at a fraction of the weight. Bridonmanufactured and supplied 65 of these ropes for the installation,the largest of which has a 600 tonne safe working load capacity.Key to successKey to the success of Bridon’s Steelite range is its use ofDyneema fibre. The strength to weight ratio of Dyneema fibreallows Bridon tomanufacture lighter,more malleable ropeswithout compromisingon durability. Thissurpasses bothtraditional steel wireand conventionalsynthetic fibreproducts for thisapplication.Steelite ropes canbe up to 15 timesstronger than steelequivalents, but are7 times lighter andweightless in water.For example, eightmen are required tohandle steel slings,whilst four men arerequired to handleSteelite slings.64www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREInvestors inPeople (IIP)awardThe Port of Tynehas also investedin its organisationalinfrastructureand is continuingto develop itsemployees throughthe introduction ofa number of newinitiatives includingPerformanceDevelopmentReviews for allemployees and aProfit Share Scheme. At the end of last year the Port of Tyneachieved the Silver IIP, placing the Port in the top 2.5% of IIPaccredited companies in the UK.Expanding operationsThe Port’s apprenticeship programme is just one of the waysthe Port is investing in the future of the business. Over £120mhas been invested in developing port operations over ten yearsand plans are already in place to expand its operations in SouthTyneside with a further £180m project which has the potential toprovide 300 more new jobs.Port of Tynewww.portoftyne.co.ukFurther benefitsDeploying Steelite ropes for offshore windfarms is also a muchquicker and easier process, with the risk of impairment tofragile components minimised, assembly times reduced andthe lifting capacity of installational barges increased. Sinceemploying Steelite ropes, RWE has witnessed correctivemaintenance costs usually associated with wind farmconstruction disappear almost entirely.Industry growthThe UK’s use of wind energy is set to dramatically increaseover the next few years as part of the Government’s renewabletargets. The firm has already received production enquiriesfrom a number of major multinational wind farm constructorsand is planning a production schedule that will cater to thehighest possible levels of demand.Jon Templeman, Chief Executive of Bridon Internationalcommented: “The fibre constructions used in Bridon’sSteelite ropes mean they are both stronger and lighter thantheir conventional steel equivalents – making them easier towork with, reducing the need for regular replacement andensuring the highest possible levels of performance.“Bridon prides itself on collaborating with customers tofind innovative solutions to the challenges they face, andthat’s what makes us the global technology leader inmanufacturing ropes for demanding applications.”Bridon Internationalwww.bridon.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 65

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREAbleSeaton PortattractingstronginterestABLE UK may be best known in windcircles for their proposed large-scaledevelopment on the Humber – theAble Marine Energy Park but theirprincipal Tees facility, Able SeatonPort, near Hartlepool is also attractingstrong interest from a range of windfarm developers.InvestmentThe former Laing’s Offshore Yard wasacquired in 1996 and has seen somesignificant, and much needed investmentin the interim. Able has developed 300mof heavy duty quays (40t/m2) and this,they say, makes them some of thestrongest in Europe.Says Neil Etherington, Able’s GroupDevelopment Director, “Able SeatonPort is pretty typical of the way we dobusiness. It was all about taking a longterm view. Something that we can doas a privately owned business and ASPcertainly needed some tender loving carein the early days.”66www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURE“We have put our money where ourmouth is (some £50m so far) and we arenow seeing the rewards.”ASP historyUp to now ASP is better known as a multiuserfacility that has hosted some of thelargest recycling contracts of recent times.From the de-commissioning of most ofthe largest oil & gas platforms through tothe demolition of the so-called US ‘GhostShips’ along with the former flagship ofthe French Navy, the aircraft carrier, LeClemenceau.The latter was an experience thatEtherington, rather coyly, merely describesas “interesting” although he added that itwas “a lot of smoke and mirrors cloudedby a public perception that took a realeffort to turn around.”Probably a sentiment with which the windindustry can empathise.ExpansionOver the last five years the Yard hasexpanded into Oil Rig upgrade andmaintenance projects and boasts a prettyblue-chip client base that includes Ensco,Petrofac, Transocean and NorthernOffshore with a mix of jack-up and semisubmersiblerigs.The wind energy sectorIncreasingly though, it is the windsector that is dominating Able’scharacteristically positive outlook.Etherington explains, “ASP is welllocated and it’s almost as if it had beenpurpose built as an Offshore windinstallation base.“We think it ticks all the boxes and anumber of developers seem to sharethat view. It’s still relatively early daysbut watch this space. It’s certainly thebest facility in the north east and with thepotential that we have with the dry dock(Europe’s largest) is also tailor-made forgravity based foundations.”Integrated wind clusterAble see ASP as the ideal companionfor the much larger AMEP developmenton the South Bank of the Humberwhere Patrick McLoughlin, Secretaryof State for Transport, will next month(May) determine one of the UK’s largestplanning applications and where ABLE areaiming to see the development of a trulyintegrated wind cluster.As Etherington says, “Without the rightport facilities the UK becomes a merespectator – no UK content and noeconomic development benefits – justa heavily subsidised sector that wouldeffectively export new jobs and newmanufacturing.”Able UKwww.ableuk.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 67

RISK MANAGEMENTTo quantify ornot to quantify?that is thequestion...Practical examples of Quantitative Risk AssessmentsIn the last issue Risktec introducedQuantitative Risk Assessments(QRA). Here they continue their seriesof articles on risk management byasking; Is there a role for QRA’s in theWind Energy Industry?Back to basics...If we jump back to our second article onRisk Management (June/July 2011), wedefined risk as being the product of thelikelihood of an unwanted event occurring(release of a hazard) and the severity ofthe resulting consequences;The results of a QRA are numericalestimates for risk exposure that cancover the full range of consequenceeffects being considered (e.g. harm tothe environment, plant/asset damage,programme delays, cost overruns, etc.)but are most commonly used in a healthRisk of fatality as aresult of a wind turbineblade failure/throwLikelihood of bladefailure per yearxProbability of a bladelanding at a specificlocationOccupancy rateat specificlocationxProbability of afatality from directimpact of bladeRisk = Likelihood x ConsequenceImage courtesy of Infinergy LtdProbability of loss ofcontainment from bladeimpact [tank integrity] leadingto release of gasxGas concentration at aspecific location[gas dispersion]xProbability of ignitionof releasexOccupancy rateat specificlocationxProbability of afatality from resultingfire/explosionFigure 1: Considerations for QRA of riskfrom Turbine Blade ‘Throw’ on adjacentmajor hazard facilityRisk = Likelihood x ConsequenceWhilst QRAs come in a vast array ofshapes and sizes, performed using aplethora of tools and techniques, in verysimple terms it is a systematic techniquewhereby appropriate numerical values areapplied to ‘likelihood’ and ‘consequence’allowing the associated risk to beexpressed in numerical terms.and safety context to quantify risk topeople and society in general, for exampleby expressing risk as the frequency offatality per annum.68www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

RISK MANAGEMENTSo is there a role for QRA in theWind Energy Industry?Let’s consider three specifichazards:1 Turbine blade failure andsubsequent ‘throw’.For the vast majority of wind turbines,sited in remote/rural locations, theconsequences of such an event arerelatively low. Here, simple deterministicprinciples (e.g. compliance with designstandards) will be adequate todemonstrate this risk to be tolerableand properly managed. However, ifwe consider a turbine sited close to alarge gas storage facility, the storyis very different. Whilst a highly unlikelyevent, a ‘thrown’ blade could strike avessel resulting in a loss ofcontainment leading to a gas release.Were this to be ignited it could leadto an explosion resulting in multiplefatalities. Clearly a QRA is appropriatehere which would consider a range offactors as illustrated in Figure 1.However this need is not driven byissues specific to wind energy butrather the nature of the adjacentfacility. It is inconceivable that sucha major hazard facility will not alreadyhave a QRA as part of an overallFacility ‘Safety Case’ and so the bulkof work is already done for you. A fullQRA is therefore unlikely to benecessary. A more simple comparisonof the probability of a blade strikeagainst other existing known hazardswith similar effects may be all that isneeded to assess whether this newrisk is tolerable.2 Personnel transfer on/off anOffshore Wind Turbine.This is widely recognised as one ofthe more significant risks of offshorewind operations. Whilst a relativelysimple hazard which could beassessed via deterministic means,a precedent has been set for the useof QRA for personnel transfers in theoffshore oil and gas industry. Withsuch a precedent comes considerablehistorical and predictive data onthe likelihood and consequence of thishazard. As a result, a simple personneltransfer frequency calculation alliedto existing, appropriate data, may beall that is necessary to assess thishazard via quantitative means.3 Offshore Wind Farm Ship CollisionStudy.Depending on the location of anoffshore wind turbine, it may benecessary [unless the risk can bediscounted via qualitative means] toperform a detailed ship collision study.Such a QRA will quantify the risk ofa ship colliding with a wind turbine.In so doing it will need to quantify thelikelihood of a ship impacting aturbine considering both passing andvisiting vessels via ‘powered’ and‘drifting’ collisions, whilst takingaccount of protective measures inplace such as sea charts [providedturbines marked], radar visibility andfacilities for monitoring and warningvessels in the vicinity. In terms ofconsequences, the QRA will need toconsider damage to the turbine aswell as the vessel itself. The evaluationof impact damage is likely to becomplex and require considerablestructural engineering and marineexperience to develop a correlationbetween collision speed/energy anddamage. A breached oil tanker is likelyto cause significant environmentalharm. Whilst this hazard clearly doesnot exist within the wind farm, ifinappropriately sited, a wind turbinecould contribute to the release of thishazard, hence the associated riskmust be considered as part of thewind farm safety justification. Suchship collision QRAs are a standardelement of any offshore oil and gasfacility ‘Safety Case’, so existingprecedents exist for risk tolerabilitywhich can be tailored to suit thisspecific application to determinewhether the quantified risk is acceptable.Whilst these are only three very specific,anecdotal examples, they do indicatethat there is a role for QRA in the windenergy industry. However this is certainlynot a black and white issue. Theseexamples clearly highlight that the natureand scope of any QRA will vary hugelybased on a range of factors including;nature of the hazard and its development,available information, existing precedents,stakeholder expectations, but perhapsmore crucially, what role the QRA is toplay within the overall safety justificationstrategy. This must be fully understoodbefore embarking on any QRA.Gareth EllorRisktec Solutions Ltdwww.risktec.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk69

LubricaTION & Filtration featureWind TurbinesLubrication& FiltrationTipsWhether onshore or offshore,keeping complex wind turbinesoperating at peak performancecan be extremely challenging.For wind turbine operators,choosing the right lubricantsis essential as it helps prolongturbine performance anddurability.Recently, we caught up with RobertPears, Industrial Lubricants expert,ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties,to better understand the lubricationand filtration needs of wind turbines.70www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

LubricaTION & Filtration featureQ: Why is lubrication such anessential component of windturbine performance?Robert: “Wind turbine maintenancepresents an array of challenges that canhinder productivity.“The main gearbox drives the generatorand is the heart of a wind turbine. Withtheir advanced designs and overallimportance to system performance,gearboxes can be very costly and timeconsuming to repair or replace after thewarranty expires.“For example, when factoring in allexpenses, replacing a gearbox for a 1.4MW turbine can cost a company morethan US $625,000, including the price ofa new gearbox, labour costs, crane rentaland lost revenue from turbine downtime.“In remote locations like offshore,maintenance and repair costs are likelyto be even higher and after the warrantyperiod or extended service contractperiod, the operator becomes responsiblefor keeping the turbine running for theremainder of its service life.“For the main gearbox – just as forall pieces of industrial equipment –lubrication plays a vital role in optimisingperformance and minimising downtime.”Q: What are the key challengesfacing wind turbine operatorsand maintenance personnel?Robert: “Maintaining the performanceand prolonging the life span of themain gearbox is the greatest lubricationchallenge in a wind turbine. The mostcommon cause of gearbox downtime isrelated to bearing failure. Consideringthe variable load, high speed anddramatic temperature conditions windturbines operate under, bearings areput under a significant amount of stress.These factors, combined with improperlubrication, can result in the need forbearing replacements, and if damagedbearings are not replaced promptly,significant harm to the gear can occur.“Another issue is the industry-wide driveto minimise up-tower weight. It hasresulted in compact gearbox designswhich, in combination with high loadsfound in wind turbines, means thesurface-hardened gears are susceptibleto micro-pitting, which can causenumerous surface cracks. The crackspropagate at a shallow incline to thesurface, forming extremely small pits thatmay reduce gear tooth accuracy andlead to significant gear damage.“In addition to protecting against micropittingand other forms of equipmentwear, Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 exceedsthe performance of traditional oils byextending the interval between oil changesfrom 18 months to five years or more.Extended oil life translates into a varietyof benefits, including reduced volume ofoil purchases, used-oil disposal volumes,maintenance effort and lubricant-relateddowntime for oil changes.”Q: Why does using syntheticlubricants vs. conventional oilsmake such a difference in windturbine applications?Robert: “Case-hardened gears exposedto unpredictable winds and high loadsmeans wind turbines are susceptibleto micro-pitting, and require a gearlubricant that protects against this typeof wear.“Upgrading to synthetic lubricants bringsa number of advantages, includinglonger equipment life, high-temperaturecapability and excellent resistance tooxidation - which can help maximise theperformance of wind turbines.“The extreme conditions wind turbinesare subjected to are easily endured byhigh-performance synthetic lubricants,which can improve film strength atoperating temperature by nearly 50percent. By comparison, conventional,mineral-based fluids cannot deliverthe same level of protection. Thesekinds of performance advantages canhelp companies generate significantbottom line savings and enable them tomaximise productivity.”Q: What are the best practicesfor wind turbine oil filtration?Robert: “There are several types ofoil filters. The first step in identifyingthe appropriate filter for a turbine is todetermine what level of oil cleanliness isrequired for proper function.“There are a variety of factors to considerwhen making this decision, including themachine’s OEM cleanliness standards,filter micron size, beta rating and the kindsof contaminants being removed, be theydirt, water or wear metals. Manufacturersmust also consider oil flow and determinethe flow-rate of the pump moving theoil. Filter capacity has to either match orexceed the pump flow rate, to preventfilter malfunction or back-pressure build up.“Typically wind turbines are equippedwith two oil filtration systems. The primarysystem filters oil prior to delivering it to thegears and bearings. The auxiliary systememploying finer filtration is designed toaugment the primary system, focusingon maintaining the required systemcleanliness. A duplex housing should beused as it allows for filter changes duringnormal operation.“Finally, proactive filter maintenanceis critically important. Maintenancepersonnel should take routine samplesto determine overall cleanliness of the oiland effectiveness of the filter. The filtershould also have a tattletale—usually apressure gauge mounted in the housing—that indicates when the filter needs to bechanged.”Q: What are the most commonmistakes made with respect tooil filtration?Robert: “Over-filtration is a commonproblem.“While a filtration system is designedto eliminate contaminants, removingexcessively fine particles maynegatively impact oil additive balance.It is crucial to pay close attention tothe OEM recommendations for oilsystem cleanliness, as exceeding thatspecification may actually hinder theperformance of the lubricant.”Robert PearsIndustrial Lubricants expertExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialtieswww.exxonmobil.co.ukClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk71

LubricaTION & Filtration featureKnowledge is profit!learn how to lower your lostproduction factorThe rotor of a wind turbine generator(WTG) will easily top 200 millionrevolutions in 20 years.Wear is enormous. Not least to thegearbox where numerous particles arereleased from the components to the oil.But if you monitor the size and numberof these particles, you can forecastserious problems, optimise operation andschedule maintenance well in advance.One option is to employ the CJC OilContamination Monitor.With the data provided by OCM 30X,you will not only get the earliest possiblewarnings of gearbox failures andcomponent-specific problems. You willalso get an in-depth understanding ofgearbox wear under different operationconditions. This will help you improveoperation, maintenance as well asrootcause analysis dramatically. In short,OCM 30X will not only protect yourinvestment. It will increase your ROI.Small particles are the worstIt is critical to monitor theoccurrence of small particles thesize of 4 to 21 microns.Their size and number revealgearbox wear under differentoperating conditions, and thusthe need for maintenance andchanges in operation. Whenparticles above the size of100 microns appear, itis often too late to takesimple preventative action.The degradation of thecomponent’s surfacesis highly advanced.However, the OCM 30X isthe market’s only devicethat offers exact monitoring ofcontamination from particles as small as4, 6, 14 and 21 microns.Does not confuse air bubblesfor particlesThe oil in a WTG gearbox is whipped full ofair. But unlike other measuring methods,OCM 30X is not air sensitive. It measuresthe light’s refraction to monitor all kinds ofparticles exactly; soft and solid, magneticas well as non-magnetic.It completely ignores air bubbles, whichmakes it the market’s most accuratemonitoring method for this purpose.Predict and prevent gearboxfailureIf you take a look at Figure 1, you will seehow OCM 30X monitors the number andsize of particles under different operationconditions. The graph is a readout from a2 MW WTG.The number of particles peak whenoperation conditions change, such asfilter replacement and cooling problems.The read-out from OCM 30X also revealsabnormal particle peaks that can’t beexplained by changes in operation. Thesepeaks should be analysed carefully toassess degradation of components andprevent breakdowns.Online analysisIn this specific case, all data was analysedusing cjconline.dk, and the customer waswarned well in advance about an impendingbreakdown. Preventive maintenance wasscheduled, and the physical inspectionconfirmed the readouts from OCM 30X andthe analysis using cjconline.dk.Components were changed in time, andthe customer prevented an extremelyexpensive breakdown.The OCM 30X monitors particlecontamination as small as 4 microns inthe air-containing oils of a WTG gearbox.You can collect all data from OCM 30Xremotely and analyse them using eithercjconline.dk or your company’s SCADAsystem.Profit from increased ROIWith remote monitoring and sampleresponse intervals as short as 20seconds, you can collect data under alloperating conditions, even when the WTGis inaccessible for physical inspection.Figure 1. Shows how OCM 30X measuresthe size and number of particles in WTGgearbox oil under different operatingconditions. The graph also shows howOCM 30X monitors abnormal particlepeaks that reveal wear problems indicatinga future breakdown.72www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

LubricaTION & Filtration featureTried and TestedC.C.Jensen commissioned the first OCM 30X in 2007. Sincethen, the oil contamination-monitoring unit has been installedin more than 50 WTG gearboxes onshore as well as offshore.Series production of OCM 30X began in the winter 2011-12,and 100 units have been ordered for delivery during Q1 and Q22012.The world’s leading WTG manufacturers and utilities constitutethe largest part of the company’s customers. Using OCM 30X,they do not only benefit from fewer and less serious gearboxproblems. Their most important advantage is the increasedprofits they get from a significant reduction in the WTG’s lostproduction factor.ACMUAuxiliary ContaminationMonitoring Unit forhydraulic & lubricationsystemsPredict• Exact particle monitoring in WTG gearbox oil• Monitors particles as small as 4, 6, 14 and 21 microns• Non-air sensitive• Remote monitoring 24/7/365• Monitor and analyse data with cjconline.dk or your SCADAsystemPrevent• Earliest possible warnings and improved root cause analysis• Optimise operation effectively to reduce wear of the gearbox• Identify component-specific problems and improve components• Schedule the need for maintenance accurately• Reduce ‘fire fighting’ and quick fix solutions• Preventive maintenance instead of emergency repairs orbreakdowns• Change smaller components in time instead of heavy partstoo lateProfit• Optimise operation and reduce O&M cost• Increase availability and reduce the lost production factor• Increase ROI and protect your investmentIncorporating the ICMcontamination monitor,the ACMU is specificallydesigned for aerated,viscous and/orun-pressurized systems.Key Sectors● Renewable energy● Off-shore● Industrial / TestBenches / GearboxesBenefits● Save downtime/maintenance costs● ProactivecontaminationmonitoringFor furtherinformation contactsales@mpfiltri.co.uk+44 (0) 1451 822522www.mpfiltri.co.ukCondition Monitoring DivisionCC Jensen Ltdwww.cjc.dkwww.mpfiltri.comGroup Headquarterswww.windenergynetwork.co.uk73

LubricaTION & Filtration featureFailure preventionthat’s a breeze!MP Filtria key link in thewind energy drivechainEmerging in many areas of hydraulics(including gearbox applications), bothsuppliers & customers are required toassure component and/or fluid cleanlinessbefore making procurement decisions.In parallel to this, commercialexpectations are placing greaterpressure on OEM’s to provideextended warranties on theirproducts.intended for offshore installation. Atthe heart of the nacelle is the gearbox.Transferring high torque from the blades,to electricity producing speed at thegenerator is what it does. Measuringand maintaining this performance isparamount,and thatis wherefor the gearbox manufacturers andpresented a unique challenge for us.Turbulent, viscous flow promotes theingress of air into a fluid. The nature ofoptical contamination instruments canmake them sensitive to entrained air andin turn can affect the reliability of solidcontamination results.“We worked closely with existingand potential clients to eliminate theproblem by suppressing air withina self-contained circuit, therebyimproving measurement, confidence& accuracy. With our range of filtrationproducts and a solid customer servicecharter behind us, we are faced with afantastic opportunity to grow with ourcustomers”.RenewableenergyRenewable energy hasbeen at the forefront ofindustry endeavour forsome time now, takingthe media spotlightfor a multitude ofreasons. The UK’sgeographic locationis conducive to theconditions necessaryfor efficient &predictable electricityproduction. Coupled withcommitment and financialbacking by the government - wind energywill play an important role in our futureenergy production, with its deploymentpivoting around key innovation anddecision making in the supply chain.UK investmentThe UK has invested significantly in recentyears, paving the way for what is now aleading renewable energy centre (NAREC)located in the North East of England.This enormous purpose built “laboratory”enables both the reduction of greenhousegas emissions in energy production and afoundation for improvements in reliabilityand safety.Life-bloodThe life-blood for many of these systemsis the hydrocarbon based control fluidswhich facilitate efficient operation. Aturbine that does not rotate is “dead inthe water”, a statement that is especiallytrue for the monumentally large generatorsGloucestershire based company, MP Filtrihave stepped up to the challenge.CollaborationWorking in collaboration with gearboxmanufacturers and drawing from a historyof expertise in contamination control,MP Filtri have developed a range ofinstrumentation and filtration products,culminating in the release of a productspecifically designed for the turbulent/aerated conditions typical of gearboxesand other industrial systems.The ACMU (AuxiliaryContamination Monitoring Unit)The ACMU marries the company’sestablished optical technology with arange of communication protocols for easyintegration with user control systems.MP Filtri’s Project Engineer commented,“Measuring contamination in thisenvironment is desperately importantProviding extended warrantiesEmerging in many areas of hydraulics(including gearbox applications),both suppliers & customersare required to assurecomponent and/or fluidcleanliness beforemaking procurementdecisions. In parallelto this, commercialexpectations areplacing greaterpressure on OEM’sto provide extendedwarranties on theirproducts. Service toolslike MP Filtri’s ACMU help deliver this.Collaborative innovationCollaborative innovation is key if investmentand project success are to be guaranteed.In this example the company highlightshow the success of enormous, mediaspotlighted projects are as much aboutexpertise and service further down thesupply chain as they are through the effortsof the OEM’s & facilities like NAREC.Both ends of the scale are inextricablylinked. With success stories like this wecan surely look forward to prosperous,sustainable energy for generations to come.MP Filtriwww.mpfiltri.co.ukClick to view more info74www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

LubricaTION & Filtration featureLook after your oiland your oil willlook after You!Dave MossfromMoventasgives somesoundadvice...Magnetic stick showing metal filingsresulting from metal to metal contact inthe gearbox.the attitude of some in the wind industryremains a complete mystery.I climbed to the nacelle of a turbine inTurkey about a year ago. The wind farmmanager had complained about the noisethe gearbox was making. The gear hadbeen recently re-installed after service bya local ISP. Half way up the tower I couldsmell the familiar smell of the burnt oil. Aquick look at the oil sight glass revealed asubstance the colour of Guinness.Opening up the inspection hatch andreaching inside to grab a handful of oil, thefoul smelling, viscous, black substance inmy hand felt more like grinding paste thanoil. When I asked the site manager if hehad used new oil when he had re-installedthe gear he assured me he had, howeverhe had refitted the old cooler and hosestaken off the previous gearbox and thesehad not been flushed.Larger bearing cage/carrier metal particles in theplanetary section of the gear.In 1982 I qualified as a MarineEngineering Officer and went to workin the engine rooms of a number ofships owned by BI, OCL and P&O.An early lessonAt college, and whilst working in theengine room, one thing that was drummedinto me was the importance of oil inrotating machines. The phrase “look afteryour oil and your oil will look afteryou” is as true today as it was all thoseyears ago.Remote locationsOn a ship of course there is the luxury of ateam of engineers in the engine room on adaily basis. In a wind turbine, especially ifit is offshore, there is very seldom anyoneto see, hear, smell or touch the operatingplant. However we live in an age of remotecondition monitoring and the senses ofthe engineer are replaced with sensors,probes and monitors.Temperatures,pressures, theRPM, and manyother parametersare monitoredand reported24/7, however oilcondition still seemsto be forgotten orneglected by many.Why should this bewhen it is a basicfundamental to thelongevity of anyrotating machineand it’s individualcomponent parts?Oil degradation evidenceWorking in service, I see gearboxesreturned for service and overhaul whereit is clear that the failure root cause startswith the degradation of the oil leading tothe inevitable process of metal on metalcontact between gear teeth and bearingsurfaces.As we dig out the metal dust,filings and particles from thegearbox sump, we can seethat little fines beget biggerparticles which in turn begetchips and eventually largepieces of bearing or gear teeththat we use as paper weightsin the office.Lubrication is keyOther industries have knownfor over a century thatlubrication is the key, howeverNot uncommonThis is unfortunately a not uncommonsituation and the debris from the old failedgearbox gets fed straight into the new orrecently serviced gearbox.Immediately the process of metal on metalis restarted and the gearbox is doomed toan early failure.ConclusionThe conclusion therefore should not justbe – “look after your oil and your oilwill look after you”But instead should be – “Look after thethings that look after your oil and theywill look after you”Dave MossMoventaswww.moventas.comClick to view more info= Click to view videoBig bearing cage/carrier, bearing and bearingrace chips and chunks.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk75

Offshore Wind conferenceSuccess of Yorkshire firmsin offshore wind industryhighlightedThe success of Yorkshire businessesin winning work in the offshore windindustry was showcased at a regionalsupply chain conference.Offshore Wind: A Guide forBusinessOffshore Wind: A Guide For Businessalso outlined what the area’s companiesneed to do to help more of them securecontracts in the sector.Advanced ManufacturingResearch Centre (AMRC)Staged at the AMRC, Rotherham, thehi-tech capabilities of the host venue,and the expertise of South Yorkshire’sestablished manufacturers, were also keythemes of the event.The conference, organised by theRenewables Network and FootprintRenewables and sponsored by Nabarro,was aimed at helping firms prepare foropportunities in offshore wind energy –which could become a significant part of theYorkshire economy in the years to come.Renewables NetworkSam Pick, Business Development Directorof the Humber-based RenewablesNetwork – which supports companiesto enter the market – said: “In termsof offshore wind, 2013 could be animportant year for businesses in theregion.“Key decisions are expected, particularlyin connection with port-baseddevelopments, and global companies willbe looking for local partners.“But what is also crucial to remember ishow work is already going on – especiallywith regards smaller-scale offshore windfarms close to the east coast.“With strong case studies, the OffshoreWind: A Guide For Business eventdemonstrated this and how localcompanies can win contracts.“Hopefully, this message and conferencewill help and inspire other Yorkshirebasedbusinesses to gain a foothold inthis dynamic industry.RichardBurgessSpencer GroupAmong those businesses that presentedat the supply chain conference wasSpencer Group – a specialist engineeringfirm which works across many differentdisciplines.Recently, the company, which has itsheadquarters at One Humber Quays onHull Marina, has won significant contractssupporting onshore electrical infrastructurework for both Dong Energy and E.ON, thelatter through CG Power.Richard Burgess, Managing Director ofthe Spencer Group’s professional servicesdivision, spoke at the conference.76www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

Offshore Wind conferenceHe said: “The event was a fantasticopportunity to demonstrate not only thatwhich we have been involved, but alsoto speak to other firms about gettinginvolved in the supply chain.“There are many opportunities whichwill be available to many companies.Success will come not from just doingthings better but generating stepchanges through innovation in ourapproach to solving the industry’schallenges.“We have a commitment to sustainabilityand really feel part of the growing andexpanding renewables industry acrossthe Humber sub-region.“We are very much looking forward tofurther involvement in what will becomea key industry in the future of not justHull, but Yorkshire as a whole.”It is the second time the Offshore Wind:A Guide For Business event has beenstaged in South Yorkshire – with thearea’s strong manufacturing credentialssaid to be crucial to establishing a truecluster of green energy suppliers acrossthe wider region.Reducing costsBut firms have been urged to reducecosts, ensure their workforces are properlyequipped and have the right accreditationsto meet the requirements of renewablesdevelopers.Footprint RenewablesAndrew Morton, Account Directorof green energy marketing companyFootprint Renewables, said: “The industrydemands the highest standards and istruly global in nature.“This means local companies have tocompete with those from overseasand will be under pressure to offeran approach that is innovative and isfocused on cost-reduction, to have achance of entering the supply chain.“Speakers at the conference describedtheir views on this and gave companiesan insight into what capabilities andcapacity they need to be part of theoffshore wind industry.”PresentationsPresentations at the event included anintroduction and industry overview, detailson supply chain-led cost reduction andthe use of technology and innovation tobring costs down.Speakers at the event included...• Sam Pick – Business DevelopmentDirector, Renewables Network• Richard Burgess – Managing Directorof the Spencer Group’s professionalservices division• Andrew Morton – Account Director,Footprint Renewables• Alan McLelland – Chief Executive,National Metals Technology Centre(Namtec)• John Britton – Director, RenewablesNetwork• Alison Bettac – Training Director,AMRC• Jonathan Cohen – Senior Associate,Nabarro LLP• Tim Shaw – Partner, Nabarro LLP• Richard Wright – Executive Director,Sheffield Chamber of Commerce• Joanne Harvey - Manager, Institute ofSupply Chain ManagementAMRC tourDelegates also enjoyed a tour of theAMRC and the newly-developedapprentice and training facilities.Footprint Renewableswww.footprintrenewables.co.ukRenewables Networkwww.renewablesnetwork.co.ukClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk77

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesLEGALEAGLESAndrew Jackson’S experience in therenewable energy sector, and inparticular the wind energy industry,is significant and has helped manyof our readers ensure progress andunderstanding in this extremely fastmoving business environment.We welcome them as sponsors ofour first Law feature and let MartinCollingwood give us an overview tostart the ball rolling...Wind & renewable energydevelopmentsRenewable energy has seen significantdevelopment in recent months andAndrew Jackson has seen its involvementin renewables continue to increase.The past year has seen significantactivity from central government throughconsultations, legislation and the issue ofstrategy documents.November 2012 saw the EnergyBill published and shortly after thegovernment’s Gas Strategy was delivered.The Renewables Roadmap was alsoupdated.Whilst the developments in policy gavesome comfort there is still uncertaintyarising among investors as to how it wouldall work in practice – the devil will be in thedetail as they say.Decarbonisation targetOne of the significant areas of debateremains the absence of a decarbonisationtarget in the policy proposals. Theintroduction of such a target is seenby many investors as central to instilconfidence in the support mechanismfor the industry and create a long termmarket. The question often asked is “whathappens after 2020?” This is importantgiven that the industry is proposingdevelopments which will be operating inthe longer term – 20 to 25 years - andinvestors need confidence that they willhave support throughout the period.Renewables ObligationCoupled with this there is the proposal forchange from the Renewables Obligation toContracts for Difference and no-one is quitesure how that will work – detail again.The cost debate continues to rageconcerning the relative cost of the varioustechnologies, whether wind (both on andoffshore) and other technologies includingnuclear.Wind energyIn terms of wind power, onshore windcurrently is a cost effective technology butthere has been significant debate overwhether we have enough land basedschemes. Planning approvals, at leastin England, remain difficult, although itwould seem the position is more relaxedin Scotland.There has for many years been greatinterest in the offshore wind industryand the Round 3 developments promisegreat potential. From a cost point of viewoffshore wind remains comparativelyexpensive and the industry is being taskedwith targeting cost reduction at a timewhen the support mechanism throughContracts for Difference is uncertain. Theoffshore industry is, in addition, plagued bysignificant risks in terms of construction,installation and operation all of which itis seeking to minimise by technologicaladvances.Andrew Jackson continues to act forseveral offshore developers in respectof development issues and in relationto the roll out of strategically importantoperating and maintenance facilities andinfrastructure to service the offshoreindustry and the development of onshorewind farms. We have seen an increase inrenewables related health and safety work,both pro-active and reactive.Significant frustrationOne message which is frequently relayedby the supply chain in relation to theseprojects is “when will it happen?” Thereis significant frustration over the delay toimplementation of projects, particularlyoffshore projects in Round 3. Thesedelays are, in part, caused by the lack ofcertainty arising from government policyand the reluctance of investors to commit.78www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesOther renewable areasDelays to projects have been experiencedin other areas of renewable technology forexample, wave and tidal, although thesearise from delays to grid connections,particularly in Scotland. This area ofrenewable technology remains in thedevelopment of commercialisationstage, but was boosted recently by theannouncement of funding in support of it.The use of biomass continues to increasewith several schemes moving forwardmost notably at Drax. Andrew Jacksoncontinues to advise in this area, where wework on several different biomass relatedprojects. We have also been instructedby biofuel producers and distributors in anumber of matters.Green Investment BankThe year has also seen the launch of theGreen Investment Bank although not at alevel and with the powers that everyonewould have wished. The governmentGreen Deal Scheme has also beenfinalised and finally came into force earlyin 2013.The renewable industry’s contribution toelectricity generation continues to growwith nearly 12% of UK electricity comingfrom renewable sources, with wind beingthe dominant technology and also themost technologically mature.Renewable energy futureThere is no doubt that in the futurerenewables and energy policy willremain a significant source of interestand development with many of thetechnologies reaching commercialisation.Concerns remain, however, that thegovernment does not appear to have a“Plan B” if some of its current policies donot reach fruition.Andrew Jackson remains at the forefrontof these developments.Martin CollingwoodAndrew Jackson Solicitorswww.andrewjackson.co.ukClick to view more infoGovernment commitmentThe government remains committedto having a mix of methods of energygeneration including nuclear, fossil fuelswith ccs as well as implementing energysaving and carbon reduction as a meansof achieving its environmental targets.Carbon capture and storage remains anarea of debate and development withsignificant interest being shown and trialschemes being approved by the EU.As a low carbon technology, nuclearcould play an important part in helpingto meet the climate change targets. Thegovernment is committed to a nuclearnew build programme; nuclear generatesaround 19% of the electricity but all butone reactor is due to close by 2023.There have been significant withdrawalsfrom the nuclear build programme andcapital cost of new stations is problematic.2012 also saw the use of fracking torelease shale gas as a new ingredient inthe mix.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk79

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesRenewable Energy Contractsa brief overviewContracts for the provision ofgoods and services leading to thecommissioning and maintenance ofa renewable energy system, be thata wind turbine, hydro turbine, solarinstallation, Biomass system, etc allneed careful consideration in terms ofcontent and structure.ProtectionThe final Overriding Contract mustprotect the consultant from risk andreflect the factual process of leadinginto and procuring the project throughfeasibility, installation, commissioningand maintenance. On the other handreasonable legal protection should beafforded to the client as regards correctduties of care for the services providedand correct warranties for the goodssupplied, thus underpinning the provisionof and performance of the system overtime. Also, the documentation presentedby the consultant should be as clear,concise and “user friendly” as possible.Typical projectTake a typical project for say, the provisionof a wind or hydro turbine to a user likea farmer. In this process, one mightreasonably expect a series of phases asfollows...Initial visit to site and initialdiscussions• Outline Services – site assessment,measurement, planning application,outline of goods and services, initialreturn on investment ideas for parties,production of a report to lead to nextphase• Detailed Service – seasonalmeasures, specialist studies, detailedspecification of goods and services,detailed performance specificationsre downtime etc, dealing with planningconditions, details of project servicesand maintenance services, cash flowplan, production of a report to lead tonext phase• Project Services – all services tolead to installation and commissioningand for utility company and networkoperator involvement and takeover• Maintenance Services – ongoingmaintenance re cost in use relative toperformance over time and avoidanceof downtime etcThe above example is fairly basic and forillustrative purposes only, but, from thisexample, it is important to appreciate thateach of these phases should give rise toa series of independent contracts workingincrementally forward on the projectand working in synchronisation with theOverriding ContractThese incremental phases need to becarefully worked through between theconsultant and the client and all need to besubject to an Overriding Contract betweenconsultant and client containing key clausesrelating to sale of goods and provision ofservices with particular care as to...• Any selection of goods or design service• Commissioning• Charges and payment, warranties asto goods supplied for the benefit of theclient and any reasonable exclusion orreduction of liability clauses for thebenefit of the consultant• Financial arrangements including FITsharing and return on investmentformula after dealing with any domesticconsumption of electricity by the client• Grant of Lease and draft Specimen Lease• Maintenance• Timing for completion of installation• Planning and other statutory requirements• Provision of information between clientand customer• Delivery and risk transfer in the goods• Confidentiality and intellectual property• Llimitation or exclusion of liability as faras legally permitted• Assignment and sub contracting• Force majeure i.e. unforeseencircumstances which may delay theproject• Possible right for client to cancelcontracts on consumer credit grounds• Other clausesMost importantly the Overriding Contractmust carefully regulate the progression ofthe above phases between the parties, byspecifically controlling when the individualcontracts for the individual phases ariseand are concluded, so the parties are freeand clear to deal, if they both wish to, andmove onto the next phase.Similarities to construction andengineering contractsRenewable Energy Contracts are to alarge degree similar to construction andengineering contracts in that properlydrafted they should control the risk relativeto the best outcome in time, quality andmoney. However, of major difference isthe lead in and project planning phaseswhich are rarely allowed for contractorsto participate in (apart from quicklycoming up with cost saving ideas andvalue engineering etc) on mainstreamcontracting and engineering projects.One major similarity does exist betweenmainstream contracting and engineeringprojects and Renewables Projects. Inthat the more timely, quality and detailedthe information, worked up at the outset,relative to a detailed scope of services andgoods for a clearly related price, the fewerclaims, the fewer misunderstandings andthe better the job.Denison Till have many years experiencein drafting traditional engineering andconstruction contracts and have beeninvolved in drafting and negotiatingan increasing number of renewablescontracts for wind turbines, hydro turbinesand solar power installations.Gareth Hevey, Denison Tillwww.denisontill.com80www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesmulti-million poundwind farm for TheCo-operative GroupBristol based national law firm TLT hasadvised The Co-operative Group inrelation to its 20MW ten wind turbineproject at Biggleswade Bedfordshirewhich is to be financed by theprovision of a multi-million pound loanfacility from The Co-operative Bank.The law firm advised on the debtfinancing, real estate, construction, andpower purchase arrangements of the windfarm, which will power 18,000 homes andsave approximately 36,800 tonnes of CO2per year.Longstanding relationshipMaria Connolly, head of TLT’s RenewableEnergy team says, “TLT has alongstanding relationship with The CooperativeGroup having advised them onfinancial services and retail operationsfor a number of years. We are delightedto advise them on this project, helpingthe Group’s commitment to developrenewables projects.”Rob Ellis, Development Manager at TheCo-operative Group says, “I have beenimpressed with TLT’s expertise andefficiency to complete the deal within thetight deadlines.”The project is a joint venture betweenThe Co-operative Group Limited and theVentus Funds, managed by TemporisCapital LLP.Specialist renewable energy teamThe firm has a specialist renewableenergy team consisting of legal experts incorporate, project finance, commercial,construction, environment, health & safety,planning and property law. Their expertsregularly advise on procurement techniquesand strategies, project structuring andfinance and regulatory issues.They have also been named LegalBusiness Awards 2013 National Law Firmof the Year, acknowledging the firm’sstrategy and growth in Scotland andNorthern Ireland and is ranked first of allUK top 100 law firms in Legal Week’sClient Satisfaction Report 2012.TLTwww.tltsolicitors.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk81

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesUK on the cusp of anew energy eraWith the British Governmentcommitted to generating 13GWwith onshore wind turbines by2020, changes are afoot.Ambitious targetsThese wind power targets are certainlyambitious but foundations are being laid nowto make the transition into renewable energysmoother. Recent statistics published by theDepartment of Energy and Climate changeindicate that the amount of clean electricitygenerated for UK homes, businesses andfactories has increased significantly. Figuresreveal that wind energy output improved by athird in 2012, when compared to 2011.Embracing renewable energyThese figures indicate that the country isembracing renewable energy and is readyfor change. Despite the increase in windpower output, planning hurdles associatedwith applications are blocking potential forfurther wind turbine utilisation.The country’s bold targets could be at riskof failure. Fresh thinking must be appliedbefore the momentum slows and Britain’srenewable energy hopes become a missedopportunity.The National Planning PolicyFramework (NPPF)There are two main pitfalls to successfulrenewable energy deployment in the UK:planning and financing.The National Planning Policy Framework(NPPF) has been introduced to ensureplanning efficiency. Its main function isto oversee and support local planningauthorities’ plan-making and decision-takingfunctions.Time is moneyWhile the framework has aided planningofficials, eager applicants are not feelingthe benefits. Currently medium sizedturbines can take up to 24 months topass the planning stage. Despite thisimprovement on previous timescales, it stillfalls short of what is needed. As the oldadage goes, time is money.Capitalising on potentialThere is a real dynamism in the SME sectorto capitalise on the potential of renewableenergy. SMEs could be losing out on vitalincome as projects can languish in theplanning system for years until approvalis awarded. These decisions often cometoo late for small scale businesses keen tobenefit from the revenue generated by windturbines in farms or factories. Alternativeforms of energy are being readily usedto power businesses, but more supportis needed to assist and develop SMEambitions.Funding the futureTackling planning backlogs requirescollaboration. For example, last year inScotland the Convention of Scottish LocalAuthorities and Heads of Planning Scotlandcame together to create a fund to deal withwind turbine application bottlenecks. The£300,000 assigned was welcomed and kickstartednumerous projects across Scotland.Strategies like these are exemplary andsimilar incentives can be introducedthroughout the whole country. Onshoreturbine applications are at an all time high,but these developments do not come tofruition as quickly as hoped. If funding wasreadily available to form specialised teamsof wind turbines planners, the backlog ofapplications would be significantly reduced.‘Tax per project’ schemeA ‘tax per project’ scheme could supportthe highly skilled and specified flying squadof planning professionals, who are focusedsolely on speeding up the renewablesplanning application process. This hascome to fruition on a small scale, but thereneeds to be widespread commitment andsupport from local authorities, right throughto government level.UK - Challenge to wind farmdevelopment in High CourtquashedRES UK & Ireland recently succeededin defending a statutory challenge toplanning permission that had beengranted for its proposed wind farmdevelopment, known as “Jack’sLane”, in North-West Norfolk.The challengeThe challenge, which also involved anearby wind farm development proposedby E.ON, was brought by two actiongroups who resisted both planningapplications at the Inquiry stage. Thegroups sought to quash the decisionto grant planning permission for bothdevelopments on cultural heritagegrounds.Expedited hearingAn expedited hearing of the claim wassecured in order to minimise the delayand uncertainty on the project. Despitethe Secretary of State withdrawing fromthe proceedings, and agreeing to thepermission being quashed a week beforetrial, both RES and E.ON continuedto defend the claim at the hearing inDecember.High Court decisionThe decision of the High Court to dismissthe claim and uphold the planningpermission was welcomed by RES asbeing the right result obtained in difficultcircumstances, and vindicated thedecision to continue with its defencedespite the Secretary of State’swithdrawal.RES Project Manager Helen Wilson said:“We are very pleased with the decision,which supports the Planning Inspector’sview at the inquiry last year. We areabsolutely confident that the wind farmwill be a positive asset to people livingaround it.”82www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesBOTTLE NECKThis would not be to advocate anyless robust a review of applications,but would ensure they are reviewed byappropriate specialists and would avoidwind applications and any other planningapplication becoming bottle-necked in thesame queue.Continental edgeOur European neighbours are trailblazersin renewable energy use. In Germany,planning law restrictions are reduced asincentives are increased. Japan’s Fukushimanuclear disaster encouraged the Germangovernment to take action. It has uppedthe pace at which it is phasing out nuclearenergy in favour of renewable power.GermanyThe process of closing power plants, namedEnergiewende, led to the closure of eightplants last year. The glaring effect of thisactivity is that wind turbine suppliers withbases on the continent have a growingmarket in their back yard and have lessreason to ship to the UK.The German renewables market is matureand developed. The country is a majorplayer in renewable energy, ranking in thirdplace after only China and the USA. Ahealthy number of large renewable energyfirms have operations there, with the focuson future growth.SpainFor the first time ever, Spanish wind farmsproduced more electricity during the lastthree months than any other variant form ofpower source. Over six terawatt hours ofelectricity was delivered in January accordingto the Spanish Wind Energy Association,Red Electrica de Espana. These resultsindicate the Spanish government is followingthrough on its ambitions to reduce carbonemissions by boosting wind power.The UK can emulate the success of the likesof Germany and Spain lessening loopholesin the application process and increasingfunding available.Wind of changePlanning hold-ups are hampering the UKfrom becoming a centre for renewablesexcellence.Trade body RenewableUK indicated moreapplications for onshore turbines are beingpassed by local authorities. While this is ahugely positive development, there is roomfor improvement.The country is blessed with a wealth ofnatural resources which must be utilisedto our advantage. In order to convert ourrenewable capability into energy, localand national authorities should lessenthe administrative burden for applicantsto ensure the UK does not miss out on aunique opportunity to change the energylandscape.Tim PittCMS Cameron McKennawww.cms-cmck.comHelpful illustrationThis case is a helpful illustration of thefact that the court, even when faced witha change of position by the Secretary ofState at a late stage of the proceedings,will focus on the merits of the argumentsput to it. Hopefully this will provide somecomfort to anyone faced with a similar setof circumstances in the future.Eversheds’ Will Densham and Kate Pooleadvised RES UK & Ireland Limited in itssuccessful defence.Evershedswww.eversheds.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk83

EEEGR SNS ConferenceDelegatesflock to hearinside track onenergyHopes for new business generatedby the offshore windfarm boom anda new North Sea ‘gas rush’ attracteda record-breaking 500-plus delegatesto the SNS2013 Conference at NorfolkShowground, Norwich, recently.The turn-out and extensive mediacoverage delighted Simon Gray, ChiefExecutive of organisers EEEGR (East ofEngland Energy group), who said theregion’s energy trades group had become‘a local base with a global face.’Driving down costsBut the big talking point from speakersat the conference, supported by theEuropean Regional Development Fund(ERDF), was the desperate need forsupply chain support through costeffectiveness,ingenuity and innovation tomeet government targets and keep downenergy prices.Biggest energy eventAround 400 people were at the first dayof the Sea of Opportunity conference,with 290 at a gala dinner and more than500 attending the second day, making itthe biggest energy event of its kind everstaged in the region.OpportunitiesSpeakers from across Europe outlinedopportunities created both by theresurgence in the natural gas industryin the Southern North Sea and plans formassive offshore windfarms.But Torgeir Ramstad, Managing Directorof Fred.Olsen Ltd, echoed the views ofmost when he warned: “The key factor iscost and if we do not address that, theopportunities may never happen.”Uncertainty in the UK already meant thatGermany would move ahead in the race toproduce energy from windpower.Mr Ramstad said that with biggerwindfarm sites and larger turbines indeeper water, further from shore, costshad to be kept down through innovation,technology and efficiency.84www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF Height & Confined Spaces WorkExperienceinnovation& dedicationbrings workers in the OffShore WindIndustry home safelyTransferring technicians from boatsto turbines is an inherently dangerousprocedure, requiring the worker toclimb from the front of the boat on toa vertical ladder.Maintenance often takes place whenenvironmental conditions are not ideal andit is common for transfers to take placein waves of over 2m. The safest way toprotect the worker is to attach to a laddermountedfall arrest block during transition.50 years experienceBeing permanently installed close to thetideline, and with many working parts, thiscalls for a highly engineered system built towithstand the punishing sea environment.Learning from over 50 years of blockmanufacture and putting safety andinnovation at the forefront of every productdesigned, has made Capital Safety theglobal leader in supplying blocks for thisenvironment.Ingress Protection (IP)By sealing their blocks with an IngressProtection (IP) rating of 68, the blockcan withstand complete and continuoussubmersion in water without any moistureentering the moving parts. It is inevitablethat the cable will carry water back intothe device as it retracts, however, thiswill still not affect the mechanism as it isfully sealed from the cable housing. Anydamage to the cable and the Fastlinesystem can be quickly replaced in the fieldusing a minimum of tools.Some operators are using non-sealedblocks on the basis that they can absorbthe cost of replacing them after only a fewyears’ service. Open to the environmentthe functionality of these kinds of blockscannot be assured, the risk exposure inthis kind of policy is greatly increased.Furthermore when an unsealed blockseizes, as it is prone to do, the turbine canno longer be safely accessed, outagesbecome prolonged and revenue is lost.Training and technicalassistanceBacking up all the products and systemswith the highest calibre training and technicalassistance is imperative to bringing everyworker at height home safely.Capital Safetywww.capitalsafety.euClick to view more info86www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF Height & Confined Spaces Workwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk87

SPONSORS OF Height & Confined Spaces WorkAs turbinesget higherso do theriskswork at height safetyFalls from height remain one of themost common causes of fatalityand major injuries in the workplace,being the cause of 14% of all majorworkplace injuries in 2012 accordingto the HSE Annual Statistics Report.If we then look at the environment forworkers in the Wind Energy sector,where wind turbines can reach up to 110metres, the importance of high safetystandards for working at heights is furtheremphasised.Safety TechnologySafety Technology is one of the country’sleading working at heights safetyspecialists, and face the challenging task ofdeveloping safety courses and equipmentto meet the ever expanding and evolvingindustry of wind energy generation.Global safety standardAs a RenewableUK approved trainingprovider, the company delivers nationallyrecognised work at height safety courseswhich are continuously being developed tomeet the unique and changing demandsof the wind farm environment.This recognised safetyprogramme workswell in the UK,but as more andmorecompanies begin operating across multiplecountries it has been identified that thisstandard needs to be recognised globally,to give companies the security of knowingemployees are trained to a universal highstandard in safe work practices.Global Wind Organisation (GWO)In 2011 the GWO standard was set up bythe industry’s leading wind turbine ownersand manufacturers, to ensure an injuryfreework environment for constructionand operation in the wind energy sectorglobally. This Basic Safety Trainingcomprises of five modules, one of whichfocuses solely on Working at Heightssafety in the Wind Energy sector.Safety Technology is among a handfulof training providers who can now offermodules from this Basic Safety Trainingthroughout the UK, including Working atHeights, Manual Handling, First Aid andFire Awareness.AccreditationCombined with the company’sRenewableUK approval Safety Technologycan provide joint GWO and RenewableUKaccreditation for work at height safetytraining to the sector.Managing Director of Safety Technology,Bob Dickens, said on the recentaccreditation “We are delighted toachieve multiple RenewableUK GWOaccreditation. We have worked closelywith GWO members and RenewableUKover the last couple of years and theimplementation of a Basic Safety Trainingstandard has long been our goal. It willenable us to deliver the same high qualityaccredited training in different locationsand countries that will be recognised bythe industry’s major wind companies andWind Associations”.Safety Technology can offer this combinedaccreditation for Working at Heights safetytraining from both their headquarters inSouth Wales, and NAREC’s training facilityin Blyth. Further facilities are located inGreat Yarmouth, Europe and the USA.Safety equipment for working atheightsSafety training is not the only string toSafety Technology’s bow; the SouthWales based company also offer a rangeof fall arrest and rescue equipment forworking at heights.Their extensive range includes productsfrom industry leaders such as; Cresto,Skylotec and Fall Safe, as well as theirown product range Sirocco by STL®.The Sirocco by STL® collection hasbeen designed and manufacturedby the company to meet the specificrequirements for working at heights in theWind Energy sector.Through working closely with techniciansin the field, the products have beendeveloped to incorporate unique featuresto ensure the safety of users whenworking in and around wind turbines.Fully certified inspection and maintenanceof all equipment supplied can also beconducted from Safety Technology’sfacilities.Looking to the futureTo guarantee the wind industry remainsa safe place to work it is vital thatcompanies such as Safety Technologycontinue to develop and maintain a highquality of training and PPE for individualsworking at heights.By ensuring the safety of the work force theindustry as a whole can continue to grow.Safety Technologywww.safetytechnology.co.uk88www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF Height & Confined Spaces WorkSafe Workingat HeightFalls from height continue to be the one of the biggestsafety threats in wind farm construction projects and windfarm operation and maintenance practices. Therefore it isvital to use adequate procedures and apply appropriatepractices to prevent incidents and accidents.+44 (0)3333 441113A new ApproAchto AviAtion impAct Assessments...• pre-planning site assessments• Field surveys (accurate quantification of impact)• Full aviation impact assessments• impartial, expert advice from professionalswith 20+ years’ experience in communicationsengineering & Air traffic managementBecause measurement isbetter than prediction.Risk assessments & method statementsThe method of access must be appropriate to the height,location, conditions and task undertaken during the installationand maintenance of wind turbine. The risk assessments shouldbe carried out and safe work instructions should be written andcommunicated to the people involved in advance for any workperformed at heights regardless of the methods chosen. Anyrisk assessment/method statements should be prepared by acompetent person in accordance with safety requirements andmust be regularly reviewed to ensure adequate safety measures.Aerostat surveys Ltd. +44 (0)3333 441113www.aerostat.co.uk enquiries@aerostat.co.ukEquipment useIn the event that mobile elevated working platforms are used, theymust be serviced, and maintained regularly for use by a competentperson. It is utmost important that suitable attachment points areused to secure fall protection. When ladders are used for workingat heights, they must be secured to prevent fall while in use andkept in good condition when stored after use.Personal legal dutyIf it is you who is required to work at height regardless of chosenaccess method, make yourself familiar with the risk assessment/method statement of the access method to work at height. It islegally required for any employer to ensure that all requisite safetyrisk assessments are carried out and purpose fit equipmentis used, it is your legal duty to check that you are given safeequipment for working at heights.If you find a situation in which the risk to your safety isunacceptably high, you must stop work and demand safeworking conditions to be put in place for safe working at heights.ABS Group Ltdwww.abs-group.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk89

SPONSORS OF Height & Confined Spaces WorkJennifer blazes a trailin offshore windMaersk Training in Newcastle iscelebrating after welcoming its firstfemale delegate through the doors – atrend the company hopes will starta new influx of women into the windindustry.Jennifer MenmuirJennifer MenmuirJennifer Menmuir, a Siemens graduatetrainee, aged 25 from Falkirk in CentralScotland was the first woman to completea two day specialist working at heightcourse with Maersk Training Newcastle,which equips delegates with the climbingand other essential skills needed to workon a wind turbine.Siemens Wind Power trainingschoolMaersk Training courses are part ofSiemens comprehensive wind powertraining programme delivered from itsdedicated facility in Newcastle. SiemensWind Power training school, completewith two fully loaded wind turbinenacelles, training towers and electrical andmechanical work stations trains over 300wind technicians a year to work on UKonshore and offshore wind farms.Not an unique situation forJenniferBeing the only woman on the course wasnot an unique situation for Jennifer – hermaster’s degree in Aero-Mechanicalengineering had fewer than 10% ofwomen on thecourse. Butentering a sectorwith relatively fewwomen did notdeter Jennifer,who was makinga clear careerchoice.She said: “Ichose to studyengineering atuniversity due tothe high demandfor engineersin industry andhence the careeropportunities thatwould follow. Ihad an affinityfor maths andscience relatedsubjects in school and I wanted to jointhe energy industry. The wind powersector is expanding at a massive rateso having the chance to be involved inthis technology at a relatively early stagewas ideal. Working both in the office andon-site up a turbine is an exciting andchallenging work environment.”Siemens graduate programmeIn January Jennifer completed theSiemens graduate programme and gaineda permanent position as a technicalmaintenance specialist in Newcastle withSiemens Renewables Service - a worldleading global wind service business.Jennifer continued: “It’s a fantastic jobwith a high level of responsibility fordeveloping methods to resolve technicalissues on turbines. I feel I have the skillsto contribute well to the team and I enjoythe working environment and the chanceto travel around the UK and Denmark.“I’m currently getting grounding in thetechnical aspects of the industry and mytraining at Maersk Training and SiemensWind Power Training School is invaluablein giving me confidence with some of thepractical job aspects – such as workingat height and safety training requiredfor working in wind turbines. I’mnow looking forward to getting startedin my new role and having greaterresponsibility in the industry. I hope Ican show other women that a career inthe wind industry has many opportunitiesand is an interesting and challengingoption.”Jennifer secured her role at Siemens inNewcastle as part of its much-prized twoyeargraduate programme, where shewill work in a number of the company’sbusinesses, including within SiemensEnergy sector.Opportunities for graduatesDave Milne, head of Service Technologyat Siemens Service Renewable said: “Weare delighted to be able to offer a widevariety of experiences and opportunitiesto graduates, such as Jennifer and alsoto all our employees. Siemens investsheavily in skills and training and iscommitted to diversity to get the best outof its people. We work closely with otherengineering employers and organisationsto address the engineering skills gap andgetting women interested in engineeringis part of this approach. Jennifer is fullyembracing the opportunities she has inworking within a growing and changingindustry. She has great potential and is agreat asset to the team.”Stuart Cameron, Managing Directorat Maersk Training in Newcastle, said:“Numerous studies show that womenmake an important contribution toany company’s bottom line and thoseorganisations with women in theboardroom and in senior positionsperform well. Currently the wind sectorlags behind in terms of the number ofwomen working in the industry and wewould like to see more females enteringthe wind job market.“The global wind industry is experiencingunprecedented growth and there aremany resulting skills shortages that needto be plugged. There is absolutely noreason why women can’t take advantageof these opportunities too. It was veryrefreshing to see Jennifer complete hertraining and I wish her all the very best inher wind career. Hopefully her story willinspire others and we would urge anyfemale interested in entering the windindustry to get in touch.”Maersk Trainingwww.maersktraining.com90www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF Height & Confined Spaces WorkThe Master’s responsibilityfor shore workersfrom risks and dangers on the ship or theinstallation and that of the contractors toco-operate and follow the Masters andcrews instructions to ensure their ownsafety and avoid putting others at risk.However, should any accident ensureinvolving the shore labour, it wouldseem that the owners cannot avoid theconsequences of any negligence resultingfrom the actions of those workers while onthe ship or installation.SMS codeFor this reason it is essential that theSMS code that is in place for the shipor installation has a clear and concisesection outlining these responsibilitiesand the procedure in place for them to beimplemented.Increasingly in the shipping industry,as crews become smaller and shipsbecome larger, the employment ofshore labour at sea and in port isincreasingly more common.Strangely, responsibility for the safety ofcontractors or shore workers, whether theship is at sea or in port or dry dock is agrey area in the marine industry.This assumption in many companies thatcontractors are responsible for the safetyof their workers or that a port of dry dockcan issue an indemnity stating they acceptresponsibility for safety of shore workerswhile on board the ship or installation isvery unsafe.The HSE and MCA Memorandum ofUnderstandingThe two authorities have a memorandumof understanding that is mainly directedat a recognised division of responsibilities,especially for investigation, however thereare a number of implications from thismemorandum that the industry should beaware of. The most important of these isthat the HSE is primarily responsible forenforcing legislation covering the safetyof shore based personnel and workequipment supplied by the shore evenwhen working on a ship.Ships rarely carry any information regardingHSE legislation and many may not haveany knowledge of this document. If thisis the case, most Masters are ignorantof any responsibilities they have to shoreworkers. Equally there is ignorance ashore,demonstrated by the fact that when somedry docks assume responsibility of all safetymatters on the ship for their workers, quiteoften this is assumed to cover outsidecontractors employed by the dry dock forwork on the ship.Regardless of any ignorance of thelegislation all evidence points to the factthat the HSE would expect and hold theMaster responsible for any breaches ofHSE legislation. This is supported bycommon law which states that the Masteris the ‘supreme authority’ on his ship,even when the ship owner, charterer oremployer is on board.Defining ResponsibilitiesFifty years ago, Hopkins in ‘Business andLaw for the Shipmaster’ wrote;“Stevedores and other contractors whoboard a ship as invitees and personswho come on board as licensees for theirown private purposes or as guests, areall entitled to adequate provision againstpitfalls and traps. Apart from specificregulations, the Master has a commonlaw duty to provide such protection.”This all leads to two separateresponsibilities, that of the owner toprotect the contractors or subcontractorsCaptain Michael Lloyd, MNM.FNI.Marine AdviserMines Rescue Marinewww.minesrescue.comClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk91

HUMBER RENEWABLESHumber’srenewablesexcellenceshowcasedat industryawardsJudges said the organisation has not onlyidentified training needs within the industrybut also has shown a proven track recordin successfully supplying candidates fornew and emerging careers.And renewables-related skills were alsorecognised in one of two new categoriesat the 2013 awards, staged at The Deepin Hull.Companies working throughout theon and offshore wind supply chainshave been recognised at the secondHumber Renewables Awards.Training, innovation and business knowhowwere rewarded at the event, stagedin Hull. The evening began with a videoaddress from Energy Minister John Hayes.Praise for the areaHe praised the Humber region forembracing sustainable power, sayingit could lead to hundreds of jobs and atechnology revolution.Mr Hayes said: “Renewables alreadyhelp to deliver energy security and greengrowth. Across the UK, renewabletechnologies could create up to 150,000jobs across the country.“I’m pleased to note many of those jobsand a significant amount of investmentare in your area.”It is the second time the awardsevent has been held, with the aimof highlighting the work alreadygoing on in the fast-paced sector,which is increasingly a feature ofthe Humber’s economy.Humber-based marketingcompany Footprint Renewablesorganised the event andthe headline sponsor wascommunications provider KCBusiness.AwardsTen awards were presentedduring the evening, presented bybroadcaster Helen Fospero.Training provider HETA won theExcellence in Renewables Skillsand Training section. HETA,which has sites in Hull, Grimsbyand Scunthorpe, trains for morethan 160 companies in the areaand, nationally, has the thirdhighest number of wind energyapprentices.The organisation works with the likes ofEcotricity, RES and Centrica and canclaim to have supported the Humber’sfirst offshore wind turbine technician, MikeSmith, who is now working out of GrimsbyDocks.Renewables Trainee of the YearAdam Barnard from Grimsby, won theRenewables Trainee of the Year title. The22-year-old works for Ecotricity out of abase at Louth, servicing wind turbinesacross the UK. He was one of threenominees from the company in the awardcategory – the other two being 21-yearoldCallum Evers from Grimsby and JoeParkinson, 23, from Immingham.Adam said: “We’re a good team and wegive it our all. Green energy is definitelythe future.”92www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

HUMBER RENEWABLESSMart WindSMart Wind, the consortium developingthe Hornsea offshore wind farm off theYorkshire coast, won the Engaging theCommunity award for its Smart Futuresprogramme. It is designed to forge lastinglinks between the local community and theoffshore wind industry.Award winners and sponsors• Best Renewable Energy Project orInstallation (sponsored by TheInsurance Partnership) – Sirius Academy• Excellence in Renewables Skills andTraining (sponsored by Arco) – HETA• Renewables Innovation (sponsored byHBP Systems Ltd) – Tide Power• Renewables Start-up (sponsored byThe Cobus Communications Group) –Humber Energy• Humber Renewables Champion(sponsored by Rollits) – University of Hull• Humber Renewables Small Businessof the Year (sponsored by SmailesGoldie) – Pure Renewables• Humber Renewables Medium/LargeBusiness of the Year (sponsored byKRL Group) – Spencer Group• Engaging the Community (sponsoredby Spencer Group) – SMart Wind• Renewables Education (sponsored byHull College Group) – HornseaSchool & Language College• Renewables Trainee of the Year(sponsored by Mail News & Media) –Adam Barnard, EcotricityHumber Renewables ChampionawardThe University of Hull won the HumberRenewables Champion award.It has invested more than £1m inrenewables research over the past twoyears and judges said it was “advancingthe stature, potential and reputationof the Humber, both nationally andinternationally”.In a speech at the March 2013 awards,Footprint Renewables account directorAndrew Morton said: “Bit by bit, weare seeing green energy emerge as acrucial part of the Humber’s economiclandscape.“This activity means it’s even moreimportant to pause, come togetheronce in a while and chart our region’sprogress. If renewables is a signatureindustry of the Humber, then it needs itsown awards event to match.”KeynoteIn the keynote speech, Sean Royce, KCCommercial and Finance Director, said:“Here and now, great progress is beingmade. You know that because you’redoing it. We have been a powerhouse forthe nation for generations.“In the future, we can power theconversion to a low-carbon economy,give the UK vital energy security, keepingthe lights on as fossil fuels deplete andsaving the planet for our children’schildren.”Footprint Renewableswww.footprintrenewables.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk93

SPONSORS OF DISTRIBUTED WINDDistributed windOur readership may not have heard the expression ‘Distributed wind’. Julian Martin CEO, ICE Renewables (sponsors of thisfeature) explains...“Many of our customers in the agricultural and commercial sectors have high local energydemand whether to operate machinery or refrigeration equipment. Distributed wind energyproduction allows for energy to be produced at the point of consumption and allows theproducer to directly offset local energy requirements and feed the excess produced back intothe network to be consumed locally. This model is more efficient than centralised energyproduction as there is less energy loss across the grid.”One year until digressionhitting the Feed-In Tariff milestones for medium windWith only one year to go untilthe Feed-In Tariff (FIT) forwind is due to reduce, ICERenewables highlights somekey milestones to ensureyour wind projects stays ontrack to beat the 2014 Aprilreduction.Key datesDecember 2013There are two key dates toremember. If by the end ofDecember 2013 you have planningconsent, a valid grid connectionoffer and you have registered yourpre-accreditation for the FIT, youwill then be given a further 12months to get your project installedfrom the date of pre accreditation.Specific detailIdeally a good site will have beenidentified with decent wind speeddata, a wind study and sound financialbacking. To hit the deadline theproject should already be underwayand ideally in planning or about to besubmitted. It can take 6 weeks to getall the technical reports together for aplanning submission, longer if furtherstudies are required.Quality of submissionThe better quality the submission, thebetter chance of understanding theviability of the project early on andavoiding planning delays. This decisioncan be complicated further by a lengthyJudicial Review process if you want toappeal.March 2014If this target can’t be met, thenwind projects will have to becompleted and the turbinecommissioned by the end ofMarch 2014. Time is tight, thedifference in the FIT rate reductioncould be the difference betweena viable and non-viable project,so it is important to understandthe steps that need to be taken tobeat the FIT deadline.94www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

SPONSORS OF DISTRIBUTED WIND9 Key stagesThere are 9 key stages to consideringgetting your project from inception to fruition.1 Wind Assessments – windassessments are often needed toget sound financial backing and to getthe warranties on power curve. Thetime taken to do these has reduced toabout 5 weeks with a virtual study2 Planning Consent – a well-preparedsubmission will minimise potential delays3 Grid Connection offer – this cantake 3 months and could still give aconnection date after the FIT deadlinehas passed as grid capacities varyacross the UK.4 FIT Pre-Accreditation – can beregistered if you have secured planningconsent and a grid connection for yoursite by the December 2013 deadline.5 Finances – sound financial backing isparamount and, if using a bank, thiscan take some months to approve.Sign the wind turbine contract and paythe booking fee. Turbines can takefrom 4 months to 18 months to bedelivered, which could affect the FITdeadline.Over the last 18 months ICE Renewableshas installed and now operates andmaintains 3.1MW of turbines and can offersupport on your wind turbine project.ICE Renewableswww.icerenewables.comClick to view more info6 Discharge planning conditions –this can take 3 months.7 Turbine build – this takes on average10 to 12 weeks for a medium windturbine. This includes turbineinstallation, electrical contractor, civilcontractors, turbine installations, DNOworks, turbine commissioning and issubject to key components beingavailable such as transformers andDNO response times.8 Commission your turbine – secureyour FIT Rate before April 2014 if youhaven’t got an approvedpre-accreditation.9 Making the most out of the FIT –make sure that you have goodwarranties, contracted operationalfigures, and an operation andmaintenance contract to ensure youhave well serviced, well looked afterturbines generating the contractedperformance figures.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk95

SPONSORS OF DISTRIBUTED WINDBreezing intoCornwall & DevonWindcrop, the UK’s largest installer of small-scale wind turbines, has opened anoffice in Saltash.New optionsThe move will bring new options forforward-thinking farmers and landownersseeking free renewable energy andinvestment opportunities as well ascreating up to 30 new jobs.In both an environmental and economicinvestment opportunity, the companycan now sell and install a turbine for aninvestment of £20,000, with a unique buybackguarantee if the turbine does notachieve the minimum energy generationafter five years.Further advantagesWindcrop also offers further advantagesfor its customers with a complete energyservice: site assessors provide a full costanalysis showing potential savings andreturn on investment, they take the stressout of applying for planning by managingit all in-house and they install, service andmaintain the turbines, offering a choice ofservice plans.Local employmentGeneral Manager, John Ainsworth, expectsthe firm to be employing 30 local peopleby the end of the year within their siteassessment, planning and installation teams.which rewards producers of renewableenergy for their contribution to the NationalGrid. The latter are expected to recouptheir investment fully within 4-6 years.Minimal environmental impactWindcrop’s small wind turbine alsofeatures a patented design which hasminimum impact on the environment; thesmall masts are mounted onto a uniquepiling system, avoiding the need for onsiteheavy plant or concrete.John Moore, said the firm was lookingforward to working with the increasingnumber of Cornish and Devonian farmersand landowners interested in investing in,and benefiting from, renewable energy.John said: “As we continue to expandacross the UK we are looking to reacheven more forward-thinking farmers andlandowners who are interested in usinga small piece of unproductive land togenerate free electricity. The South Westis already renowned for its pioneeringattitude with regard to green energy andwe can now provide an easy, and swift,solution for people looking to utilise theirland in this way.”History and experienceSince 2009, Windcrop has alreadyinstalled more than 500 turbinesthroughout East Anglia and Yorkshire andwith Devon and Cornwall’s status as twoof the windiest counties in Europe, thecompany has naturally extended its reachto the South West.Windcrop was founded by former LotusEngineering Commercial Director JohnMoore in 2010 to make small-scalerenewable energy more accessible.It earned its reputation by providingfully-funded turbines with no capitalinvestment required by the customer anda guaranteed warranty for the 20 yearcontract.Each turbine saves landowners an averageof £500 a year and Windcrop makes itsown return on investment through theGovernment’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) – afinancial incentive to encourage the uptakeof small scale renewable energy.New opportunity for customersCoinciding with its expansion, Windcrophas also introduced a new opportunity forcustomers with the capital available to buytheir own turbine and earn an annual, taxfreeincome through the FiT.John said: “Windcrop’s system meansthat we can get our applicationsthrough the planning system quicker,with a high rate of success. The teamis from the local area and we’re reallylooking forward to working with farmers,smallholders and other landowners whonow have this new option to either buya turbine as an investment and benefitfrom free electricity and payments fromthe Feed-in-Tariff or have a free windturbine installed and take advantageof the free electricity generated by theturbine for 20 years.“Our small wind turbines are speciallydesigned to provide the least amountof concern in the planning process andWindcrop has an in-house planning teamwho manage this part of the job for ourcustomers. We then take care of theentire installation process, as well as themaintenance over the 20 year contractperiod, making it easy and immediatelybeneficial for customers in the SouthWest.”Feed in TariffFor those who opt to purchase aWindcrop turbine for £20,000, reducedelectricity bills are backed-up with a returnfrom the Government’s Feed in Tariff,John MooreJohn added: “Ultimately we will playa key part in helping to meet theGovernment target of generating 15per cent of all the UK’s energy fromrenewable by 2020.”Community engagementWindcrop will be working at the heartof the farming community attendingagricultural shows across the South Westthis summer. The company will also becontributing to the renewable energydebate including hosting an open roundtablediscussion at the Renewable EnergyExchange at Kingsley Village, Fraddon.Windcropwww.windcrop.co.uk96www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

OrbisEnergy EventFuture ofUK OffshoreWind in thespotlightHosts RenewableUKMaf Smith, deputy Chief Executive ofRenewableUK, said he was delighted tobring such a significant event to Lowestoftwhich is recognised as a major hub for theoffshore industry.“There is so much going on here and weneed that knowledge from the early daysof Round 1 windfarms as we graduallymove forward into the massive Round 3developments off the coast here.Almost 200 senior figuresfrom across the UK’s offshorewind industry descendedupon Suffolk recently todebate the future of managingoperational wind projects.Delegates assembled to hear whatlessons can be learnt from pioneeringwind farm operators off the East ofEngland coast, and the sharing ofexperiences and thoughts from past andpotential developers which will help shapethe future of the industry.OrbisEnergy centreThe ‘Asset Management: Reducing Cost,Addressing Risk’ conference was stagedat the prestigious OrbisEnergy centre inLowestoft, hosted by national trade bodyRenewableUK.The event challenged the supply chain tore-think how operations and maintenance(O&M) can become a more integral partof planning at the design and constructionphase of future windfarms. Factoring it inearlier could help substantially in reducingoverall costs.“We’re glad to be back at OrbisEnergyfor a second time and to hear real lifeexperiences from experts in the field. It isvital that we share that knowledge.”Early challengesJon Beresford, Operations Manager forE.ON’s Scroby Sands windfarm off GreatYarmouth, outlined some of challengesof setting up the UK’s first commercialwindfarm.Beresford explained how their initialapproach to O&M had been handsoff, leaving it principally to the turbinemanufacturers. But it became clear,after the five-year warranty, that theyshould take responsibility for everythingfrom cleaning to fitting new blades orgearboxes with part supply agreementsnow in place which substantially reducesrepair costs.Lessons learnedInvaluable lessons also came from themore recent Greater Gabbard windfarmoff Suffolk. Stephen Rose, SSE’s offshorewindfarm Generation Manager, said theyquickly found that they needed a goodmix of transit vessels and the support ofa helicopter to maintain maximum accessto turbines in variable weather. Even thenaccess was restricted to 60-66% of thetime.Ramon Parra, Offshore O&M Manager forVattenfall, agreed that waiting time andtransport time were two of the major costdrivers in O&M with 45% or more of theissues attributable to bad weather.98www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

OrbisEnergy EventLogisticsParra went on to outline the logisticsoptions for the East Anglia projectpotentially using a mix of Offshore AccessVessels, Crew Transfer Vessels, OffshoreAccess Platforms and helicopters.Maximum reliability andavailabilityFor turbine manufacturer Areva Wind, UKCountry Director Julian Brown acceptedthat its emphasis must be on maximumreliability and availability, better remotecontrol, easier maintenance and havingskilled people nearby and the right spareparts available when things did go wrong.In test trials offshore in 2011 its sixturbines had proved 98% operational.Round 3 projectsThe company’s interest in the Round 3projects off the region’s coast was nosecret and it meant exciting prospectsfor the region’s supply chain. Mr Brownlooked forward to a long-term involvementwith Lowestoft.Fred. OlsenStuart Thornton, of Fred. Olsen Limited,outlined the company’s new conceptto tackle transport problems in offshorewindfarm O&M - ‘a mother ship’ prototypewhich would accommodate 40 people,transport parts and equipment, be a basefor smaller crew transfer vessels and havestability created from being a one-timefloating casino where the roulette wheelhad to be consistently level!Johnathan Reynolds, BusinessDevelopment Lead for OrbisEnergy,was delighted to see so many leadingcompanies and experts looking to engagethe regional supply chain in supportingand re-defining offshore wind O&M.“We’ve heard from major developersabout the reducing costs throughinventive supply chain models, theapplication of new technology fromScour Prevention Systems, innovativebusiness models from 3Sun, high-growthsuccesses such as Seajacks, and newerentrants like Fred. Olsen Limited.“It’s quite something when a nationallysignificant conference such as thishighlights the leading roles our existingand graduate OrbisEnergy tenantsare playing. Leading from the front, orperhaps in our case, the East!”RenewableUK’s ‘Connect’ eventReturning to Lowestoft for the secondtime, the conference was preceded byRenewableUK’s ‘Connect’ event, withmore than 150 people attending anevening drinks and networking receptionhosted by OrbisEnergy.OrbisEnergywww.orbisenergy.netRenewableUKwww.renewableuk.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk99

metmasts featureMETMASTSAn alternativesolutionOcean Resource has twometeorological mast designsmarketed under its Xanthus portfolioof products.Gravity buoyant concrete bases– SeaMet and OceanMetBoth SeaMet and OceanMet are basedupon Ocean Resource’s tested gravitybuoyant concrete bases that enable bothdesigns to be easily relocated and re-usedmany times over their twenty five yeardesign lives.SeaMetSeaMet is a self-installing 100m highoffshore meteorological mast andmonitoring platform for water depths up to60m that utilises a tubular hull containinga telescopic lattice structure fixed to a selffloating concrete and steel cellular gravitybase by means of a universal joint.OceanMetOceanMet is a self installing 100m highmeteorological mast and monitoringplatform for water depths between40m and 200m that utilises a watertighttubular support column containing atelescopic lattice mast fixed to a floatingsupport structure, which consists of fourindependent steel watertight tanks linkedto the central mast column through a trusssystem.Gravity Buoyant System (GBS)OceanMet is tethered to a rectangularconcrete and steel cellular GBSfoundation comprising several separateballast compartments. The foundationis designed to sit on the sea bed and toresist the lateral forces imposed upon it byits buoy, tower and tethers.tether tension (Tension Leg / TLP structure)with only the support column protrudingabove the surface, thus minimising thefatigue impact of breaking waves.Built and assembled onshoreSeaMet and OceanMet are both fully builtand assembled onshore, and then usingonly standard ocean tugs, both structuresare easily deployed and commissionedoffshore in single trips lasting a matterof a few hours, thus also mitigatingthe uncertainties of weather. Landingplatforms and access decks are providedon both SeaMet and OceanMet to allowboarding from a boat.Lidar arraysFor Lidar arrays, a much lighter versionof SeaMet is available without the maststructure, and OceanMet (Lidar) buoys aresuitable for depths greater than 30m.OceanMet (Lidar) utilises the sameprinciples as its larger sibling, but consistof a single bulbous hull.Relocation advantagesSeaMet and OceanMet are both readilyrecovered and re-deployed with minimallegacy impact, meaning that instead ofusing fixed masts that soon becomeredundant; a single SeaMet or OceanMetcan be relocated several times at afraction of the cost of a new build and withno legacy impact.Ocean Resourcewww.xanthusenergy.comClick to view more infoThe mast support structure is designedto remain below the water under positive100www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

metmasts featureNarecgeared up foroffshoreThe build-out of Narec’s proposed99MW Blyth Offshore WindDemonstration Site is their largestproject to date and requiresinvestment of between £300-£400million.The demonstration project is the finalpiece in the jigsaw providing the UK withworld-leading integrated research, testingand demonstration facilities.Leading the wayLeading the way for the development of what is the largest planneddemonstration site in UK waters, the site will accommodate thedemonstration of up to 15 turbines, foundations and associatedelectrical infrastructure in 3 arrays in water depths between 35m- 55m. The Narec Offshore Anemometry Hub (NOAH) is the firststructure installed offshore to support this project.MPI Adventure and SeaRocNOAH located 3 nautical miles off Blyth, Northumberland wasinstalled in November last year by MPI Adventure, fresh from itsdeployment on the London Array wind farm. The contract for thecomplete installation works was awarded to SeaRoc and includedtransport of the foundation to the quayside, full load-out and offshoreinstallation of the foundation, three pin piles, grouting and full topside.The structure’s 53m-high tripod foundation, weighing 635t, 100tplatform and a 25t meteorological mast were assembled offshoreafter being collected from the manufacturers on the River Tyne.Tallest metmast in UK watersAt a height of 104m above mean sea level, the met mast isamongst the tallest planned for offshore wind in the UK. The fixedstructure’s prime purpose is to collect wind resource data providinga benchmark for tenants to monitor the performance of turbines tobe installed on the demonstration site for next generation turbines upto 8MW.Latest technologyFitted with the latest technologies, the platform will also be used asan open-access facility for research purposes, such as trialling newtechnologies and processes, observing environmental conditionsand collecting wildlife data to reduce the timescales and costs ofconsenting, build-out and operation of offshore renewables.Remote sensing technologies such as fixed and floating LiDAR couldprovide significant cost savings for developers during the consentingstage of offshore wind projects. The facility will allow developers ofthese technologies the opportunity to validate new devices againsttraditional methods, demonstrate the reliability, data availability andperformance of their product offshore in a remote environment whilstallowing Narec to build up vital industry knowledge of the offshoreenvironment.Test facilities updateMeanwhile onshore, Narec has built a new 100m blade test and3MW drive train test facilities for the accelerated life testing anddevelopment of larger offshore wind turbines, wind turbine bladesand tidal energy devices.A 15MW capacity drive train test facility is also under constructionand will be operational by Summer 2013. These facilities are worldleadingin their own right, but the potential to combine offshoredemonstration with accelerated life testing in facilities onshoreprovides a unique proposition to support the growth of the industryin the UK.Narecwww.narec.co.ukClick to view more infowww.windenergynetwork.co.uk101

metmasts featureOffshore meteorological stationsa hidden challengeAccounting for a smallproportion of investment andeffort spent on a project,the meteorological stationis easily overlooked. Butdesigning and installinga ‘met mast’ demands ahighly integrated approachand understanding of thecomplex structural design.For project developmentteams it captures many of thechallenges encountered indeveloping the project.Capital riskThe mast, which can cost anythingbetween £4 and £10 million, is normallyinstalled before the project has reachedthe financing milestone of full planningconsent. This timing means that theinstallation happens before ‘financialclose’, putting the developer’s capital atrisk if consent is refused.For example, Cirrus Shell Flat wind farmdevelopment was shelved in 2008, sixyears after a met mast was installed.Given all this, whybother with a mast inthe first place?Met masts are installed earlyin the project developmentphase, with the objectiveof taking accurate windmeasurements in order toincrease confidence in thewind speed predictions.Best in classAlthough they are not the only means ofunderstanding the wind speed at a site,the consensus view is that a mast is thebest option for decreasing the uncertaintyin wind speed predictions. The figurebelow shows possible measurementalternatives and how the uncertainty levelscompare.The measured dataalone gives an improvedunderstanding of the site’swind regime. But the valueof the data can be increasedby comparing them tomeasurements made over amuch longer time period at aweather station nearby. Theprocess known as ‘measurecorrelate-predict’involvesidentifying correlationsbetween the long-term dataand the measured on-sitedata.In essence, understandingthe correlation enablessynthesis of the long termrecord for the specific site– effectively providing a statistical view ofwind speed over a much longer time span.Ultimately, the technique increases thecertainty of wind speed predictions, andby inference, power production, over thelife of the project.Structural design challengesIt is tempting to assume that the metmast structure is fairly simple, especiallywhen compared to a highly dynamic windturbine.While this might be true to some extent,the mast’s offshore foundation is not astatic structure and dynamic loads needto be considered. Lattice towers and theirfoundations must be robust enough towithstand the wind and waves at the sitewithout comprising the quality of windmeasurements.The highest possible level of certaintyabout wind farm production is animportant element of securing finance atthe best available terms, a potent driver ofthe cost of energy.102www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

metmasts featureFoundation optionsTo date, several different foundations havebeen installed to support masts, including:monopiles, jackets, suction buckets andthe Keystone “twisted jacket”. There aremany factors that influence the selectionof foundation solutions, but the largestcost is that of installation. To keep costsas low, a flexible approach to installationvessel options is essential to securingcompetitive charter rates.The offshore environment is an onerousone and the mast and foundation mustbe designed for these conditions. Industryconcerns have been raised about thedurability of met masts offshore. Thelattice towers must also be checkedfor loads resulting from the foundationoscillating due to wave action. Theseoscillations induce a cyclic load effect inthe lattice, causing fatigue to its joints andmembers. These fatigue loads can besignificant and must be assessed duringthe design stage by using an integrateddesign process.Integrated model aboveIntegrationIntegrated design is as essential foroffshore meteorological masts as it isfor wind turbine structures. GL GarradHassan have performed assessments ofoffshore towers and foundations usingthe bladed fully dynamic simulationprogramme, the results of which haveestablished the importance of damping,the system’s resistance to oscillation. Thelevel of damping used in the integratedanalysis is critical to accurate calculationof the fatigue loads in the mast andfoundation. Damping sources aredescribed in the equations below:All about the dataWhen tackling the tricky early demandsof the project, it might be easy to forgetthat what really matters is the data comingfrom a few fragile instruments mounted onthe mast.Getting the specifications and detailedmounting arrangements right is crucial. AtGL Garrad Hassan we have analysed datafrom a large number of offshore mastsand found examples where this part ofthe design process has not been givensufficient attention. Some masts havedelivered data which failed to follow bestmeasurement practice, thereby impactingproject profitability. In delivering on the“hard part” of the meteorological mast,they failed to deliver on what is sometimesperceived to be the “easy part”.Data must also be complete and reliable.Probably the most common cause of datagaps are issues relating to the supply ofpower to the instruments. Delivering areliable power supply solution is alwaysworthwhile.An opportunitySavvy developers are starting tounderstand how challenging offshoremeteorological masts can be, butalso how crucial the data is to projectprofitability. They also recognise that manyof the issues encountered in their designand installation mirror future challengesthat projects will face.Investing the time and money needed tobuild a team with the competencies toovercome these challenges should be apriority for all developers.GL Garrad Hassanwww.gl-garradhassan.comGL Garrad Hassan found that omittingthe aerodynamic damping component inthe integrated analysis can overestimatefatigue loads in the mast by up to 30%.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 103

metmasts featureMetmastsa trial run for offshore windturbine foundationsMeteorological masts are a necessarytool to assess the wind resource andthe future profitability of wind farms.But they also can be used to de-riskthe future development in many otherways.Factors to considerOne of the major risks of future large-scalewind farms on the UKCS is the cost offoundations for offshore wind turbines andtheir installation. There are several factorsat play.Kirill Glukhovskoy – Director, Corporate& Business Development• which turbines are going to be used?– larger turbines will inevitably requireheavier and more robust foundations• deeper on average waters will requiretaller and larger foundations• further from shore locations will puta strain on logistics of deliveringthese heavier and larger structures tothe installation site and their installation• just the sheer scale of thesedevelopments, many of which will startconstruction almost simultaneously, isa challenge by itselfPreparation ensures successSome of the offshore wind developershave realised that the success isin preparation and have used metmasts as a test for offshore WTGfoundations and installation methods.It benefits the developer, who isable to evaluate the technologicaladvantages and disadvantages of aparticular foundation type, the costsof fabrication, transportation andinstallation.It also helps companies withinnovative approaches to foundationsto gain the track record, receivevery useful feedback and test installationmethods. However, there is still asignificant difference between a foundationfor a met mast and a foundation for a windturbine.Bespoke design criteriaA met mast foundation can be designedwith a particular turbine in mind. This willprovide even more certainty about theconstruction methods and costs of futurefoundations and their installation in a lowerrisk environment. It will also simplify futurecertification work and acceptance of suchfoundations by bankers and insurancecompanies.In the situation when there are no currentlyavailable demonstration sites for deepwater foundations in the UK, met mastprojects are increasingly important astesting grounds.Reducing riskAs an outcome, met mast projectsbecome a versatile tool for reducing therisk of future offshore wind developmentsat a marginal cost rather than just anexpenditure to be scrapped in the future.Aquind OGNwww.ogn-group.comClick to view more infoOffshore metmast instrumentationTraditionally site conditions aremeasured using a meteorological mast,which hold instruments measuring windspeed, wind direction and atmosphericconditions at various heights.The primary function of any met mastproject is to collect high quality dataand performing this work offshore offersexciting new challenges and opportunities.A challengeLimited access windows at sea meanthat it is essential that met masts offshoreare stand-alone solutions offering remoteaccess and control options to ensuregood data availability and minimisingcostly site intervention visits. Achieving thiswhile still producing high quality data is achallenge which requires careful designof the interfaces between measurementinstrumentation, navigation equipment,communication systems, and power delivery.GuidelinesSeveral guidelines are in place to helpdesigners achieve complete, reliablesolutions. The IEC 61400:12:1, IEARecommended Practices on WindSpeed Measurement and the Use ofCup Anemometry, and MEASNET cupanemometer calibration all ensure that metmasts provide bankable wind speed data.The IALA Marking of Offshore Man-MadeStructures and Civil Aviation guidelines are allin place to ensure that offshore met mastsdo not present a hazard to passing ships orairplanes, and to give minimum operationalguidelines in terms of power autonomy inthe event of a power or instrument failure.MaintenanceMaintenance requirements for metmasts must also be considered whenspecifying systems. Finding equipmentwhich can be attended to without the useof specialist tools or lifting equipment isof vital importance offshore. Safety mustbe guaranteed offshore, so maintenanceschedules must be specified to avoidpotentially dangerous situations.Making sure that maintenance schedulesare as clear and concise as possiblewill also ensure a good relationship withoffshore contractors!104www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

metmasts featureCE markingcertification forFLI StructuresFLI Structures is pleased toannounce its attainment of CEmarking certification, for steelstructures, towers, masts & screw pilefoundations. This has been achievedearlier than the EU’s compulsoryimplementation date of July 2014under the Construction ProductsDirective (CPD).CompulsoryCE marking will be compulsory forfabricated items in the UK by July 1st2014 and all UK steel manufacturersfabricating steel must comply.Factory Production Control(FPC)FLI is now well placed by completingthe necessary work needed, in order togain their certification early. FLI’s FPC,management systems and weldingprocedures have all been certified by theSteel Construction Certification Scheme tocomply with CE marking standards.DeclarationCE marking is a regulatory mark appliedby the manufacturer, that is a declarationto public authorities and clients that theproduct satisfies required levels of health &safety. It also signifies that the productsconform with the relevant harmonisedtechnical specifications and that therelevant assessment procedures havebeen complied with.European conformityThe letters CE carry the meaning“Conformité Européenne” whichtranslates to European Conformity.The CE mark is mandatory for specificproduct groups sold within the EU andall manufacturers must demonstratethey have taken the necessary stepsthat then allow them to affix the CEmark to their products.Dave Bufton, FLI’s QHSE Managerexplains; “FLI Structures areextremely proud of what we haveachieved in gaining our CE markingaccreditation. When the infrastructuremarkets we serve start demandingCE marked products FLI will be readyto deliver. Achieving CE markingaccreditation demonstrates our clearcommitment delivering firstclassquality products to the market”.FLI Structureswww.fli.co.ukClick to view more infoNew measurement possibilitiesWorking offshore also offers newmeasurement possibilities and to thisend Oldbaum has been involved in usinginnovative bird monitoring solutions usingtracking radar, and also underwaterhydrophones to monitor marine mammals.The position and stability of the mastplatform also offers an opportunity to verifyand explore the capabilities of remotesensing devices, such as LiDAR, againstmast measurements.ExperienceOldbaum Services have a great deal ofexperience working on offshore met mastprojects, and through inter-disciplinaryinterface co-ordination like to workcollaboratively and positively with theirdifferent suppliers and contractors.By building on their current relationshipsand fostering new ones the companyhopes to carry on providing innovative, highquality offshore met masts to their clients.InstrumentationEngineerErik Brown (pictured)is an InstrumentationEngineer at OldbaumServices. Based inthe UK, his principalfocus is on providingmeasurementsolutions to theirworldwide customerbase. Erik’s expertisein instrumentation andsystem integrationhas led to a numberof successful offshoremet mast projectsincluding offshoreremote sensingdeployment and complete topside design.Erik’s work in Oldbaum’s UKAS accreditedwind tunnel calibration service as well as hisexperience of offshore installation work isreflected in his focus on innovative solutionsto the challenge of acquiring high qualitywind data.Oldbaum Serviceswww.oldbaumservices.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk105

metmasts featurespecialist surveying featureSeabedsurveys inthe offshorewind industryHaving a clear understanding of the geology and generalsite conditions of offshore wind developments is criticalto the overall success of the project, as sites are ordinarilyconstructed in complex and challenging environments.This information underpins a number of significant projectplanning aspects from key engineering planning through tothe construction process itself. It follows that the acquisition,interpretation and reporting of this information should be precise,detailed and well-presented for informed decision-making.Financial advantagesInvesting in high quality survey data in the initial planning phasesnot only makes sense in terms of enabling effective projectplanning, but is also financially advantageous, leading to realcost-efficiencies as the need for re-investigation can be virtuallyeliminated prior to the development phase.Reliable data and unexploded ordnance (UXO)Reliable data benefits a multitude of stakeholders andcontractors dealing with deep geotechnical and structuralengineering, shallow cabling engineering, environmentalconsenting as well as informing life-long operation andmaintenance planning. Then of course there is also the challengeof UXO to contend with.Investment in the latest technologySpecialising in seabed mapping and geophysical survey, OsirisProjects recognise quality data outcomes can only be achievedthrough continuous investment in the very latest technology. Thisinvestment begins with the correct platform and the companyhas five specialised coastal and near-shore survey vessels, withthree additional vessels in planning.Substantial volumes of time and resources are dedicated tothe procurement and maintenance of the advanced equipmentmobilised for each project. The extensive list includes navigationand positioning equipment, echo sounders, side scan sonars,sub bottom profilers, magnetometers and geotechnical samplingequipment, alongside specialist data acquisition, imageprocessing and CAD software.ITIT is a central operation, and Osiris Projects have invested insophisticated workstations, fast Gigabit networking and over 150Terabytes of secure data storage capacity, allowing the companyto provide on-going data management for clients.Collaborative approachAs a multi-disciplinary firm, consistency and compatibility ofdata is a key concern for Osiris Projects. The complexity of UKgeology and environmental conditions regularly requires theuse of a variety of acoustic methods, which can often lead to106www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

specialist surveying featureCablingCabling is also a major consideration. While clearly, distanceto shore becomes an issue, the cable also needs to cross anincreasingly dynamic range of offshore environments; seabedtypes, deep channels, man-made obstructions and so on. Theseenvironments are often inhospitable for cable burial ploughs,sleds and tracked burial ROVs and similarly the deploymentof heavily armoured cables can be difficult. Cabling can be leftsusceptible to damage and requiring additional monitoring,protection and inspection.Export cable route surveys form a large element of our work in thesector, and are often complex and time consuming. Numerousroute options are evaluated, and the overall objective is to identifythe most economic, safe and operationally sound route toshore. Generally, developers are fully prepared to award sizeablecontracts to survey contractors to receive the detailed seabedinformation necessary to make these decisions, as cabling errorsare typically incredibly costly to resolve.The additional technical demand at challenging locations hasresulted in Osiris Projects focusing their methodologies towardsultra-high resolution survey packages.As the offshore wind market has evolved the developershave embraced the benefits of the detail now available whilstmonitoring their assets, both WTG foundations and cables.interpretation challenges. One way the company addressesthis issue is to adopt a collaborative approach to site and officebased work, whereby commonly a project is followed throughthe acquisition, processing, interpretation and reporting phasesby the same team.Osiris Projectswww.osirisprojects.co.ukMany challengesIt is difficult to identify the most significant challenge in anindustry that faces so many, but in Osiris Projects’ experience itis operating within the environmentally problematic areas whichare so suited to offshore wind that generate the majority ofissues. Offshore contractors await weather windows to performmyriad tasks. The risk of poor weather – the kind of conditionswhich would be best case scenario for an existing wind farm –during the summer months scheduled for installation can have asignificant impact on a project.While clearly there is no solution to bad weather, the risk canbe mitigated through effective planning, personnel training, andvessel and equipment development.Often the challenge is less about the physical weather conditionsand more about the “fast-tracked” time schedules set out fordevelopers and governments throughout Europe.Round 3 developmentsRound 3 presents a number of challenges. Being furtheroffshore and in deeper water naturally increases resourcerequirements, and clearly the extraordinary scale createsnumerous concerns. The traditional monopile design has awater depth limit of approximately 30m, and with Round 3developments being constructed in water depths between 18-60m the next generation of foundations such as tripod, jacketand gravity based designs will dominate. A few have also shownthe potential for floating wind turbines. These designs typicallydemand a greater seabed footprint, which for us at OsirisProjects means increased surveying requirements.+44 (0)3333 441113A new ApproAchto AviAtion impAct Assessments...• pre-planning site assessments• Field surveys (accurate quantification of impact)• Full aviation impact assessments• impartial, expert advice from professionalswith 20+ years’ experience in communicationsengineering & Air traffic managementBecause measurement isbetter than prediction.Aerostat surveys Ltd. +44 (0)3333 441113www.aerostat.co.uk enquiries@aerostat.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk107

specialist surveying featureNavitus Bay Case StudyThe ChallengeThe Navitus Bay wind park,a joint venture betweenEneco Wind UK Ltd andEDF Energy, has recentlycompleted the third phaseof stakeholder and publicconsultation. The proposalsare for between 136 and 218offshore turbines in PooleBay at a distance of at least14 km from the coast.environment. Viewers wereable to toggle betweendifferent turbine sizes layoutsand follow the proposed cableroute from the wind turbinesto a substation at ThreeLegged Cross near Ringwood.The ResultThe model was usedextensively throughout the thirdphase of public consultationswhich took place at eightlocations along the coast.Around 2,000 visitors attendedthe exhibitions and they all hadthe opportunity to use the 3Dmodel to assess realistic viewsof the wind farm from anyrequested viewpoints whichwould otherwise have beenimpossible to provide.As always on suchschemes, Navitus Bayfaced a challenge toeffectively communicatethe appearance of thedevelopment when viewedfrom different locationsalong the coastline. Therewas some debate about theefficacy of traditional photo montages andthe number of views that could be offered.So, the Navitus Bay team turned to3DW, a Manchester based companywho specialise in creating interactive3D computer models of wind farmdevelopments to address visual impactissues in a dynamic and engaging format.To date, the company has produced3D models to support over 75 on andoffshore wind farm projects.The SolutionUsing a combination of Ordinance Surveyterrain data, aerial imagery, mappingdata and over 1,000 local photographs,3DW created a fully interactive 3D model,encompassing an area of 1,600 km2which represented prominent locationssuch as The Needles on the Isle ofWight, Bournemouth Pier and DurlstonLighthouse as well as the proposedturbine layouts.The resulting 3D model of the windfarm was one of the most extensive anddetailed ever produced and providesaccurate views of the proposed windfarm from any location within the 3DPositive feedbackFeedback on the 3D model wasoverwhelmingly positive. Irrespective ofwhether or not individuals agreed withthe Navitus Bay development, the modelclearly presented the proposals in a nontechnicaland unambiguous way whichfacilitated open, informed and constructivediscussions about the scheme.3DWwww.3dwebtech.co.uk108www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

specialist surveying featureA revolution in surveyingbirds and mammalsThe past five years have seen arevolution in the way birds and marinemammals are surveyed as part ofthe consenting process for offshorewindfarms, with the UK emergingas the world leader in digital aerialsurveys. The potential impact onbirds and mammals of proposedoffshore windfarms is an importantconsideration in securing consent,so accurately counting the birds andmammals and identifying their speciesis important.Modern digital aerial surveysIn the past, boat-based observersequipped with little more than binocularsand clipboards carried out most offshorebird and mammal surveys. Modern digitalaerial surveys instead use hi tech, ultrahigh resolution digital cameras fitted toaircraft to take thousands of images overthe proposed windfarm area, capturingeach and every animal ‘on film’. Theprocess is usually faster, cheaper andmore accurate. Importantly, aerial surveysare also safer, because by being quickerto complete, they require staff to spendless time offshore.Round 3 zonesDevelopers of the UK’sRound Three offshorewind farm zones reliedheavily on digital aerialsurveys, with regulatorsnow increasinglyfollowing suit. Surveyspecialists APEM workedon seven of the ninezones and were recentlyhired by Natural Englandand the CountrysideCommission for Walesto carry out importantsurveys in the OuterThames and CarmarthenBay special protectionareas.AccreditationStuart Clough, Remote Sensing Director atAPEM, said: “Aerial surveys are actuallyjust the start of our work, when wegather the raw data. Back on the groundthe heart of the process is our team ofexpert ornithologists who analyse everyimage. Our quality control systems meanthat we’ve become the first companyto gain accreditation from UKAS forcounting and identifying birds in digitalaerial photographs.”APEMwww.apemltd.co.ukTailor madesurveysolutionsInsight Marine Projects Ltd is aspecialist hydrographic surveycompany providing tailor madesolutions to the offshore renewableenergy industry. The companyregularly works in areas withchallenging sea conditions on waveand tidal energy installations. Theybelieve that some of the systems andequipment we have developed aredirectly relevant to the offshore windindustry as the next round of windfarms expand into areas of deeperwater with stronger currents.In position at the right timeThe survey/positioning challenge whilstworking in demanding environmentsand with emerging technologies is toensure that the construction vessel andassociated equipment is all in position atthe right time, and is able to stay there,in order to maximise the operating timeavailable to the project construction team.With the proper systems and equipment,operational time can be maximised togreatest effect whilst reducing potentialdowntime due to equipment failures,thereby helping to reduce overall projectcosts.Deployed systems include...• Bespoke tug management suites• Multi-sensor data buoy systems• Multi-channel data telemetry• Integration with DP systems to visuallywarn project personnel of vessel run-offs• CUBIT, the all-in-one navigation systemoffering multiple levels of hardware andsoftware failover protectionA case studyInsight Marine Projects recently providedsurvey support during the installation of anovel monopile foundation developed byBauer Renewables Ltd. An exceptionalchallenge was posed not only by thedrilling works at a water depth of 37meters, but also by the extremely strongcurrents.Whilst wind turbines are not currentlybeing constructed in these conditions,there are several transferrable systemsand technologies that can be applied tothe more challenging conditions beingconsidered for the next round of wind farmdevelopments, to help them achieve bettercost efficiency and success.Insight Marine Projectswww.insight-marine.co.ukwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk109

specialist surveying featureCoastline Surveyscontinues growth with launch ofnew offshore divisionAs part of their continued growthCoastline Surveys Ltd are delightedto announce the launch of CoastlineOffshore Ltd, a new division of thecompany specifically developedto meet the growing demands forspecialist offshore geotechnical andgeophysical services beyond theirestablished coastal markets.Emerging offshore renewablesThe new division will enable the companyto employ their considerable expertise inemerging offshore renewables, at homeand abroad, whilst also firmly establishingthem as a significant survey supportsubcontractor within the oil & gas industry.Coastline has recently focused sizeableinvestment within their geotechnicaldivision, with the addition of a Datem5000 CPT, which in conjunction with theexpanding pool of vibrocorers, grabsand in-house labs, enables them to offera complete package of geotechnicalservices.AccreditationsHaving achieved the necessary ISO andAchilles Verify accreditations to workwithin the demanding environment of theoil and gas industry they are confident thatCoastline Offshore will be an attractivesolution for contractors and consultantswho are looking for a reputable nichecompany to bring experience andexpertise to every job.The company is positioned to work withina variety of sectors including marinerenewables, cables, oil and gas, dredging& civil engineering projects, environmentalmonitoring and offshore construction.Their equipment and teams of professionalsurveyors can be deployed as a mobilesolution around the globe workingonboard client vessels, mobilised on avessel of opportunity or on their own 24mfully equipped survey ship, MV Flatholm.Recent projectsSome of their recent projects includemobilising the Flatholm to WesternDenmark for third party survey contractorsand operating the CPT in the southernBaltic Sea on client vessels.Management experienceDavid Hitchcock, Managing Director of theCoastline Group believes this is anotherpositive step forward for the company andsaid “Coastline considers itself uniquebecause we work with our clients todeliver the results they want. It is mybelief that we should always strive toexceed the expectations of our clients bydelivering quality results, cost effectivelyand always to the highest possiblestandards of safety. This is backed upby a management team who betweenthem has over 75 years experience in themarine survey industry. It is our absolutepriority to maintain this appreciation ofservice and quality to all our clients, largeand small, as the company continues todevelop in the coming years.”Coastline Surveys Ltdwww.coastlinesurveys.co.uk110www.windenergynetwork.co.uk

specialist surveying feature20 years experiencefrom MainprizeOffshoreMainprize Offshore Ltd have over 20years’ experience in the oil and gasand more recently in the offshorerenewable sectors.Extensive servicesThe company has been actively involvedin guard, chase, support, cargo, crew andpassenger transfer, fuel and water supply,bathymetric, debris recovery, shallowwater survey, route clearance – seabedsurvey including camera, grab and videosampling, environmental work, trawl andtraffic surveys.2 new vesselsMainprize are soon to take delivery of the firstof a two vessel order from Buckie that willgreatly increase their operational footprint.SpecificationsThe 25M LOA x 9.5M Beam vessels areto a Teknicraft design, fitted with twinCat C32 engines designed for 30kts andable to carry 40T of deck cargo are trulyversatile vessels.Fitted with a moon pool, two 1.5T at 7mcranes and wide A frame rated at 1.5tons with a 8 metre width allowing for thelargest survey class and medium workclass ROV to be used.The bridge is well equipped and houses:5 point computer station and lounge area,6 x 19” and 2 x 32” monitors to view thevessels networked information.CommunicationsEase of access to any data requiredat a given station via a selector switch,V-sat satellite broad band, Wi-Fi, satellitephone, Inmarsat C, MF, HF and internalcommunications systems.FacilitiesThe deckhouse is fitted with 12suspension seats, 7 person dining/meeting table, large galley, toilet,treatment room and various lounge seatsand two 32” monitors for training andentertainment.They can undertake bathymetric, sidescan,ROV visual and light work – pipeand cable track – sonar survey, bottomand sub bottom profile, magnetometer,drop core, grab sampling, water sampling,trawl survey, AUV survey, 2D seismic,depth of burial, object location andrecovery, route survey, scour monitoring,intertidal and bird surveys.They have added redundancy wherethey felt necessary, fully redundant bridgesystems, twin generators fitted to reducedown time.Bespoke serviceThe company also offer to fit clients’specific equipment such as salvagepumps, oil recovery and FiFi equipment.Exciting timesIt is a very exciting time for Mainprizeoffshore Ltd the coming months will seethe launch, delivery and are also exhibitingSeaworks 2013 in June.Mainprize Offshorewww.mainprizeoffshore.co.ukClick to view more infoMantsbrite launches new KodenBroadband Echo SounderMantsbrite Limited, a leadingdistributor of marine equipment fora number of international electronicnavigation product manufacturers, isnow supplying the new Koden CVS-128B & CVS-1410B FX2BB broadbandecho sounders to its 175 strong UKand Ireland dealer network.SpecificationsThe Koden CVS-128B & CVS1410B aredual frequency broadband echosounderswith a 2kW power output. The CVS-128B has an 8.4” colour display and theCVS-1410B has a 10.4” colour display.Two types of broadband transducer areavailable where the user can select andchange a frequency as required to targetspecific fish species or avoid interferencewith other echosounders.The Koden TDM-017 broadbandtransducer allows the operator to chooseany two frequencies between 38kHz and75kHz; with the TDM-091D broadbandtransducer the operator can chooseany two frequencies between 42kHz to65kHz and 130kHz to 210kHz. The twochosen frequencies can be displayedsimultaneously.Digital filtering technologyThe frequencies can be adjusted in0.1khz steps for precise tuning and bestresponse when looking for specific fishspecies or when used for seabed grounddiscrimination. The new Koden broadbandsounders also feature Koden DigitalFiltering (KDF) technology which enablesa high resolution low noise picture andgives an outstanding range of detectionwhen combined with the 2kW poweroutput. With these features, the KodenBroadband echo sounders are suitable forcommercial fishing or survey purposes.Mantsbrite Managing Director David Ashcomments: “It’s a well-known fact thatcertain fish species and objects can beseen better at specific frequencies. Thenew Koden CVS-128B and CVS1410BBroadband echosounders are technicallyadvanced products that allow thecommercial user to fine-tune the echosounder frequency to suit their needs.With up to two variable frequenciessimultaneously displayed, fish speciesand ground discrimination are excellent.I’m proud that Mantsbrite, as Koden’sexclusive UK distributor, is now introducingthem to the British market place.”Mantsbritewww.mantsbrite.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk111

specialist surveying featureSpecialist supportto the wind industryAn average day’s work at one ofthe UK’s windfarm sites involves adiverse range of activities including;construction, diving, cable-layingand survey, however, an increasinglycommon addition is bomb disposal,as a result of improved UnexplodedOrdnance (UXO) awareness andincreasing footprints of the windfarmsites. Thus, the need for competentand qualified specialist bomb disposalteams has never been greater.Ensuring competence andexpertiseWhen handled incorrectly, or due to lackof understanding surrounding risk, UXOrelated incidents can result in significantunnecessary costs (£M). Recent incidentshave highlighted the importance ofadequate risk assessment and verificationof the UXO contractor’s capabilities toenable them to undertake this work.Increasingly, some maritime contractorsoffer this as a bolt-on service derivedfrom a scratch team with minimal qualityor safety assurance and track record.This trend has been acknowledged by anumber of larger operators, hence,comprehensive vetting measureshave been introduced to ensuremore extensive levels ofcompetence and expertise.ExperienceAlthough historically a military deliverable,the disposal of UXO items offshore bycommercial companies is now wellproven. Ramora UK have been deliveringsuch services since 2005 and haveundertaken more UXO disposals inthe past three years than their militarycounterparts. The techniques used arefar more technologically based and allowgreater flexibility alongside client costsavings.Additionally, advancements allowfor the removal of personnel from the risk,thereby enhancing the safety profile ofsuch operations.Alongside a team of former Royal NavyClearance Divers, Ramora UK offersclients access to reactive bomb disposalservices, including the Remote ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal System (REODS)which can be deployed against UXOtargets using the majority of ROV’s inservice today.Prioritising riskThe continued success of wind generationprojects alongside exploration intopreviously untouched areas, resultsin further UXO discoveries. The onlyremaining question for operators is howthey prioritise the UXO risk during the earlystages of projects. Historically, those whoinitially invest wisely, and entirely, in a UXOsolution will reap financial reward duringproject progression. Whereas, those whochoose to save early on, by neglectingrisk management, invariably encountersignificantly elevated costs and riskthroughout the project.Ramora UKwww.ramorauk.com112www.windenergynetwork.co.uk