Presentations - WindEurope Annual Event 2025

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Scale up, Electrify, Deliver
Putting wind at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness Scale up, Electrify, Deliver
Putting wind at the heart of Europe’s competitiveness

Presentations

Performance analysis of offshore wind O&M activities based on vessel and helicopter movement data

David Baumgärtner, Research associate, Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES)

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach to analyzing offshore wind farm (OWF) operation and maintenance (O&M) logistics using movement data from vessels (AIS) and helicopters (ADS-B). By combining these datasets, the analysis reveals valuable insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of logistical operations at OWFs. A key case study is the Butendiek wind farm, where a transition from Service Operating Vessels (SOVs) to a mixed fleet of SOVs, Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), and helicopters improved overall performance between 2023 and 2024. The methodology developed incorporates key performance indicators to evaluate both the effectiveness and efficiency of O&M concepts. This allows for comparisons between OWFs and identifies underperforming assets. Additionally, weather data from ERA5 is integrated to further refine performance assessments, considering the impacts of local conditions. Validated using operational data from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, this method provides actionable insights to optimize logistics strategies and improve OWF management. These findings show that publicly available data can play a crucial role in independently assessing and optimizing O&M activities, enabling operators to enhance fleet utilization and maintain competitive, sustainable operations in the face of evolving industry demands.


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