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- Drones cut task completion time from six hours to four minutes per turbine.
- Reduced risk for personnel and minimized work disturbances.
- Lower operational costs and carbon emissions.
Pioneering Efficiency and Safety
Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, has launched the world’s first heavy-lift cargo drone (HLCD) operations at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm. This marks a significant leap in operational efficiency and safety within the industry.
Building on previous trials, Ørsted is deploying 70 kg drones with a 2.6-meter wingspan to transport cargo up to 100 kg. These drones will carry critical evacuation and safety equipment from an offshore supply vessel directly to the top of the nacelles of all 94 turbines at Borssele. The drone flight takes about four minutes per turbine, compared to approximately six hours using conventional methods.
Rasmus Errboe, Ørsted’s Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy-CEO, emphasized the innovation’s impact:
“The drones at Borssele 1&2 will improve safety, reduce carbon emissions, and lower the cost of operating offshore wind farms, enhancing the commercial fundamentals of offshore wind for investors, governments, and corporations.”
Operational Advantages
Drones offer numerous benefits:
- Efficiency: Tasks are completed 10-15 times faster than traditional methods.
- Safety: Reduced risk for personnel, as drones eliminate the need for crane operations on moving vessels.
- Environmental Impact: Lower carbon emissions due to fewer ship journeys.
Innovation at the Core
Ørsted’s commitment to innovation is evident. The company’s in-house R&D team, alongside partnerships with over 50 universities and research institutes, drives the continuous advancement of renewable energy technology.
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This drone operation is a testament to Ørsted’s approach, as Errboe notes:
“We’ve taken offshore wind power from a niche technology to a cost-competitive, large-scale renewable energy source by moving innovative ideas from the drawing board to real life application.”
Ørsted continues to lead the offshore wind industry, actively seeking partnerships with top cargo drone operators to further expand its innovative capabilities and improve operational efficiencies.