Operation of offshore wind farms

Appropriate port infrastructure is one of the key conditions for the efficient operation of offshore wind farms. Service ports constitute a "center" for managing operations of operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. In the long term, these are key facilities in the offshore elevator project handling process.

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Key role of service ports in offshore work

The completion of the offshore wind farm is only the first of the stages of its "life cycle". For the next 25-30 years, each wind farm must undergo cyclic turbine surveys. It is also necessary to verify the performance and wear of the individual components, as well as other ongoing repairs. Service ports play the most important role in this process, which provide the facilities for all operations related to the operation of offshore wind farms. It is worth noting that there are spare parts warehouses, workshops and office spaces located in service ports.

Operation of a offshore wind farm is a 24-hour job to ensure safe and economical operation of the entire project. The objective is to achieve the best balance between current costs and electricity production costs. During the operation of the offshore wind farm, various maintenance and service activities of the various components of the offshore wind farm are planned, in line with the recommendations of the producers and the plan to maintain the wind farm.
Rafał Zendarski, senior head of port-sea logistics for offshore wind farms in PGE Baltica

The operation of the service bases can be defined in relation to the types of operations undertaken for their use – this refers to planned repairs – resulting from the requirements of the manufacturer and operator, unplanned repairs and emergency situations. There are a number of criteria on the basis of which a preferential service port can be designated. The most important of these are:

technical criteria (e.g. wharf length, water track depth, availability of storage area)
geographical criteria (including port distance from wind farm),
airport access criteria (e.g. local road infrastructure, railway infrastructure, airport proximity)
other, such as the availability of workers, the financial capacity of local authorities.

However, the proper location of the service and operating base seems to be a key factor determining the efficiency of wind farm operation and the stability of energy supply.

The exploitation phase is one of the key stages of the life cycle of investments in offshore wind farms, having a significant impact on their economic efficiency. In the case of offshore wind farms, the main impact on O&M costs (Operation & Maintenance) has logistical solutions affecting – in addition to weather conditions – the time needed to transport technicians to offshore wind farms.
Rafał Zendarski, senior head of port-sea logistics for offshore wind farms in PGE Baltica

Given the number of offshore wind farm projects to be implemented in the coming years, the cities in which the service bases will be built can expect tangible economic benefits in the long term. We are talking primarily about new jobs connected with services – e.g. hotels, catering, but also taxes. Many experts predict that as time goes by, the service centres will develop and their importance will grow.

Service ports in the world

Due to offshore wind projects planned for the coming years, many European countries are actively promoting their own installation ports and service centres through national wind energy associations or agencies. This includes the British and the German, who are very committed to promoting their own ports.

In the UK there have been several installation and service ports for several years – including Green Port Hull, Mostyn, Able Seaton, Cromarthy Firth or ports in Grimsby, Barrow and Lowestoft. They play the role of comprehensive production and logistics hubs for projects carried out in the North Sea (More about British ports).

These ports serve as installation and service terminals not only for the offshore wind energy sector, but also for the offshore oil & gas sector. In addition, over the past years, many investments have been made in existing ports, upgrading them for the needs of the dynamically developing British offshore wind farm market.
Rafał Zendarski, senior head of port-sea logistics for offshore wind farms in PGE Baltica

An example of such a port is the British service port in Grimsby. It has not only adequate warehouse and logistics facilities, but is also at a convenient distance from the largest British wind farms.

However, the service centres are also designated in much smaller port towns, such as the Danish port in the town of Thorsminde (about 400 inhabitants), on the North Sea. It is to become a service centre for the wind farm "Thor", to be realized by the end of 2027. The service centre itself is to be fully operational one year earlier. In this case too, a small distance from the wind farm (only 22 kilometres) was crucial.

Polish service ports

Numerous projects of offshore wind farms in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea involve the preparation of local operating bases. The National Recovery Plan for port infrastructure for the development of offshore wind energy assumes around EUR 437 million, which is a major financial impetus for the development of this part of the water management sector, which is directly linked to the offshore wind energy sector.

The location of service ports at home – as a base for the operation of offshore wind farms built in the Baltic Sea – is sought by Ustka, Łeb and Władysławowo. In the port of Łeba a service base is planned to serve as a logistics centre for offshore wind farms in the Baltic, consisting of offices, warehouse buildings and transport equipment. Another location where one of the operating and maintenance bases is to be established is Władysławowo. Office buildings, warehouses and warehouses will be built in the port. Port makes available quayfrom which all operations can be carried out by floating units.

Port Morski in Ustka is preparing for modernization and expansion as a possible service and service base location for planned investments in the Baltic. Over the last two years, the concept of its expansion with an external port has been prepared, and the local zoning plan for the interior of the port has been approved. In the analysis of the Pomeranian Wind Energy Platform in the Baltic, the port in Ustka was indicated as an optimal terminal primarily due to the strategic location for operational and service activities planned investments in offshore wind farms in the Baltic.

Taking into account the current activities of the state and local authorities, as well as developers of future offshore wind farms, ports in Ustka, Łeba and Władysławów have the chance to become stable service barriers for wind projects in the Baltic. It is also worth noting that new jobs will be created in connection with the construction and operation of the service bases and local infrastructure will develop, which is undoubtedly a positive news for the residents of Pomerania.

Written by JS