In a significant boost for renewable energy, Safeway, the leader in advanced walk-to-work systems for the offshore wind industry, has joined forces with maritime innovator Louis Dreyfus Armateurs. This collaboration is setting new standards for safe and efficient maintenance operations across challenging offshore wind parks such as Dogger Bank, Saint Brieuc, and Saint Nazaire.
A Milestone Installation at IHC Shipyard
The partnership recently celebrated a key milestone with the installation of a second Safeway gangway at the Royal IHC shipyard. This latest addition, mounted on Louis Dreyfus Armateurs’ vessel, Wind of Pride, is designed to tackle the formidable heights of offshore wind turbines. “The Royal IHC shipyard has done an exemplary job by providing a base that extends up to 4.5 meters, catering to the elevated positions of the turbines,” explained Wijnand van Aalst, CEO of Safeway.
Watch the Video: Insights from Wijnand van Aalst on the Project – Dive into the detailed discussion with Safeway’s CEO about this transformative project.
Enhancing Offshore Operations
Captain Gerard Cariou of the Wind of Pride highlighted the operational benefits of the Safeway gangway. “Our mission involves transferring technicians to connect cables between turbines at Dogger Bank. We perform eight to ten transfers daily, each time moving five to six technicians. The Safeway gangway is critical for our success,” Cariou noted.
Future Projects and Commitment to Offshore Wind
Van Aalst also shared insights into future collaborations. “Apart from the completed Dogger Bank project, we are gearing up for upcoming ventures at Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Brieuc in France. Despite France’s historical emphasis on nuclear energy, there’s a growing involvement in offshore wind, which presents unique challenges ideal for our gangway systems,” he added.
A Leap Forward for Renewable Energy
This partnership between Safeway and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs marks a significant advancement in promoting offshore wind energy, showcasing both companies’ commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions. Van Aalst also emphasized the importance of skilled operation. “Our operators are trained at the Safeway Academy, which includes e-learning, VR training, practical exercises, and extensive hydraulic and electrical training, ensuring operational excellence and swift troubleshooting,” he concluded.
This strategic alliance not only propels the renewable energy agenda forward but also underlines the potential of collaborative innovation in facing the technical challenges of offshore energy projects.