Optimised wind farm operations are playing an increasingly critical role for owners and operators. The partnership aims to support its customers with safe, flexible solutions through its tried and tested MCE concept along with an agile, responsive approach.

The partnership brings together three industry experts, each with significant experience in the MCE of different turbine types. This collaboration means that MCE services will be available to all wind farms in European waters as a start.

All three parties have gained relevant experience over the past five years. For example, WM provided project management services to OWS – who was in charge of the offshore wind farm Bard Offshore 1 (BO1), the first commercial wind farm in the German North Sea since 2016. This step made the BO1 wind farm the most productive field in Germany in 2017.

In 2017, Ocean Breeze Energy (OBE) appointed H&P as technical manager to improve the performance of their jack-up vessel Wind Lift I. H&P also became the new owner of Wind Lift I at the end of 2020. With the new ownership and the collaboration with OWS and WM, Wind Lift I is prepared to take on additional opportunities to benefit all parties in addition to its long-term charter with OBE.

Heiko Felderhoff, MD of Harren & Partner and SAL Renewables, explained: “After the purchase of Wind Lift I, we are very pleased with this partnership that will enhance our services and bring together very experienced companies in the offshore wind industry.”

Michael Munder-Oschimek, MD of OWS, said: “This partnership will allow us to use our experience in MCE while bringing complete solutions to the market. Our setup in Emden with direct quay access, a 450t gantry crane, large storage areas, main component overhauling facilities and a 24/7 control room is perfect for MCE and MCR solutions.”

Nils-R. Vetter, MD of WM, commented: “We are excited to use the experience we have gained in MCE and MCR with our partners and to extend our service portfolio.”

Matthieu Moerman, Head of Projects at SAL Renewables, said: “The wind industry in Northern Europe is picking up again. New wind farms are being installed and existing turbines need to be maintained with an increased output of the turbines. The opportunities to generate business for the cooperation partners are very positive.”

Dr. Martin Harren, MD of Harren & Partner and SAL Renewables, added: “Wind power has been a cornerstone of our business in the past few years, and we continue to see significant projects here. By offering maintenance and component installation services predominantly for the wind turbines itself, we are expanding our total service portfolio to the global renewables market while also meeting the toughest individual demands and expectations in the offshore industry.”