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Seawork 2005 Preview

Wind Farm Boat Hunger Satisfied at Seawork

01 Mar 2005

Offshore wind farms are now in situ off the coasts of Britain and many more are expected over the next five years. The UK Government is supporting their construction in an effort to meet its own target of generating 10% of the national energy requirement using renewable sources by 2010. This policy is echoed across Northern Europe, with Denmark, Germany and Holland also developing their offshore renewable energy resources.

The Specialist wind turbine installation vessel 'Resolution' at work on the Kentish Flats wind farm. Photo courtesy of Elsam.
The Specialist wind turbine installation vessel 'Resolution' at work on the Kentish Flats wind farm. Photo courtesy of Elsam.

The demand for working vessels of all types is expected to increase rapidly this year as the survey and construction process builds momentum.  Many marine wind farm developers are already having problems finding suitable vessels and the hunt is on for craft ranging from 10m multi-purpose workboats to massive jack-up construction vessels.

Until recently, project developers had to rely on offshore oil and gas industry publications in an effort to find the larger vessels required and scoured local ports to find smaller craft for the inshore work. All has changed now that first time Seawork exhibitor Marine RenewablesDirectory.com has established an online database of vessels, ports and suppliers supporting the development of offshore wind farms. There are comprehensive keyword search facilities for vessel specs, including photographs, and links to the operators. Several wind farm projects have already signed up and are currently using the service to look for hydro survey boats, tugs and dive support vessels as well as crewing, guards, and onshore support services.

To make sure your vessels and services are included in the database, visit MarineRenewables Directory.com on Stand 160 at Seawork 2005

Images for this article - click to enlarge

The Specialist wind turbine installation vessel 'Resolution' at work on the Kentish Flats wind farm. Photo courtesy of Elsam.

Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2008. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.

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