Drones advance offshore wind logistics

The aim of the project, using innovative technology from Ampelmann Operations and performed in close collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, was to take a step forward in making offshore windfarm operations easier.

A spokesperson from Ampelmann said: “This his trial confirms the potential of cargo drones as a valuable addition to offshore wind logistics, with opportunities to reduce vessel movements, improve technician efficiency and contribute to safer offshore operations.”

Technical challenge

Technicians working on offshore wind turbines normally have to carry a lot of equipment up to the nacelle of a turbines to effectively do maintenance work.

This is often more equipment than is actually needed, since it is not easy to collect tools from the vessel once they are on the turbine.

By pre-loading equipment to the turbine and using the cargo drone to deliver and collect items on demand, crane lifts are reduced and technicians can focus more time on maintenance work, improving efficiency and safety.

The cargo drone trial was carried out in December 2025 and operated from the Service Operation Vessel (SOV), Purus Horizon.

It’s a campaign which also tested two key innovations developed by Ampelmann: Unmanned pick-up of cargo and automated flight operations.

All flights were performed under winter offshore conditions with all systems worked reliably and demonstrating that cargo drone deliveries and pick up operations can be safely and structurally integrated as a service into standard offshore operations.

Ampelmann is known for its W-type motion-compensated gangways, also developed in response to the challenges that offshore windfarm operations present.