Orsted, a global leader in offshore wind energy, is set to deploy heavy-lift cargo drones (HLCD) for the first time in an operational campaign at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm. This innovative step marks a significant advancement in operational efficiency and safety within the offshore wind industry.
The heavy-lift cargo drones, with a wingspan of 2.6 meters and capable of transporting up to 100 kg, will carry cargo from a vessel to all 94 wind turbines at the Borssele site. This deployment follows successful trials of the concept at the Hornsea 1 Offshore Wind Farm in the UK last year.
In this campaign, Orsted will update critical evacuation and safety equipment in each turbine. Traditionally, this process involved a vessel sailing from turbine to turbine, using cranes to lift the equipment. The new drone method simplifies this task, flying directly from an offshore supply vessel to the top of the nacelle.
Orsted said the drone flight takes approximately four minutes per turbine, significantly faster than the conventional six-hour process. Overall, Orsted estimates this method completes tasks 10-15 times faster than traditional approaches.
“The drones at Borssele 1&2 will improve safety, bring down carbon emissions, and reduce the cost of operating offshore wind farms, which all further improve the commercial fundamentals of offshore wind for investors, governments, and corporations,” Rasmus Errboe, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy-CEO at Orsted, said.
The use of drones at Borssele 1 & 2 is expected to reduce costs and time, improve operational safety, and enhance efficiency. Drones eliminate the need to shut down wind turbines for cargo delivery, enhance personnel safety by reducing risks, and minimize ship journeys, thereby cutting carbon emissions.
Orsted is pioneering the large-scale use of heavy-lift drones in operational campaigns and is seeking partnerships with top cargo drone operators and service providers to expand the supply chain.
Leading Offshore Wind Innovation
This technological breakthrough underscores Orsted’s commitment to innovation, a cornerstone of the company’s strategy since its inception. By embracing cutting-edge technology, Orsted has helped transform offshore wind power from a demonstration concept to a large-scale energy solution.
Advances in technology have driven down the costs of renewable energy, making it competitive with fossil fuels. Orsted continues to leverage innovation to make green energy more affordable, reliable, efficient, and sustainable. Recently, the company has piloted new technology for offshore wind monopile installation and deployed autonomous vessels for offshore surveying.
Orsted’s in-house R&D capabilities are led by a team with deep science and engineering expertise, overseeing more than 300 projects. The company collaborates with over 50 universities and research institutes to bring the best ideas from the lab to the field, ensuring continuous advancements in offshore wind technology.