Page 42: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2023)

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INSIGHTS LOGISTICS

Te Logistics of

Ofshore Wind

From geopolitical trials to a squeezed supply chain, the ofshore wind sector is facing stronger headwinds than ever before. Tird-party logistics partners are increasingly an option to help developers circumnavigate these issues.

By Erland Ebbersten, Group Vice President – Energy & Marine, GAC he global drive to harness offshore wind pow- and secure a greener future. er is making it a busy time ahead for the sector as countries seek ways to wean off fossil fuels,

Taiwan’s Renewable Energy Goals produce more zero-carbon power and become

T

A prime example is Taiwan which has ambitions to be- more energy-independent. come an offshore wind powerhouse. The island aims to

But it is a journey fraught with challenges. Like other increase the share of renewables in its electricity supply sectors, offshore wind projects face global infationary to 70% by 2050, with an expansion of wind deployment and supply chain pressures which raise uncertainties in earmarked as a natural and necessary step in that process. long-term commercial and investment decisions.

Half of that capacity is on track to be built by 2035

Further, their fnancial viability is coming under ques- with more than 130 offshore wind farm projects current- tion amid rising energy prices and costs of raw materials ly under development including the Greater Changhua used in the construction and servicing of offshore instal- wind farm project, which is being supported by global lations. This is especially the case as offshore wind farms shipping and logistics services provider GAC. become bigger and more widespread than ever.

Two of the windfarms – Changhua 1 and 2a – were

Although signifcant, such challenges should not deter delivered last year. Once operational, they will have a ca- investments in offshore wind as advancing technologies pacity of 900 MW, generating enough power to meet the are making the construction and maintenance of offshore needs of a million households.

wind farms more viable, cheaper and operationally safer.

Technology, particularly unmanned surface vessels

Most importantly, harnessing wind power is a valuable (USVs), played a critical role in this project. They re- way for countries to bolster renewable energy capacity duced the on-site work force and manpower costs, and 42 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM