Page 54: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Nov/Dec 2023)

53 55

TECH FEATURE WALK-TO-WORK SYSTEMS

Image courtesy MacGregor

Digitalization is also central to the supplier’s strategy for Growing turbine sizes, fxed platforms further out at lifecycle services and support for its offshore wind industry sea and the emergence of foating wind energy solutions clients, according to Halvorsen. are just some of the factors that will demand further tech- “Because these vessels only earn when they work, their nical innovation in a fast-expanding industry. Whatever load and personnel handling equipment must be con- the challenges ahead, solutions which can be considered tinuously available. Predictive maintenance is a key tool at the earliest stages of vessel design, have capacity for which can enable remote support and enhance planning integration and are equipped for predictive maintenance for scheduled inspections and maintenance.” will offer the most effective answers, according to Kalle

Several recent specifcations for COSVs have included Tuomaala, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Offshore

OnWatch Scout (OWS) - MacGregor’s condition moni- Solutions Division.

toring and predictive maintenance application. The pre- “The ability to offoad and recover technicians at the tur- dictive software analyses operational data streamed directly bine is one of the defning features of offshore wind support from the vessel in order to detect patterns which might vessel utility. Understandably, owners are going to opt for indicate risk of failure, optimise planned maintenance and the gangway that allows planned voyages to go ahead, while minimise unplanned downtime. less well-equipped vessels may have to stay at home.” 54 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM