Harnessing the potential of ports to accelerate offshore wind growth

MDL Market Development Manager - Renewables Derek Lynch explores the quayside opportunity to progress energy diversification at pace - and sustainably.

As the world pivots towards renewable energy sources, offshore wind emerges as a cornerstone of this transition. Governments worldwide have set ambitious targets for offshore wind capacity. The UK, for instance, aims to achieve 60GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, with 5GW dedicated to floating offshore wind. Additionally, the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) countries, alongside the UK, are targeting a combined installed capacity of 120GW by 2030 and 300GW by 2050.

Ports are integral to enabling this shift towards more diversified energy sources and one of the primary elements in the offshore wind supply chain. They already serve as hubs for manufacturing, assembling, marshalling and maintaining turbines, foundations and related infrastructure.

But to meet the ambitious power generation targets, growing quayside capabilities in the development markets is a must. This will include adding capability by expanding and optimising existing facilities; efficient spatial planning to accommodate the needs of wind projects without disrupting other port activities; and optimising logistics to ensure just-in-time delivery and assembly of components, reducing schedule risks and maximising the efficiency of vessel mobilisation and demobilisation.

Paths to success in a competitive landscape

Already, the offshore wind sector is highly competitive, with ports vying for a share of the growing market and how to establish themselves as the base for key industry players. To compete effectively, ports must recognise where they can have the biggest impact, which activities they are equipped to carry out, and differentiate themselves through superior infrastructure, strategic location and efficient and dependable operations.

Essential here is early engagement with developers to secure a favourable position in the market. This collaboration can help ports diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on declining fossil fuel industries.

To enhance competitiveness in the offshore wind sector, ports should consider the following strategic actions:

Leverage geographic advantages: emphasise proximity to offshore wind development zones, as well as favourable sea conditions and accessibility, to highlight reduced transit times and operational costs – this is particularly relevant for large-volume items, such as buoyancy modules, reels of inter-array cables or the mooring rope and chain, which are likely to require repeat port calls due to the vessel’s naturally limited carrying capacity per trip.

Invest in specialised infrastructure: larger ports can consider expansion and adding new infrastructure in order to safely store and assemble large offshore wind components; while smaller ports can explore efficient handing of the flexible elements: cables and moorings. For all, dedicated facilities for assembly, manufacturing and staging can make the port more attractive to developers.

Expand service offerings: integrate services that reduce the logistical complexity for offshore developers. For wind farm cables and mooring lines, this could include on-site or nearby production facilities; safe storage; testing and repair/replacement/maintenance facilities; and optimised “highway” arrangements for transpooling these delicate products onto the installation vessels without compromising their integrity. Providing these services from a single location helps establish the port as a centre of excellence for the whole lifecycle of the particular wind farm component.

Ensure efficient and dependable operations: offering an array of services is one thing, but delivering high reliability and uptime is essential for success in diversification. Investing in modern solutions, backed by proven technology and advanced operating systems, help ensure optimal handling and avoidance of critical failures at any step of an offshore wind component marshalling process.

Form strategic partnerships: all of the aforementioned steps require notable investment and to ensure maximum returns and optimised budgets, the best approach is to enlist the experts in their respective fields – and this can be achieved through collaboration with key industry players such as cable and mooring rope manufacturers, equipment suppliers, vessel operators and service providers. By establishing long-term partnerships, ports can create a secure customer base and offer integrated services tailored to their needs; while also addressing any unexpected concerns or hazards more efficiently than if they were without access to this collective expertise.

Notwithstanding the opportunities, ports face several challenges and risks in supporting offshore wind development:

• Safety and environmental impact: Maintaining high safety standards is paramount, particularly in handling large and heavy components. Ports must also address the environmental impact of their operations, including emissions from quayside activities.
• Resource availability: The availability of critical resources, such as quayside space and crane time can be limited, especially during peak periods of offshore wind deployment, alongside other industries utilising the facilities. Ports must manage these resources carefully to avoid bottlenecks.
• Weather related delays: Offshore wind projects are highly susceptible to weather related delays, which can disrupt port schedules and increase project costs. Ports need to be agile and build flexibility into their operations to mitigate these risks, including workarounds for heavy-lift operations with cranes, compromised by high winds and bad weather.

Trust the Experts for successful port diversification

MDL has a wealth of experience in quayside operations, engineering planning and project management. With a robust range of flexible product handling equipment and a deep understanding of port operations, MDL is well positioned to support the expansion of port infrastructure to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector.

MDL’s expertise can be leveraged in several key areas:

• Engineering Consultancy and Design: MDL can provide expert consultancy services to ports, assisting them in the design and planning of facilities tailored for optimised handling of cables and moorings for the offshore wind industry.
• Quayside Operations Support: MDL’s experience in supporting critical quayside operations, including lifting and handling of equipment, and transpooling of cables and mooring lines between facilities, storage and vessels can help ports maximise efficiency and safety of these operations, whilst maintaining the integrity of these vulnerable products, and prolonging their lifespan.
• Project Management: With a strong track record in project management, MDL can oversee the development of port infrastructure projects and quayside operations, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Specialised Handling Equipment: From tensioners and turntables to reel drive systems and deck winches, MDL’s equipment is designed for optimised handling of delicate products such as cables and moorings, which are becoming increasingly more complex to meet the demands of dynamic offshore conditions. Reassurance in MDL portfolio comes from an extensive track record of handling a wide range of products across the globe and backed up by in-house design, engineering and project management expertise, continuously working on improving equipment capabilities and tailoring packages to meet customer requirements.

The takeaway

As the offshore wind industry continues to grow, ports will play an increasingly vital role in supporting its development. With the right investments in infrastructure, strategic planning, and collaboration, ports can capitalise on the opportunities presented by the renewable energy sector.

MDL, with its extensive experience and comprehensive service offering, is well positioned to help ports navigate these challenges and achieve their full potential in the offshore wind market. By embracing innovation – both in terms of versatile technology as well as resourceful thinking - and fostering strategic partnerships, ports can not only meet the demands of the offshore wind sector but also secure long-term sustainability and growth.

To discuss the requirements of your quayside facilities and identify your own differentiators, enabling effective diversification, get in touch!

Derek Lynch, Market Development Manager - Renewables