Application of uncrewed surface vessels throughout the life span of fixed and floating offshore wind farms

Abstract

The Offshore Wind sector is seeking to utilise Robotic and Uncrewed Systems (RUS) to help reduce the costs, emissions, and risks of harm to personal associated with the necessary survey and inspection works required over the whole life of fixed and floating offshore wind farms. New wind energy projects are being built in locations further from onshore support bases than previously, and this can impact the level of accessibility for routine and unplanned works, leading to increased use of offshore support vessels and a drive towards automating tasks if possible. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of RUS technology to give potential adopters and end-users insight into how and why different RUS types may be required (working individually or cooperatively) across the whole life of a wind farm. A review was conducted of the available RUS technology and its suitability for different tasks encountered throughout the initial development, construction, operation, and decommissioning of offshore wind farms. Uncrewed Surface Vehicles were identified as being both well-established multi-purpose data gathering platforms as well as being able to support other RUS above and below the waterline for survey and inspection roles, and considered that this RUS type represents a vital asset for the offshore wind farms of the future