Next step in offshore

maintenance made
possible through new JIP
The Offshore Maintenance JIP aims to better quantify the O&M operability
and associated costs for maintenance operations by taking vessel
hydrodynamics and realistic operational limits into account in existing
Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) O&M cost models.
Erik-Jan de Ridder, e.d.ridder@marin.nl

The main aim of the OM JIP is to come up

with the most effective logistical scenario
for each maintenance operation. Present
O&M cost analysis models lack details about
­hydrodynamic vessel response and human
response to vessel motions. Based on
­discussions amongst partners and with
the ­industry it was concluded that there
was an urgent need for a realistic logistics
O&M model, which should include vessel
characteristics and operational (human)
­criteria.
The project was initiated by MARIN (hydro­
dynamics), ECN (operability and cost
­prediction model) and TNO (human factors)
and got underway in 2015. Research is
performed in close cooperation with the
Carbon Trust from the UK, which represents
most of the large energy companies in
­Europe that are active in offshore wind.
A considerable amount of research has been
undertaken by the Carbon Trust which
mainly focuses on the smaller Crew Transfer
Vessels (CTV) involved in offshore mainte­
nance. Friction between the fender on the
bow of the CTV and the boat landing on the
offshore wind turbine is an important para­
meter in the operation. Therefore, the work
consisted of extended fender friction tests
both at model and full scale.
Furthermore, model tests with different CTV
concepts were performed for the different
stages of the operation such as transit, and
approach and transfer All the data was then
validated with detailed, full- scale monitoring
of different CTVs in operation. The OM JIP
can build even further on this large database,
ensuring that there is no duplication of
work. The research will now be extended to
larger DP accommodation vessels equipped
with access systems.
The OM JIP consortium consists of 14 differ­
ent participants including research institutes,
shipbuilders, OM operators, OM personnel,
access system operators and utility compa­
nies. Having such a diverse group involved
in the research makes it possible to take the
next step in offshore maintenance. New
companies are still invited to join.

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