Pelergy announce a significant achievement in partnership with Offshore Transfer Devices, following the successful service trials of their innovative Tube Docking Device.
Pelergy have been working with Offshore Transfer Devices since 2018 to provide commercial support, supporting commercialisation within the offshore wind market. After rigorous service trials, the Tube Docking Device has proven its potential to transform technician transfers in the offshore wind industry. This achievement marks a key step toward the commercial delivery of version 2 of the Tube Docking Device , and we are excited about the journey ahead!
In September 2024, Offshore Transfer Devices Tube Docking Device was put to the test in real-world conditions at RWE’s Rhyl Flats wind farm. With wave heights reaching 1.5m Hs, it was successfully demonstrated onboard a 15m South Boat crew transfer vessel (CTV). The demonstration was a key milestone in the Offshore Wind Accelerator supported project, which included not only the installation and testing of the Tube Docking Device but also the design and integration of a personnel access platform to enable safer and more efficient technician transfers.
The demonstration was attended by several key Offshore Wind Accelerator members, including RWE, ScottishPower, Vattenfall, Ørsted, and partners at Chartwell Marine, who designed the bespoke personnel gangway. The trials showcased the it’s stability and effectiveness even in challenging offshore conditions, reinforcing its potential as a game-changer for technician safety, vessel operability, and environmental performance.
The Tube Docking Device offers a range of benefits that could reshape how we approach technician transfers in offshore wind. One of the most exciting features of the Tube Docking Device is its ability to increase weather windows, allowing for more efficient operations in conditions that would traditionally be considered too challenging for technician transfers. This technology not only improves safety by reducing the risk of slips and other incidents during transfers but also provides environmental benefits.
During the trials, the Tube Docking Device allowed for reduced propulsion power by up to 50% during push-on operations, which significantly cuts CO2 emissions. This reduction is especially valuable for conventional vessels and is likely to offer even greater benefits for future electrified CTVs, as fuel savings and lower emissions become increasingly important.
The Tube Docking Device ’s ability to maintain a stable platform in high-sea states (up to 2m Hs in earlier trials) demonstrates its potential to operate under more demanding conditions than standard fender arrangements. This opens new possibilities for enhancing the safety and efficiency of both larger and smaller offshore vessels.
The successful trials of the Tube Docking Device are a testament to the importance of innovation in the offshore wind sector. The financial backing from the Offshore Wind Accelerator and the technical expertise from partners across the industry have allowed Offshore Transfer Devices to bring this cutting-edge technology to market. With the commercial delivery of version 2 on the horizon, we are confident that it will become an integral part of future offshore wind operations, enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and making offshore technician transfers more reliable in a range of conditions.
Launching a new technology in the competitive and resource-intensive world of offshore wind is no easy feat, especially for a startup like Offshore Transfer Devices. With tight budgets and high expectations, every step forward matters. The success of these trials demonstrates the resilience and technical expertise of Daniel James, who played a critical role in pushing this innovation forward. Pelergy also owe this milestone to the unwavering support from The Carbon Trust and the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) program. Special thanks to OWA members, including major players like Ørsted, SSE Renewables, ScottishPower, Equinor, Vattenfall, EDF (UK), Shell, RWE, TotalEnergies, and EnBW Generation UK. Their support has been instrumental in helping Offshore Transfer Devices reach this stage.
Source:- Mike Newman – Pelergy
