Deutsche Windtechnik Offshore und Consulting GmbH and Corrosion, a manufacturer and provider of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems, have signed a framework agreement to collaborate on the maintenance of foundation structures at four offshore wind farms in the German part of the North Sea with immediate effect.
The agreement covers a total of 284 ICCP systems for which Corrosion, formerly known as Corrosion & Water Control BV, has to fulfil the warranty obligations.
81 ICCP systems will go to the Butendiek OWF, the Dan Tysk OWF and the Meerwind OWF each, with the remaining 41 to be installed at the Trianel Windpark Borkum West 2 OWF.
The electrical ICCP systems are used at offshore wind farms to protect steel foundation structures from corrosion damage. Microsensors mounted on the foundations in combination with a switchbox installed in the transition piece ensure remote monitoring of the system status 24/7.
Under the contract, Deutsche Windtechnik is responsible for the functioning of the overall system, which includes inspection, maintenance and the performance of any necessary repairs.
“For the maintenance of the ICCP systems, we provide personnel who are already working at the respective wind farm, which as a result saves the customer work and expense, for example, in the areas of logistics, transport and access control. Not only are we faster at the site of operations, but waiting times for the return transport are also reduced or avoided altogether,” said Ingo Hälke, Division Manager Operation & Maintenance at Deutsche Windtechnik.
For its part, Corrosion will give the personnel of Deutsche Windtechnik special training for the ICCP system, whilst ensuring a free supply of replacement parts and providing the necessary documentation along with engineering support.
“We´re on the same wavelength and we have a mutual interest in positive progress,” said Marcel Qualm, Service Manager of Corrosion.