The latest technology developments could help reduce the risks in offshore wind cable laying operations, according to LOC Renewables.
Cable faults account for the majority of insurance claims in the offshore wind industry, while inter-array and export cabling together make almost half of all losses due to mishandling during installation and in-situ damage, LOC said.
Therefore, LOC gathered a group of cable designers, underwriters and installers in London to discuss new approaches to reducing risk in the field of cable laying.
The London-based company called the attendees to embrace the latest technology developments and engineering solutions as a way to address such logistical problems and improve cable lay design and operations.
According to Roberto Longo of Longitude, a LOC Renewables company, a dynamic analysis to assess the range of scenarios when laying cables is now available due to the evolution of the industry. Real-time simulations may in the future lead to more effective ways to assess factors such as load and weather in order to anticipate the stresses cables face.
The marine warranty surveyor can act as a sounding board for resolving installation issues and implementing new technology, Project Director Mike McLachlan said, emphasizing that by ensuring that projects remain within acceptable levels of risk, marine warranty survey allows new technologies to be implemented effectively and safely.
“Cables, both inter-array and export, are essential for the offshore wind sector, but historically have experienced a high failure rate,” said LOC Group Joint-CEO, Dr. RV Ahilan .
“LOC have supported many repair operations in recent years and have built a significant experience base. In order to improve cable resilience the industry needs a strong forum where it can share and assess the best ideas for reducing cable failure risk, thereby ensuring the success of future offshore developments.”