Ørsted starts heavy-lift cargo drone campaign at Dutch wind farm

Danish offshore wind developer Ørsted A/S (CPH:ORSTED) has launched what is said to be the world’s first heavy-lift cargo drone operations at the 752-MW Borssele 1 & 2 offshore wind farm in the Netherlands.

Following previous trials, Ørsted is deploying 70-kg drones in an actual operations campaign. They will transport cargo of up to 100 kg from a vessel to all 94 wind turbines of the wind farm. The campaign will update some critical evacuation and safety equipment in each of the turbines, with the drone flying back and forth from an offshore supply vessel directly to the top of the nacelle.

According to the company, the use of drones will improve safety, reduce carbon emissions and lower the cost of operating offshore wind farms. Drones lead to less work disturbance as wind turbines can stay operational during cargo deliveries, it explained.

Ørsted said it is actively seeking partnerships with cargo drone operators and services providers to grow the supply chain.

The developer’s work on new technologies includes recent testing of a new method for offshore wind monopile installation and the deployment of autonomous vessel for offshore surveying.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!