Helicopters for Offshore O&M

As the US offshore wind industry expands, the need for innovative operations and maintenance (O&M) strategies is intensifying. Crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and service operation vessels (SOVs) remain the backbone of offshore wind O&M, but the unique challenges of US wind farms — greater distances, costs, and different weather conditions — have driven the adoption of helicopters as a complementary O&M solution. By considering this broader range of O&M options, the industry could enhance O&M efficiency and adaptability as it progresses.

CTVs and SOVs remain the backbone of offshore wind O&M

For decades, CTVs and SOVs have proven their value in European offshore wind, efficiently ferrying personnel and equipment to turbines offshore. Their accessibility and cost-effectiveness have made them indispensable for routine maintenance in areas where frequent trips are required.

In the US, CTV and SOV production is rapidly expanding with the growth of offshore wind. Since the delivery of the first purpose-built CTV (Atlantic Pioneer in 2016), the fleet has grown to nearly 30 vessels in service, under construction, or on order, with more expected. 

Supporting by the Jones Act, shipyards like Florida’s St. John’s Shipbuilding (which delivered the Windea Enterprise for Massachusetts’ offshore wind farm) are also driving growth through faster delivery and expanded capabilities. US shipyards are modernizing and competing for contracts, fostering innovation and cost efficiency, and supporting the increasing demand for vessels. 

Advantages and limitations of helicopters for offshore O&M

CTVs and SOVs will remain the backbone of offshore O&M in Europe. However, in the U.S., helicopters are fast becoming a complimentary solution due to a few key advantages, such as speed, direct deployment, and ability to operate in a wide range of weather and sea conditions. Capable of traveling at approximately 150 miles per hour, they can reach turbines in 15 to 20 minutes. This capability can be valuable for urgent maintenance, where quick response times are critical to minimizing turbine downtime. This avoids speed restrictions applied to CTVs by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which states vessels over 65 feet must travel under 10 knots at certain locations. 

Another strength lies in direct deployment. Helicopters can deliver technicians and most cargo straight to a turbine’s nacelle. In emergency situations, their ability to evacuate personnel rapidly or transport them to medical facilities can also add a crucial layer of safety. Helicopters also operate in a wide range of conditions, depending on the model and specific weather parameters. This flexibility is particularly important along the US Pacific Coast, where frequent harsh weather disrupts operations. 

Of course, helicopters have their own limitations. They present a cost/benefit trade-off. Daily operational expenses can reach up to $16,000 in the US, driven by factors like aircraft type and specialized outfitting. While CTVs are cheaper in the European market, they are of similar cost to helicopters in the US, with a daily charter rate of $12,000 to $14,000 per day. However, helicopters are significantly cheaper than SOVs, which have a daily rate of between $70,000 and $120,000. 

The use of helicopters for offshore O&M is also less established globally, which means not all helicopters and helicopter pilots are qualified or experienced to support this use case, which again increases costs. The need for installing new infrastructure also adds to the overall costs. 

What role are helicopters playing in U.S. offshore wind O&M?

Helicopters are now playing a supporting role to CTVs and SOVs in the offshore O&M market. Operating helicopters alongside vessel operations offers a pragmatic solution for the US market challenges. For instance, SOVs are serving as floating bases for technicians, who can then be dispatched via helicopter for rapid interventions. This has optimized logistics, allowing operators to tailor their approach to the specific needs of each wind farm and situation. 

Such a strategy is also reducing a reliance on any single transportation method. By leveraging the strengths of both helicopters and vessels, operators are efficiently addressing the logistical complexities of large-scale offshore wind projects. Advanced planning tools and logistics platforms could further enhance the efficiency of this approach, by enabling precise scheduling and resource allocation. 

With this, helicopter manufacturers and service providers have already proven the unique selling points of helicopters, serving offshore wind developers through new trials, partnerships, and events. This infrastructure is now established along the East Coast, defying conventional understanding of what helicopters can be used for by transporting cargo as well as personnel when vessel availability has been an issue. 

The future of offshore wind O&M logistics in the US

We are all encouraged by the industry’s projected growth. As the sector grows quickly, however, new challenges will emerge. One potential challenge, highlighted in a recent report by the GWEC, predicted the number of skilled technicians needs to grow by 43 percent between 2023 and 2027. An imminent skills gap could make the fast movement of skilled personnel a critical challenge. Helicopters are already helping provide a solution to this emerging issue, addressing a problem that is not yet fully visible to us at this moment. 

The evolution of US offshore wind O&M will require a mix of innovation and collaboration. Developers, vessel operators, and helicopter providers are already exploring ways to adopt multi-transport strategies to meet the industry’s growing and changing demands.

Integrating helicopters into existing O&M frameworks also points toward the increasing need for advanced simulation and schedule optimization technology to coordinate multi-transport strategies effectively. Helicopters will add a layer of complexity to the planning process, and potentially challenge the traditional approach to O&M. They may also unlock new levels of flexibility and efficiency necessary for the challenges facing the industry in the years ahead. By combining the best of both worlds, the US offshore wind industry is charting a path toward more flexible and robust O&M practices, setting the stage for sustained growth and success. 

Ole-Erik Endrerud is Founder and CPO of Shoreline Wind, which develops intelligent SaaS solutions for powering wind energy.

Shoreline Wind | shoreline.no