Integrating Services, Manpower & Vessels when and where You Need Them

2013: West of Duddon Sands, array cable pull-in

CWind provided cable pulling support to CT Offshore, enabling the diver-less installation of the array cables between the 108 turbines at Dong Energy’s West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm. CWind also provides the vessels required to undertake the work. Our teams arrived at the transition piece to be ready prior to the arrival of the installation vessel, preparing the rigging equipment for the hang-off, jointing and termination. Meanwhile, on the installation vessel a second team prepared the ROV and messenger cable, significantly reducing cost and delivery timelines for the project.

A turnkey solution

CWind provides a comprehensive package to customers. By providing both vessels and technicians in well-tuned teams, CWind can respond to the tight operating windows at West of Duddon Sands. The use of CWind’s modular vessels enabled the team to carry all the equipment needed for the task as well as the technicians that will carry out the work. By reducing the number of vessels needed on site we are able to deliver cost as well as time-savings to our client.

Specialist skills

Despite the high tidal range of 9m at the site, CWind’s highly experienced teams of technicians, experts in handling the ROV in the currents at the site, consistently connected both ends of the array cables to neighboring two towers in under five hours.

Safe Work

CWind’s ROV-messenger wire method removed the need for divers at the site, significantly reducing risk levels as well as costs for the project. The speed of execution meant that the short time windows at West of Duddon Sands have a much reduced impact on the speed of construction of the wind farm.

2010: Pulau Ketam – Malaysia, deepest burial of cable in the Group’s history

Pulau Ketam is a small island located off the coast of Klang in Malaysia which had previously been powered by small electrical generators. The Malaysian-Kapar to Ketam power cable project, delivered for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Malaysia’s main energy provider, connected the Kapar Power Station on the mainland to the island.

The project presented several challenges, most significantly the extent of the cable protection required resulting in a record-breaking cable burial depth to 13.8 metres below the seabed. Networker, 60 metres in length with a proven track record in Asian waters, successfully handled the simultaneous lay and burial aspect of the project.

Cable Protection

A study commissioned by TNB that looked at future port plans for the coming years and included potential dredging requirements, highlighted the need for the cable be buried to an unprecedented depth of over 12 metres. At this depth, the cable would be fully protected throughout its life without creating any restrictions on the possible expansion of the port. In fact, the cable was buried to depths of up to 13.8 metres below the seabed. In addition to the 1.5km of cable buried at 12 metres below the seabed, 600 metres of uraduct cable protection was also installed to provide long-term protection on each side of the shipping channel.

2016: Gwynt y Môr, cathodic protection

At Gwynt Y Môr (GYM) offshore wind farm a number of the Cable entry sealing systems had been leaking resulting in fluctuating water levels inside the monopoles, which compromised the internal corrosion protection systems. A retrofit internal cathodic protection system was required to address these problems and a contractor to supply and install Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) systems in three assets experiencing the problems. CWind, in partnership and liaison with the client (GYM) and the already appointed ICCP designer undertook detailed design of the ICCP system hardware and software and the ventilation system.

Flexibility

With CWind’s ability to bring extensive resource to the project, we were able to supply all equipment, hardware and software, undertaking the works required offshore to install the ICCP systems on the three assets. CWind were responsible for the installation to required quality and safety standards as well as providing any hosting, pre-processing or hardware to enable system control, and provision of all real time data for 12 months of operation.

Pro-Active Management

CWind worked closely with the client, RWE, to ensure all scheduling and pre-planning works were completed prior to installation. This limited downtime and combined planning with pre-install asset inspections ensured that pre-installation works were complete before team deployments.

2016: Westermost Rough Offshore Wind Farm, long-term maintenance

CWind were awarded the 20 year maintenance and emergency response contracts for both the onshore and offshore substations at Dong Energy’s Westermost Rough offshore wind farms for Transmission Investments. The contract encompasses both mechanical and electrical maintenance works, inspection and corrosion protection works.

Flexibility

CWind operates a resource pool which has numerous roles capable of meeting the requirements of the program. Our asset management team was able to assign tasks flexibly, which included delivering multi-skilled technicians to site when and where required to meet ever changing demands.

Scalability

In order to enable target deadlines CWind responded by expanding shift patterns and making further technicians available as and when required. CWind responded to ad-hoc client needs by bringing manpower to the site at short notice.

Pro-active management

CWind worked closely with the client when the project was scheduled, which enabled us to ensure that inspections were carried out in conjunction with the annual servicing requirements to ensure minimised exposure time to shutdowns and un-necessary out of commission works.

Safety first

Safety, health, quality and care for the environment are fundamental principles of our business. The safety and health of our colleagues, customers, business partners and the communities in which we do business is our number one priority. All RAMS were compiled by CWind and reviewed by the client. Throughout the project the RAMS were updated and reviewed following changes to processes and following suggestions of improvements. Reports are shared with the client, and detailed records are maintained.

2013: West of Duddon Sands Offshore Wind Farm, CTV charter and foundation works

CWind provided all foundation secondary works including confined space safety plan at Dong Energy’s West of Duddon Sands Offshore Windfarm. CWind also provided the vessels required to undertake the work. Our teams removed the levelling system, completed and tested earthing arrangements, cut and modifyed jacking brackets where necessary. In addition, works included corrosion protection and TP inspections ready for handover to the client. CWind also provided confined space management, including the design, fabrication of additional equipment required, testing, maintenance and recertification as well as the monitoring of atmospheric conditions.

Turnkey packages

CWind provides a comprehensive package to the client. By covering all elements of the required work, CWind ensures tight communication within the teams and work plans that correspond to client requirements. The use of CWind’s modular vessels enabled the team to undertake a variety of tasks with a single vessel during the tight work windows at the site. By combining the confined space operations with the foundation work, CWind provided additional synergies to the client and delivers a cost and time-effective solution.

 Flexibility

The project site was subject to a high tidal range of 9m. The location of the works on the TP was in the tidal range, therefore working windows were limited to 5 to 6 hours. In order to maximise efficiency work hours were matched to low tides, with vessels, technicians and equipment ready on the platform as water levels began to drop. Extensive and specialist training ensured that our staff work in highly skilled teams to maximise time windows. When need and opportunity arose, CWind pro-actively undertok corrosion protection to correct damage to the protective layer caused in major installation works.

Specialist skills sets

A few towers at West of Duddon Sands were suffering from jammed levelling systems which could potentially damage the transition pieces and cause a major delay to works. CWind’s project management designed a solution for cutting out the levelling systems in the confined space and atmosphere conditions and then trained all CWind technicians in this process to speed up foundation works and ensure quality delivery. In addition, the removal of the levelling systems required specialist rigging & lifting arrangements, such as hydraulic torqueing.

2007: Swecomex – Mexico

The multi-purpose vessel Cable Innovator was used to install a subsea power cable between two oil platforms in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico.

As part of an upgrade program which was administered by Swecomex SA de CV, an offshore engineering company, the cabling provides vital power connectivity between Nahoch A and Takin A which are owned by Mexico’s national oil company, Pemex. Swecomex required a rapid and professional power cable installation to keep the upgrade project to time and budget.

The operations began in December 2006 and ended in April 2007.

Key challenges

Locating existing pipelines – Many of the oil and gas pipes had been buried deep into the ocean floor and had now become difficult to locate. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) were used, which have sensory devices, to locate exactly where the pipes were. The work required trained operators who controlled the ROVs from the Cable Innovator, to monitor a camera relayed from the ROV to the vessel.

2016: Humber Gateway, Balance of Plant and O&M

CWind were awarded a 2 year contract to undertake a programme of statutory inspections and maintenance services on the 73 wind turbines at E.ON’s Humber Gateway offshore wind farm. The contract encompasses both mechanical and electrical maintenance works, latchway inspection/repair, sub-sea inspections using ROV and corrosion protection works.

Flexibility

CWind operates a resource pool which has numerous roles capable of meeting the requirements of the program. Our team was able to assign tasks flexibly, which included delivering multi-skilled technicians to site when and where required to meet ever changing demands. CWind has delivered an integrated project solution by supplying all aspects of the service (project management, technicians and a vessel from the CWind fleet for safe transfer of the CWind project teams and equipment).

Scalability

In order to enable target deadlines CWind responds by expanding shift patterns and making further technicians available. CWind responds to ad-hoc client needs by bringing manpower to the site at short notice. A key advantage we offer this project is that the project is run from our Grimsby office where we have personnel, storage, equipment and vessels already in place.

Pro-active management

CWind worked closely with the client when the project was scheduled, which enabled us to ensure that inspections awere carried out in conjunction with the annual servicing requirements. Our technicians are multi-skilled and pro-active, thus reducing costs by ensuring that as many tasks as possible are completed on each offshore visit, reducing the need for unnecessary repeat site visits.

Safety first

Safety, health, quality and care for the environment are fundamental principles of our business. The safety and health of our colleagues, customers, business partners and the communities in which we do business is our number one priority. All RAMS were compiled by CWind and reviewed by the client. Throughout the project the RAMS are updated and reviewed following changes to processes and following suggestions of improvements. Reports are shared with the client, and detailed records are maintained.

2016: Wikinger, secondary foundation works

CWind was appointed on a 17 month contract to provide project and RQHSE management, project technicians and equipment to undertake secondary works at Iberdrola’s Wikinger offshore wind farm during the construction phase. Our teams are undertaking a range of mechanical, electrical and welding tasks including removing the levelling system, completing and testing earthing arrangements, cutting and modifying jacking brackets where necessary. In addition, works include corrosion protection and TP inspections ready for handover to the client. CWind is also providing confined space management, including the design, fabrication of additional equipment required, testing, maintenance and recertification as well as the monitoring of atmospheric conditions.

Turnkey packages

CWind provides a comprehensive package to the client. By covering all elements of the required work, CWind ensures tight communication within the teams and work plans that correspond to client requirements. By combining the confined space operations with the foundation work, CWind provides additional synergies to the client and delivers a cost and time-effective solution. The project is managed from our German office in Bremen with our on-site project team consisting of multi-skilled German and English speaking technicians.

Flexibility

CWind offers a flexible team on site covering both onshore and offshore tasks. Team continuity is key to the project with the current project team fully incentivised to remain on the project and meet quality requirements.

Safety first

Safety, health, quality and care for the environment are fundamental principles of our business. The safety and health of our colleagues, customers, business partners and the communities in which we do business is our number one priority. All RAMS were compiled by CWind and reviewed by the client. Throughout the project the RAMS are updated and reviewed following changes to processes and following suggestions of improvements. Reports are shared with the client, and detailed records are maintained.

2013: Gwynt y Môr, turbine technicians

CWind provides several turbine technicians to Gwynt y Môr for the onshore assembly, offshore installation, mechanical and electrical completion, pre-commissioning tasks, retrofit works and the 500hours service. Our technicians are supplied to match the needs of the project ramping up as activity on site increases. By providing well trained and highly skilled technicians on-demand we enable cost-effective construction and retrofit works on the turbines.

Delivering benefits to our customers

CWind provides a comprehensive package to the client. By covering all elements of the required work, CWind ensures tight communication within the teams and work plans that correspond to client requirements. CWind provides additional synergies to the client and delivers a cost and time-effective solution by quickly mobilising our in-house teams for the works.

Flexibility

Our technicians on this project have successfully delivered a wide range of retrofit works following isolating and locking out each turbine and then undertaking safety system updates according to work instructions. Retrofit tasks have included preparing and routing new cables into cabinets and testing, undertaking wire emergency stop updates and installation, installing new wires, SRSG box and cable glands, verification of shock and vibration sensor in electrical cabinets and then following final procedures such as energising the hub and removing the HS rotar lock to complete procedures.

Specialist skills sets

On this project we have demonstrated the specialist skill sets we have in place to deliver all the mechanical and electrical retrofit works required at the offshore wind far, utilising our in-house teams of qualified and experienced turbine technicians with considerable expertise in working with Siemens turbines.

Safety first

To ensure the safety of the turbine technicians team, on site project management manages all equipment, testing and recertifying at regular intervals. CWind’s team on site is pro-actively reporting observations to ensure an efficient and safe site and reducing the likelihood of injury or avoidable delays.

2017: Isle of Scilly – Atlantic Ocean

CWind, part of the Global Marine Group, was contracted by Western Power Distribution, to complete the vital power cable repair connecting the Isles of Scilly to mainland electricity.

The power cable was damaged by a ship’s anchor, a common occurrence with telecommunications and power cables, particularly within busy shipping lanes. The C.S. Sovereign, along with her crew of experienced cable engineers and specialist cable equipment and machinery, was contracted for the repair and rapidly mobilised. Using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) deployed from the back deck of the C.S. Sovereign, the vessel and technical team onboard surveyed the cable on the sea bed, located the fault and recovered the cable ends before successfully completing the joint.

The project was challenged by inclement weather, strong currents and restricted tide times but working together with the customer, Western Power Distribution, the repair was successfully completed within a month, without causing further disruption to the customers on the Islands. The cable was significantly damaged and there were several technical issues to overcome, but together the CWind and Global Marine Group team of experienced engineers were able to create an innovative solution. Not only was the damaged cable repaired effectively, but the new solution also created a shorter, more direct route between the connection points, when the cable was re-laid on the sea bed at a depth of 70 metres.