Danish energy company Ørsted has announced the introduction of “giant drones” which are set to increase efficiency and safety in the offshore wind sector.
The offshore wind company is currently the world's first to utilise autonomous, giant drones to transfer supplies to turbines.
The “giant” drones carry a weight of 58 kg and feature a wingspan of 2.6m to transport cargo of up to 68kg.
Ørsted product line manager Mikkel Haugaard Windolf emphasised how drone cargo delivery will enable its position as a leader in the industry.
Windolf said: “At Ørsted, we want to use our industry-leading position to help push forward innovations that reduce costs and maximise efficiency and safety in the offshore wind sector. Drone cargo delivery is an important step in that direction.
“We believe the UK can be the first country to commercialise this system in offshore wind farms, acting as global leaders.”
According to Ørsted, the deployment of these drones to transfer freight at Ørsted's Hornsea 1 wind farm will save money and time, resulting in less work disruption due to the turbines not needing to be shut down to deliver cargo.
Drones have been developed to reduce risk and the need for several trips by ship, thereby lowering carbon emissions and the effects of climate change. Instead, the drones will be controlled by existing crew transfer boats and Service operating boats on the site.
