In control of safeguarding your wind farms

Safeguarding offshore wind farms has been a top priority for us since we first began coordinating construction projects in 2012.

In April 2014, the German Government introduced guidelines for monitoring offshore wind farms. This prompted the creation of VENTUSmarine, our compliant solution for safe and cost-efficient Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind farms.

At our onshore control room in Emden, nautical officers monitor the traffic around offshore wind farms. This is done with the use of AIS and remotely operated marine VHFs. Dedicated marine coordinators take care of multiple wind farms at the same time with this service. The German Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) highly appreciates our activities, as it provides one interface for a complete cluster with multiple operators. With VENTUSmarine, navigation safety is assured allowing operation engineers to focus on their primary duties.

Custom service packages

Marine traffic monitoring is at the foundation of our services. We can build on this foundation through further service packages, making it possible for us to meet even more marine coordination requirements. These service packages can include:

1. Project internal communication management (TETRA dispatcher)
2. CTV planning
3. Permit to work Management (including software setup)
4. People- and Vessel-tracking and certification checks (including own database)
5. Internal and external reporting
6. Moderation and protocols of internal calls
7. Arranging of CMID vessel inspections

Many of the services can be booked on a pay-per-use basis (e.g. vessel certification checks).

Preparing for the future of marine surveillance

Modern technology is creating opportunities for greater independence on the seas. Drones, autonomous ships, and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allow for autonomy in the air, underwater, and above water operations. In addition to this, an increasing number of German wind farms are no longer no-go zones for small fishing vessels and pleasure crafts and have to let them in.

These factors will make the monitoring of offshore operations increasingly more complex in years to come. By working with our partners, and supporting several research and development projects related to autonomy and the Internet of Things (IoT), we are preparing for these challenges.