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Offshore energy projects are not known for their glamour – particularly in the notoriously tough environment of the North Sea. Rigs can be more than 250 miles away from the coast and face all manner of unforgiving conditions that can affect operations and pose risks to facilities and their personnel.
Platforms are subject to strong winds, high waves, torrential rain, electrical storms and temperatures that can plummet to -20°C, so their operations require levels of resilience and preparation that are unheard of in most industries.
The same applies for offshore wind farms. Although located closer to land and designed to take advantage of strong winds, turbines have to withstand harsh weather conditions. So do the workers involved in their construction and maintenance. What’s more, vessel movements and the transfer of equipment and personnel can be particularly dangerous.
The problem is even greater in deeper areas of the North Sea, which are subject to larger waves and stronger currents. But the region is one of the world’s top offshore energy development areas, so the industry needs ways to ensure projects can operate safely and efficiently, despite the challenges.
Standing the offshore test
Safeguarding equipment used for such projects is a key concern. One way to do this is to use specialised offshore containers, known as ‘DNV containers’, specially developed to transport materials to and from offshore structures.
They can be transferred from ship to ship or platform, are easily stackable, and can withstand the force of banging against structures and harsh weather conditions during transfer. They are also particularly weather tight, ensuring that any equipment stored inside is kept damage free, no matter what. They can last up to 25 years of consistent use.
Cargostore collaboration
In recognition of the value of these specialised containers for offshore projects, in November this year GAC Denmark signed a deal with Cargostore Worldwide, to bring its industry-leading offshore containers to energy customers throughout the Nordic region.
The partnership adds a new dimension to the package of support services GAC provides for the sector to ensure the safe daily operation of offshore rigs and wind farms. The company understands the challenges and the need to ensure that every measure is taken to preserve the integrity of equipment being transferred.
“Offshore energy projects, no matter where they are in the world, need to be extremely resilient,” says Sebastian Jönsson, GAC Denmark’s Managing Director. “From our experience of working with offshore wind farms and oil & gas projects across the North Sea, we understand the need to do everything we can to keep vital equipment safe and secure, during transfer and while on deck.
Andrew Moll, Head of Global Operations at Cargostore, adds: “Our motto, ‘Carry on, we’ve got this contained,’ is exactly what this partnership with GAC is all about. We’re combining local expertise with our robust container solutions to offer customers unmatched speed and reliability across the Nordic region’s demanding offshore environments.”
The need for tailored solutions to enable the uninterrupted operation of energy projects is imperative for offshore developers. Through its partnership with Cargostore, GAC Denmark is bringing the best systems, platforms and equipment to support complex logistical operations.
