Ørsted announced the deployment of heavy-lift cargo drones at its Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm. According to the clean energy company, the drones will move cargo from a vessel to the wind farm’s 94 turbines in the first operation of its kind in the world.
Ørsted Cargo Drones Can Lift 220 Pounds
The drones, which weigh about 154 pounds and feature an 8.5-foot wingspan, can carry cargo that weighs up to 220 pounds. They will operate in an Ørsted campaign that seeks to update the turbines’ safety and evacuation equipment.
Replacing Slower Vessels
The drones will replace a vessel that sails between turbines, uses a crane to lift equipment boxes onto transition pieces, and transfers them to the nacelle and, eventually, the turbine’s top.
Ørsted expects the drone flights to take approximately four minutes per turbine, compared to the traditional approach, which can take six hours. Additionally, considering transport to and from shore, the company estimates the drones to be 10 to 15 times faster than the conventional method.
Improving Safety, Costs, and Carbon Emissions
Ørsted Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer Rasmus Errboe said the drones would reduce carbon emissions, boost safety, and lower offshore wind farm operating costs. The company also expects reduced work disturbances since they will not need to shut down the turbines during cargo deliveries.
Image Credit: Ørsted
