Looking ahead to 2024 – Revisiting G+ workstreams
While several new workstreams are being launched in 2024, G+ are looking forwarded to reinstating some of our previous topics and tools, crucial to health and safety within the offshore wind industry.
Vessel/WTG Interaction.
At offshore wind farms, there is a risk of collision between vessels (including crane booms and gangways) and WTG blades. To avoid this, the nacelle requires specific positioning along with strict procedures regarding a safe approach and turbine isolation. For a smooth operation, role responsibilities should also be clarified, reiterating the importance of following a set procedure. As the construction of wind farms expands globally, the risk of this incident occurring only increases.
This topic is a familiar one, featured regularly in incident data and explored by the European Focal Group in 2021. The workstream aims to produce good practice guidance (GPG) on the safe transit of vessels specifically related to the project, with a focus on communication; entry to wind farm; yawing, locking and isolation of WTG blades; technicians not inhibited from access on and off WTG; reinstate & reenergisation of WTG into operation; and an emergency response plan (linked to existing G+ GPG). The GPG will cover all stages of a project, from construction through to decommissioning.
Implementation of GPGs
This workstream addresses the need for assessment of G+ GPG impact, as a manner of gauging the organisation’s success and reduction in the number of incidents. Although undertaken in the past, it has not been revisited of recent, hence it’s reinstatement in 2024. By understanding if and how the GPGs are used by members, G+ can proactively shape future revisions, adapting ongoing work and beginning new projects with increased efficiency.
To achieve this, the workstream intends to re-activate the self-assessment programme. This involves distributing self-assessment forms with all GPGs for members to provide constructive feedback. These will be made publicly available so that anyone can use them. Upon analysis, G+ will apply the findings to current and future GPGs to improve their impact.