SAL Renewables has established a new partnership with OWS Off-Shore Wind Solutions and Wind Multiplikator to deliver major component exchanges (MCE) for the offshore wind industry in Northern Europe. SAL will provide the logistical side, OWS its expertise in operations and execution expertise, and Wind Multiplikator its experience in operational management.

Optimized wind farm operations are playing an increasingly critical role for owners and operators. The partnership aims to support its customers with safe and flexible solutions through MCE concept and agile approach, the company states.

The partnership brings together three industry experts, each with significant experience in the MCE of different turbine types. This collaboration means that MCE services will be available to all wind farms in European waters as a start.

All three parties have gained relevant experience over the past five years, the partners state. Wind Multiplikator provided project management services to OWS, who was in charge of the offshore wind farm Bard Offshore 1, the first commercial wind farm in the German North Sea since 2016. This step made the wind farm the most productive field in Germany in 2017.

Wind Lift 1

SAL combines its heavy-lift expertise with the assets of its owner, Harren & Partner. In 2017, Harren & Partner was hired as technical manager to improve the performance of Ocean Breeze Energy’s jack-up vessel Wind Lift I. The company acquired this vessel at the end of last year to while establishing its new venture SAL Renewables. With the new ownership and the collaboration with OWS and Wind Multiplikator, Wind Lift I is now ready to take on new opportunities in addition to its long-term charter with Ocean Breeze Energy.

“After the purchase of Wind Lift I, we are very pleased with this partnership that will enhance our services and bring together very experienced companies in the offshore wind industry”, says Heiko Felderhoff, MD of Harren & Partner and SAL Renewables.

Michael Munder-Oschimek, managing director of OWS, added: “This partnership will allow us to use our experience in major component exchanges while bringing complete solutions to the market. Our setup in Emden with direct quay access, a 450-tonne gantry crane, large storage areas, main component overhauling facilities, and a 24/7 control room is perfect for MCE and MCR solutions.”

“The wind industry in Northern Europe is picking up again. New wind farms are being installed and existing turbines need to be maintained with an increased output of the turbines. The opportunities to generate business for the cooperation partners are very positive”, concludes Matthieu Moerman, head of projects at SAL Renewables.