SanCo de-riskinging vessel utilization in offshore wind projects, the focus is on mitigating the risks associated with vessel deployment during both the Transport & Installation (T&I) and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) phases. Offshore vessel operations are critical to project success, but they come with unique risks due to weather, logistical complexities, and the challenging offshore environment. 


SanCo´s Task


Description

Vessel Suitability and Selection Assessment

Vessel Specification Review 

Suitability for Offshore Conditions 

Alternative Vessel Options and Contingency Planning:  

Logistical Planning and Scheduling Optimization

Efficient Scheduling of Vessel Operations 

Weather Window and Seasonal Planning 

Route Optimization 

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning

Operational Risk Assessment for Vessel Use 

Marine Coordination and Traffic Management 

Emergency Response Planning 

Contractual and Financial Risk Management

Contract Review and Risk Allocation 

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Vessel Utilization Options 

Insurance and Liability Management 

Weather Risk Management and Forecasting Support

Metocean Data Analysis and Forecasting 

Weather Downtime Strategy Development 

Risk Threshold Determination 

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Compliance and Training

HSE Risk Assessments 

Onboard Safety and Crew Training 

Environmental Impact Mitigation 

Technical Inspection and Maintenance Protocols

Pre-Deployment Vessel Inspections

Ongoing Condition Monitoring 

Maintenance and Repair Coordination

Digitalization and Remote Monitoring

Implementation of Remote Monitoring Systems 

Data Collection for Operational Analytics 

Predictive Maintenance Analytics:  

Stakeholder and Permit Coordination

Port and Authority Coordination 

Local Community and Regulatory Compliance 

Permitting for International Waters 

Performance Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Post-Operation Review and Lessons Learned 

Vessel Utilization KPIs

Cost-Reduction and Efficiency Initiatives 

1.


Vessel Suitability and Selection Assessment


  • Vessel Specification Review: Evaluate the technical specifications of vessels, such as lift capacity, dynamic positioning (DP) capability, and onboard crane specs, to ensure they meet the project's unique requirements for T&I and O&M.
  • Suitability for Offshore Conditions: Assess vessel suitability for specific project conditions, including water depth, wave height tolerance, and required maneuverability, as well as the nature of cargo (turbines, foundations, cables).
  • Alternative Vessel Options and Contingency Planning: Identify alternative vessels that can be deployed if primary vessels are unavailable or if operational constraints arise.
  • Other

2.


Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning

 

  • Operational Risk Assessment for Vessel Use: Conduct detailed risk assessments focusing on vessel-specific risks like transit delays, weather impacts, HSE risks, and technical failures during heavy lifting or cable-laying operations.
  • Marine Coordination and Traffic Management: Coordinate vessel movements with nearby marine traffic, avoiding congested areas and adhering to maritime safety regulations, which is particularly crucial for high-traffic offshore wind zones.
  • Emergency Response Planning: Develop emergency response protocols to address scenarios such as vessel breakdowns, collisions, or severe weather events, including safe evacuation and emergency towing procedures.
  • Others

    3.


    Weather Risk Management and Forecasting Support

    • Metocean Data Analysis and Forecasting: Use advanced forecasting tools to provide real-time updates on weather and sea conditions, guiding safe vessel operations and reducing the likelihood of unplanned downtime.
    • Weather Downtime Strategy Development: Develop strategies to minimize the financial impact of weather downtime, such as standby schedules or demurrage agreements, ensuring contractual arrangements account for likely weather disruptions.
    • Risk Threshold Determination: Establish operational thresholds (e.g., maximum wave height, wind speed limits) for each vessel type to minimize the risk of equipment damage or crew safety incidents.
    • Others
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