A support tool for assessing the risks of heavy lift vessel logistics in the installation of offshore wind farms

Semi-submersible heavy lift vessels (HLVs) are currently the main option for the installation of electrical substation platforms on offshore wind farms. As sites move further offshore installation operations are subject to harsher weather conditions which results in increased uncertainty over the cost and duration of the installation. Assessing the comparative risks associated with logistical decisions and identifying the best course of action is therefore a challenging problem. This study describes a support tool developed through collaboration between industry and academia which is designed to aid decision makers by providing improved understanding of the risks associated with logistical decisions. A case study of a realistic offshore wind farm installation is utilised to explore the impact of key HLV logistical decisions on the cost and duration of the installation of offshore substations