Demand for Offshore Wind Vessels to Rapidly Grow

Europe dominated the industry, and accounting for over 3.0 GW of wind turbines capacity. However, the offshore wind power industry is currently facing bottlenecks.

Offshore wind power is being increasingly explored around the world for its high yield. Its stronger, more consistent winds compared to onshore locations and the scope for the construction of massive GW-scale wind turbines projects make it highly attractive and in 2011, global cumulative installed capacity for offshore wind turbines stood at 3.8 GW.

Europe dominated the industry, and accounting for over 3.0 GW of wind turbines capacity. However, the offshore wind power industry is currently facing bottlenecks in terms of efficient installation, high voltage power cables and operation and maintenance vessels.

Installations of offshore wind farms with higher capacity turbines and heavier foundations for operating in deeper water are expected to peak in the 2015-2020 periods. However, the development of new oil and gas fields, which compete for the operation and maintenance vessels these two industries share and offer better prices for the limited equipment, will pose an obstacle to the offshore wind industry achieving its 2020 targets.

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Offshore Nieuws Staff, April 10, 2012; Image : southboatsgroup