VestVind sailing through Kiel Canal, loaded with eight nacelles and eight towers
Customized logistics solutions for the offshore wind industry:
United Wind Logistics develops and realises transport concept for MHI Vestas’ V164 wind turbines
- The collaboration includes the long-term charter of the deck carrier VestVind, engineering services and other auxiliary services
- The concept solution enables 24-hour turn-arounds, high flexibility of the heavy lift vessel and the reduction of freight charges
- The transport of wind turbine components for the Walney Extension offshore wind farm is the first milestone in the collaboration
Loading of one nacelle
The recently completed transport of mammoth V164 turbine components from Danish ports to Belfast with the deck carrier VestVind marks a first milestone in the collaboration between United Wind Logistics and MHI Vestas. The leading provider of offshore wind energy systems commissioned the specialists for maritime logistics solutions to develop a concept for transporting the turbine components. The first project is to supply the Walney wind farm in the Irish Sea off the west coast of Great Britain. For this purpose, United Wind Logistics designed and implemented a customized one-stop-shop solution which includes the long-term bare boat charter of up to five years of the appropriate deck carrier as well as the optimisation of the existing transport system of MHI Vestas. Based in Hamburg, United Wind Logistics is the market leader for innovative and individual one-stop-shop logistics concepts for the offshore wind industry.
A nacelle is safely landed on board
The starting point of the partnership between MHI Vestas and United Wind Logistics in this project was the demand for a fast, safe and easy-to-handle transport solution for the V164 components (rotor blades, nacelles and towers). At the same time, the aim was to provide a system that was more cost-effective than the one previously used by MHI Vestas.
“In close co-operation with MHI Vestas and closely aligned with their logistics requirements, we provided and designed a grillage concept as well as a cargo securing mechanism for a safe and economical transport of the components. With the MS VestVind operated by us, we have equipped and provided the ideal deck carrier,” explains Christoph Puschmann, Proxy at United Wind Logistics. “We are also responsible for crewing, HSE and other operational services.”
Greatest possible adaptability for United Wind Logistic’s customer is guaranteed through the size of the flush deck of VestVind as well as the cargo specific, customized grillage. The vessel can be loaded, secured and unloaded quickly in a rapid 24-hour turn-around thanks to the load securing procedure developed and provided by United Wind Logistics. Thus, United Wind Logistics has created a customer solution that offers MHI Vestas a high degree of flexibility and cost-effectiveness for its transport requirements.
VestVind loading of the towers and nacelles in the port of Lindoe (Denmark) –
first four of eight completed
United Wind Logistics: Logistics concepts for the growing offshore wind energy market
“Offshore wind energy is a major, steadily growing part of the global energy supply. With its concepts, United Wind Logistics supports the wind power industry and its competitiveness,” explains Lars Rolner, founder and Managing Director of United Wind Logistics. “With our tailor-made full-service logistics solutions, which focus on flexible deck carriers, easy-to-handle cargo securing mechanisms and the significant reduction of transport costs, we are serving this particular future-oriented market segment with its demanding standards.” United Wind Logistics has a unique network of in-house experts, partners and affiliated maritime companies such as United Heavy Lift, HeavyLift@Sea and United Engineering Solutions. This makes it possible to offer everything from a single source, from engineering services to the operation of the vessels.
A strong network
The naval architects, engineers and project managers at United Wind Logistics, HeavyLift@Sea and United Engineering Solutions provide all services along the logistics chain. These include – among others – the planning and monitoring of the transports, the sourcing or the design of the appropriate heavy lift vessel, HSE services, stowage planning, the design, manufacturing and installation of the grillage as well as risk analyses. In addition, United Wind Logistics organises the crewing as well as the port captains to supervise loading and unloading operations. For the safe shipment of offshore wind turbines, United Wind Logistics employs flexible, low-consumption, low-draught and high-efficiency heavy-lift vessels with large deck areas.
Seafastening preparations in the port of Lindoe (Denmark)
United Engineering Solutions provides support and advice for engineering services ranging from the design of the transport frames or the creation of stowage plans, to the preparation of operating manuals. When designing new vessels, United Wind Logistics collaborates with HeavyLift@Sea, an engineering company specialising in ship design. This network enables the logistics company to offer its customers innovative and tailor-made solutions in the shortest possible time.
“In order to be able to offer our customers even more services in long-term collaborations, we are aiming for further growth,” says Christoph Puschmann.
