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STABLE provides stabilised drone platforms for offshore renewable energy production

STABLE has designed a stabilised platform for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, used for servicing and inspecting offshore wind farms and other offshore installations.

container with a stabilised platform for UAVs and drones

Transportation of crucial parts and components, and visual inspection of offshore wind turbines and wave and tidal installations is increasingly being done by bespoke drones. It is, however, challenging for a drone to land on an offshore mothership when the drone platform is moving at unpredictable angles due to waves. Likewise, to take off, the drones need to calibrate their sensors while standing still.

Thus, if the drones are delayed by harsh weather conditions, this will delay service and monitoring activities, cause production downtime and may lead companies to choose less cost-effective and environmentally sound transportation alternatives such as helicopters or offshore support vessels.

Drone platform for safe take-off and landing

The stabilised drone platform from STABLE ensures that a drone always has a horizontal take-off and landing platform. This enables the drone to take off and land more rapidly and efficiently.

STABLE’s stabilisation technology is based on dedicated sensors that monitor the movement of the ship. When the ship moves, the platform is automatically adjusted by computer-controlled actuators, allowing the platform to stay level at times.

The STABLE platform has a flexible design that is suitable for all drone sizes and deployment sites.

Concrete benefits

STABLE’s stabilised platform makes it easier to use drones instead of manned helicopters or offshore supply vessels, thereby cutting costs and reducing fossil fuel consumption dramatically. Because they are unmanned, drones also reduce the risk of injury to personnel as well as accidents.

In addition, use of the company’s stabilised platform improves efficiency in service, inspection and transportation in general, and may also help to increase production of green electricity by ensuring optimal uptime for wind turbines.

Market potential

Use of drones for offshore asset inspection is expected to grow as drone technology matures. The need for more environment-friendly transport solutions in the offshore sector is anticipated to grow as well. The main market for STABLE’s stabilised drone platforms is motherships serving offshore wind farms.

STABLE has delivered stabilised platforms to the maritime industry since 2002. Its drone platform is market ready.

The company is currently carrying out a research project to create a complete container with the stabilised platform, together with drone supplier Griff Aviation, ship operator Olympic Subsea and NORCE Norwegian Research Centre/UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The container is expected to be deployed at the end of 2019.

demonstration off the platform
Affordable and clean energy

7. Affordable and clean energy

About the goal


Stabilised drone platforms can help to ensure optimal uptime for offshore wind farms.

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

About the goal


Use of drones for service and inspection, instead of fossil fuel-driven helicopters and offshore supply vessels, can help to make offshore renewable energy production even greener.

Contact company

STABLE AS

STABLE AS

Kirkegaten 5, 4836 ARENDAL, Norway

Rune M. Eriksen

CSO

+47 905 07 574

Data engineers at work - Origo Solutions is streamlining floating offshore wind with SCADA+, which compiles comprehensive data into a single, user-friendly interface for a total overview of operations, slashing costs and emissions.

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