Automasjon & Data’s environmental monitoring systems protect offshore assets

To make his point, Silgjerd asks a rhetorical question: “If you invested millions of dollars in an offshore asset, wouldn’t you want to know how it’s doing at all times?”

Offshore wind farms present a special challenge in this regard. They are typically located 15 to 30 km from shore, and during storms the turbines may be exposed to winds over 60 km per hour and waves over 10 m high.

“In order for offshore wind to grow, companies need to know that their investment will be protected,” says Silgjerd.

Automasjon & Data delivers environmental monitoring systems for offshore wind farms and similar applications. Using sensors and data programs, they ensure efficient operations and long asset life.

The systems can measure wind, temperature, barometric pressure, sea currents, waves and other parameters essential for offshore users. Sensors can be mounted in any location. Moreover, crucial data is sent electronically to other users, both offshore and on shore.

“We measure the structural response of an offshore asset. If a turbine gets pounded with massive waves, what will happen to it? Will it stand strong or tip over or crack?,” explains Silgjerd.

Operationally, the data is used to decide whether to deploy service vessels, cranes, helicopters and the like depending on environmental conditions at the site.

“We do lifespan monitoring as well. We can tell our users if 20-year-old wind turbines need to be decommissioned or if they can survive another 10 years,” he adds.

Environmental monitoring systems ensure the safest possible conditions for offshore workers. “Our systems prevent helicopters, services vessels and other equipment from being deployed when environmental conditions are too dangerous,” says Silgjerd.

This translates into efficient operations as well. Good operational decisions result in optimal performance and less waste of time, mileage and fuel.

Automasjon & Data stands out for its extensive experience – 10 years in the offshore wind industry and 30 years in the offshore sector.

“We have a sound basis for choosing the right equipment and methods of measurement. We know how to install equipment that will survive for many years in rough conditions and provide the right data to extend the life of assets,” says Silgjerd.

To protect wind energy investments, all offshore assets must be monitored 24/7. Therefore, the demand for monitoring systems will grow with the industry. And the growth promises to be enormous. In fact, the global offshore wind energy market is expected to surpass USD 129 billion by 2030.

“Our business is rapidly expanding. We have only a handful of competitors, and nobody has more experience than we do. Right now we have more than 300 systems operating around the world, in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans,” he says.

WISE Group – Automasjon & Data is headquartered in Norway and has an office in Scotland, WISE Group – Muir Matheson Ltd. The WISE Group is a complete system house for developing and building meteorological, oceanographic and motion data systems. The main products are weather stations, environmental monitoring systems and helideck monitoring systems for offshore, marine and other demanding applications.