OSC: virtual precision, real-world impact

To combat climate change, we must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, requiring massive renewable energy growth, including offshore wind.

“Offshore wind must scale quickly, but risks and costs are high. Simulation can reduce capital expenditure,” says Teigene Hatløy. OSC’s advanced offshore simulators are key to this effort.

OSC is transforming offshore planning with its cloud-based SaaS platform, Sandbox. Designed for ease and flexibility, Sandbox empowers users to plan, simulate and optimise operations from anywhere, whether they are working at the office or from home.

With advanced physics and hydrodynamic modelling, engineers can prototype projects with exceptional precision. Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, Sandbox enables global collaboration and delivers a premium virtual experience for offshore wind operations.

Built on real physics, OSC’s simulators offer unparalleled realism. By translating complex data – such as weather, sea conditions and operational dynamics – into actionable insights, OSC facilitates rapid decision-making and seamless human interaction.

“Our customers provide their own data, which we combine with advanced datasets on weather, sea conditions, and more. Then we crunch the numbers to create highly visual outputs,” explains Teigene Hatløy.

“For example, in heavy crane operations, users can test maximum loads and see how wind speed impacts lifting a machine onto a vessel.”

OSC’s portfolio includes specialised solutions such as virtual prototyping, digital twins and predictive tools.

“Our technology supports every phase of the wind farm lifecycle – from planning and installation to monitoring, maintenance and decommissioning,” she adds.

“Offshore wind farms are massive, complex operations. By testing plans and procedures early on, operators can reduce risks and lower costs in the long run,” says Teigene Hatløy.

Operational efficiency is boosted, leading to higher profits and lower emissions. Additionally, complex risks and opportunities are revealed in hours or days, rather than months or years. Furthermore, simulation allows crews to train in a controlled environment, enhancing worker safety. This can also result in reduced insurance premiums.

In a wider context, OSC accelerates the transition to renewable energy. “Our customers can pilot test new sustainable solutions in a real-world ocean environment, achieving faster results at a lower cost,” she says.

The EU strategy on offshore renewable energy sets out targets for at least 60 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050. Teigene Hatløy sees OSC’s potential to support the EU and others in meeting these ambitious targets.

“The offshore wind supply chain needs to test, prepare and explore various scenarios to drive industrialisation,” she says. “By 2050, around 20 000 offshore wind turbines the size of the Eiffel Tower will need to be installed.”

OSC’s primary customers are offshore wind developers, EPCIs and shipowners in Europe and the US. Founded in 2004 to serve the offshore sector, OSC now generates 75 per cent of its ocean-segment revenues from renewables.