OTS simplifies offshore wind installation with high-tech fibre ropes

Offshore wind farm installation is a complex task with strict safety and assembly standards. The process involves putting together the massive components of the turbine and securing it to the foundation before connecting it to the grid. All of this happens at sea, so it’s a large-scale marine operation with challenging logistics and harsh offshore conditions.

“Installations at sea are challenging. Much of the work involves lifting and towing, but lightweight, easy-to-handle equipment such as fibre ropes reduces the risks involved,” explains Bulling-Ness.

Offshore and Trawl Supply (OTS) provides tailored rope solutions for offshore wind farm installation and other applications. 

“OTS prioritises materials, machines and personnel that are top level,” says Bulling-Ness. “Above all, we are a solution provider, with technical teams who sit down with our customers and design a solution for their needs.” 

OTS’ products for offshore wind include lifting, winch, mooring and towing ropes, as well as rope slings. Cable hang-offs, rope tethers and specialised cable protection are available as well.

All solutions comprise a basic or advanced version of Dextron®12 Plus, a torque-free, 12-strand braided rope with maximum strength-to-weight ratio. Size-for-size, the rope has the same strength as steel. Dextron®12 Plus is an excellent wire rope replacement with extremely low stretch, superior flex fatigue and wear resistance.

In addition, the OTS Protective Jacket™ offers excellent protection against external abrasion and increases rope lifetime by up to five times. “Test results prove that OTS has the world’s best rope protection,” he says.

Not only is the rope fibre as strong as steel, but it is also much lighter than steel wire and chains. “OTS has lightweight, uncomplicated products that are easy to handle. This simplifies offshore operations, reduces risks and improves HSE,” says Bulling-Ness. “In most cases, the benefits far outweigh any additional cost of the fibre.”

To reduce its environmental impact, the company recently changed its entire portfolio of ropes to bio-based fibre, reducing its carbon footprint related to fibre production by 90 per cent.

OTS is making its mark in the offshore wind industry. Most notably, the company provided the towing solutions for Hywind Tampen, the world’s largest floating wind farm.

Since 1997, OTS has provided rope solutions to marine industries, including offshore oil & gas and seismic operations, where OTS is one of the few big players left in seabed mapping. Today the company is seeking to penetrate the bottom-fixed market, but also has its sights on the emerging floating offshore wind market.

“We view floating offshore wind as a significant growth area for us in the long term. In particular, we are ready to meet the needs of the mooring market in floating offshore wind,” concludes Bulling-Ness.