Orsted has forged a partnership with Rutter, a technology company, to integrate Rutter's wave prediction technology, known as sigma S6 WaveSignal, into selected Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) within Orsted's contracted fleet worldwide. This initiative aims to bolster safety during offshore wind operations.
Rutter's innovative technology harnesses data from onboard navigation radars to forecast incoming waves with remarkable precision, providing critical information to vessel crews, enabling safer offshore transfers.
The genesis of this partnership can be traced back to 2018 when Rutter and Orsted embarked on a collaborative project focused on wave prediction applications aimed at enhancing safety during transfers from CTVs to offshore wind turbines. The result of this endeavor was the development of wave prediction capabilities and operational processes tailored to augment the safety of offshore transfers.
The wave prediction system has been undergoing trials with Orsted since 2021, and these trial systems have now seamlessly transitioned into regular daily use. The initial trials commenced onboard a 27-meter CTV operating at the Walney Extension Windfarm, subsequently expanding to encompass a total of five Orsted CTVs for a 12-month trial period.
The deployment of this wave prediction technology across Orsted's contracted fleet is slated to commence progressively throughout the year 2023.
Mikkel Windolf, Orsted Product Line Manager, emphasized the paramount importance of safety in the company's operations. He stated, “Safety is of key importance for us at Orsted, and this initiative addresses one of the more critical situations offshore – namely, the transfer to and from small CTV vessels. We are always on the lookout for solutions that can help us improve safety in our operations.”
