WIND FARM ASSEMBLY Off The Coast Of Sylt - Millimeter Work In All Weathers | Full Documentary

WELT Documentary26 minutes read

A giant vessel in the North Sea is building a wind farm with 80 turbines in record time, using modern technology and precise coordination, with a crew working in 28-day shifts onboard with excellent meals provided by the chef.

Insights

  • The construction of the Dantusk wind farm in the German North Sea involves cutting-edge technology, such as the Pacific Osprey vessel, which can install a wind turbine in just one day, showcasing the efficiency and scale of modern offshore wind projects.
  • The living conditions for the crew and technicians working on the wind farm are carefully designed for comfort and privacy, with amenities like individual cabins, saunas, and common rooms, highlighting the importance of providing a conducive environment for those involved in such complex and demanding operations.

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Recent questions

  • How are wind turbines installed at sea?

    Using a special purpose vessel with wind turbines almost 150 meters tall, technicians erect 80 wind turbines in record time in the German North Sea. The most modern installation vessel, the Pacific Osprey, allows for the installation of a wind turbine in just one day. Special vehicles transport large components like nacelles and towers, which are pre-assembled and loaded onto the ship with precision. The rotors are carefully loaded onto the ship's oversized rack with the coordination of two cranes, ensuring safety. The Pacific Osprey uses jack-up technology to provide a stable work platform for the installation of wind turbines.

  • What is the largest installation vessel in the world?

    The largest installation vessel in the world is the Pacific Osprey, which is being used to build one of the largest wind farms in the German North Sea. This vessel allows for the installation of wind turbines in record time, with the ability to install a wind turbine in just one day. It uses jack-up technology to provide a stable work platform for the installation process, making it a crucial component in the construction of wind farms at sea.

  • What are the living conditions like for crew members on the installation vessel?

    Crew members on the installation vessel, the Pacific Osprey, work in two 12-hour shifts for 28 days at a time. They are served four hot meals daily by the chef, including a variety of dishes like pasta with homemade pesto and beef stew with puff pastry. The crew interacts with installation technicians during meal times, with the crew staying for 28 days and technicians working every 14 days. Living quarters include common rooms, cinemas, saunas, and individual cabins, providing privacy and comfort after long work hours.

  • How do technicians connect the nacelle to the tower?

    Technicians connect the nacelle to the tower using 116 special bolts, ensuring the rotor is set at the right angle towards the wind. The nacelle contains technical components like gearbox, generator, and automatic control system, which are crucial for the electricity production of the wind turbine. This precise process involves lifting the nacelle using a special tool and securing it to the tower to ensure proper functionality and efficiency.

  • What challenges do technicians face during the installation of rotor blades?

    Technicians face challenges such as limited space and the need for accuracy and precision during the installation of rotor blades. Working in challenging conditions dictated by wind speed, technicians coordinate closely to avoid damage and ensure proper connection to the nacelle. The wind itself is their greatest adversary, making the installation of rotor blades a meticulous and crucial task in the construction of wind farms at sea.

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Summary

00:00

"Building Dantusk: Giant Vessel, Record Turbines"

  • A giant special purpose vessel with wind turbines almost 150 meters tall is being used to build one of the largest wind farms in the German North Sea off the coast of Silt.
  • 80 wind turbines are being erected in record time in an area of around 70 square kilometers.
  • The most modern installation vessel in the world is in operation, allowing for the installation of a wind turbine in just one day.
  • Special vehicles designed for the task help transport the large components, such as nacelles and towers, which weigh tons.
  • The nacelles are pre-assembled and loaded onto the ship, the Pacific Osprey, with precision and care to ensure secure transportation.
  • The towers, weighing between 230 and 273 tons, are hoisted onto the ship in one piece and have all necessary components for electricity production.
  • The rotors are carefully loaded onto the ship's oversized rack with the coordination of two cranes, ensuring precision and safety.
  • The Pacific Osprey, the largest installation vessel in the world, uses jack-up technology to provide a stable work platform for the installation of wind turbines.
  • The ship's crew, consisting of officers, engineers, technicians, and kitchen staff, works in two 12-hour shifts for 28 days at a time.
  • The wind farm, named Dantusk, is located in the North Sea about 70 kilometers west of Silt, with constant winds and favorable conditions for efficient operation.

22:34

Life on Wind Farm Installation Ships

  • Meals on the ship are a highlight, with four hot meals daily, including a variety of dishes like pasta with homemade pesto, spare ribs, beef stew with puff pastry, Danish pork dumplings, and French fries with deep-fried parsley.
  • The crew, spending almost a month on the ship, is served by the chef with humor and meals like minced pork in curry sauce, to be eaten with rice.
  • Two main groups onboard are the crew and installation technicians, who interact during meal times, with the crew staying for 28 days and technicians working every 14 days.
  • The installation of the nacelle involves precise lifting using a special tool, with the nacelle containing technical components like gearbox, generator, and automatic control system.
  • Technicians connect the nacelle to the tower using 116 special bolts, ensuring the rotor is set at the right angle towards the wind.
  • The technicians' living quarters include common rooms, cinemas, saunas, and individual cabins, providing privacy and comfort after long work hours.
  • Installation of rotor blades requires accuracy and precision due to limited space, with the technicians coordinating closely to avoid damage and ensure proper connection to the nacelle.
  • Wind speed dictates work rhythm, with technicians working in challenging conditions to install the rotor blades safely and accurately, facing the wind as their greatest adversary.
  • The construction of wind farms involves various ships like crew transfer vessels, security ships, and residential ships, with technicians working in shifts and living on hotel ships or residential platforms near the wind farm.
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