A rapid capacity build-out of vessels and crew is needed to meet growing demand for offshore wind. Several companies are already stepping up to the plate.
http://social.windenergyupdate.com/industry-insight/ship-supply-must-shape-meet-burgeoning-demand
The innovation and learning gained from installation of steel structures in the North Sea can be applied to offshore wind, says the company. This best-practice can be applied to offshore wind, offering immediate benefit, particularly given the comparative cost-sensitivity of offshore wind projects.
Atkins argues that advances in oil and gas expertise with regards to working with steel could be leveraged by the offshore wind industry.
The company points out that the amount of steel used to support a given weight has broadly halved over the period that the oil industry has been operating in the North Sea.
As steel weight is a useful proxy for cost, this demonstrates what engineering innovation can achieve in terms of economic benefit.
Source: windenergyupdate.com