Danish company launches world’s first heavy-lift cargo drones at offshore wind farm

Danish multinational energy company Ørsted has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in offshore wind energy with the launch of the world’s first heavy-lift cargo drone operations at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm, this pioneering deployment represents a major advancement in wind farm logistics, offering a faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

The world’s first heavy-lift cargo drone operations have officially begun at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm, spearheaded by Danish green energy leader Ørsted, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

The deployment of these advanced drones is set to revolutionize logistics at the site.

Ørsted’s heavy-lift cargo drones (HLCD) are tasked with transporting supplies from a vessel to all 94 turbines at the Borssele offshore wind farm. This innovative approach is expected to significantly cut costs and time while enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Weighing 70 kg, these drones are capable of carrying cargo up to 100 kg. This operational campaign follows successful concept testing conducted last year at the Hornsea 1 Offshore Wind Farm in the UK. The new drone system aims to reduce risk and improve safety for personnel, decrease the number of ship journeys required, and lower carbon emissions in the process.

Ørsted, a leader in offshore wind energy, has launched the world's first heavy-lift cargo drone operations at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm. This advancement marks a significant leap in offshore wind technology, transforming the logistics of wind turbine maintenance and operation.

Rasmus Errboe, Ørsted’s Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO, highlighted the innovation's impact: “The drones at Borssele 1&2 exemplify our commitment to enhancing safety, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering operational costs. This development not only boosts the commercial appeal of offshore wind for investors and governments but also strengthens our position in the renewable energy sector.”

Traditionally, transporting equipment to offshore turbines involved a complex and time-consuming process using cranes and vessels. In contrast, the new drones streamline the process by flying directly from the supply vessel to the top of each turbine’s nacelle. This method cuts the transport time from about six hours per turbine to just four minutes, significantly speeding up operations by up to 15 times compared to conventional methods.

Ørsted's use of these drones not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces carbon emissions and improves overall safety for personnel. The company’s in-house R&D capabilities continue to drive innovations that make green energy more affordable and sustainable.