Acteon’s Pivotal Role in the Butendiek Offshore Wind Farm Project

Overview of Acteon’s Role in the Butendiek Offshore Wind Farm Project

Acteon, through its geo-services brand UTEC, has completed the first year of a three-year balance of plant inspection contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) for the 228 MW Butendiek offshore wind farm in Germany. This contract underscores Acteon’s significant role in the renewable energy sector, particularly in ensuring the operational efficiency and long-term integrity of offshore wind farms.

During the first year, Acteon conducted comprehensive annual subsea foundation inspections using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), array cable and foundation seabed surveys, and corrosion protection surveys. These inspections were crucial for maintaining the wind farm’s infrastructure and ensuring its continued efficiency.

The work was performed by UTEC, a brand within Acteon’s geo-services business line, and included a multibeam echosounder seabed survey of the array cables and foundation scour. Additionally, Deepwater, formerly a brand in Acteon’s energy services business line, carried out inspections of the impressed current cathodic protection systems on the turbines along with a subsea CP survey using its POLATRAK DC II reference cell. This provided reliable data on the condition of the subsea assets, covering the wind turbine generators and the offshore substation.

The services were executed from the Arctic Hunter, a survey vessel provided by OS Energy. A similar vessel will be available in 2025 and 2026 to perform survey and ROV inspection services for this site and others. Throughout the operations, the results were uploaded to UTEC’s proprietary iSite Subsea portal, enabling the project team to swiftly interpret inspection results. For more than ten years, above-water asset owners have been using iSite, the market-leading collaborative virtual asset and data management platform. UTEC has now developed this core platform to create iSite Subsea, designed specifically to meet the needs of the offshore renewable energy market, and its new capabilities were demonstrated on this project.

“Successful completion of the first year of this contract with SGRE is a key milestone. It demonstrates our expanding capabilities for balance of plant inspection and survey, and our team is already focused on delivering the 2025 inspections. The Butendiek offshore wind farm project continues to expand Acteon’s portfolio in the renewable energy market, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for offshore wind developments,” said Ben Johnston, Balance of Plant Lead, UTEC Marine Technology News.

Significance of the Three-Year Balance of Plant Inspection Contract

The three-year balance of plant (BoP) inspection contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) for the Butendiek offshore wind farm is a pivotal milestone for Acteon, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-quality inspections that ensure the long-term integrity and efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure. This contract not only aligns with Acteon’s strategic goals but also sets a precedent for future collaborations in the renewable energy sector.

Acteon, through its geo-services brand UTEC, has successfully completed the first year of this contract. During this period, Acteon conducted comprehensive annual subsea foundation inspections using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), array cable and foundation seabed surveys, and corrosion protection surveys. These inspections were crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of the wind farm, which is located approximately 32 km west of the island of Sylt in the German sector of the North Sea.

The work included a multibeam echosounder seabed survey of the array cables and foundation scour, providing detailed data on the condition of these critical components. Additionally, Deepwater, a brand within Acteon’s energy services business line, carried out inspections of the impressed current cathodic protection systems on the turbines. This involved a subsea CP survey using the POLATRAK DC II reference cell, which provided reliable data on the condition of the subsea assets. These services covered the wind turbine generators and the offshore substation, ensuring the overall operational efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure.

The inspections were executed from the Arctic Hunter, a survey vessel provided by OS Energy. This vessel is essential for performing survey and ROV inspection services, and similar vessels will be available in 2025 and 2026 to continue these services for this site and others. Throughout the operations, the results were uploaded to UTEC’s proprietary iSite Subsea portal, enabling the project team to swiftly interpret inspection results. iSite Subsea is a market-leading collaborative virtual asset and data management platform designed specifically for the offshore renewable energy market. This platform has been instrumental in streamlining the inspection process and ensuring the timely delivery of inspection reports.

The successful completion of the first year of this contract is a significant milestone for Acteon. It demonstrates the company’s expanding capabilities in balance of plant inspection and survey services. Acteon is now focused on delivering the inspections for the subsequent years, ensuring the continued integrity and efficiency of the Butendiek offshore wind farm. This contract aligns with Acteon’s strategic goals of expanding its portfolio in the renewable energy market and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for offshore wind developments. The Butendiek project continues to expand Acteon’s portfolio in the renewable energy market, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for offshore wind developments.

The three-year BoP inspection contract with SGRE is not just a contractual obligation but a commitment to Acteon’s strategic vision. It ensures that the Butendiek offshore wind farm operates at peak efficiency, meeting the high standards set by SGRE and contributing significantly to Germany’s renewable energy goals. The contract underscores Acteon’s dedication to innovation and quality, setting a benchmark for future collaborations in the renewable energy sector. By successfully completing the first year of this contract, Acteon has demonstrated its capability to deliver high-quality inspections that support the long-term success of offshore wind projects. This milestone is a testament to Acteon’s commitment to excellence and its role as a reliable partner in the renewable energy industry.

Annual Subsea Foundation Inspections

Acteon has successfully completed the first year of a three-year balance of plant inspection contract with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) for the Butendiek offshore wind farm, located approximately 32 km west of the island of Sylt in the German sector of the North Sea. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Acteon’s commitment to delivering high-quality subsea inspection and survey services for the renewable energy sector.

The contract, managed by Acteon’s Geo-services business line, includes comprehensive annual subsea foundation inspections using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), array cable and foundation seabed surveys, and corrosion protection surveys. The inspections were conducted by UTEC, a brand within Acteon’s Geo-services division, and involved a multibeam echosounder seabed survey of the array cables and foundation scour. Additionally, Deepwater, formerly part of Acteon’s Energy Services division, performed inspections of the impressed current cathodic protection (CP) systems on the turbines and a subsea CP survey using its POLATRAK® DC II™ reference cell. This comprehensive approach provided reliable data on the condition of the subsea assets, ensuring the integrity and operational efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure.

The services were executed from the Arctic Hunter survey vessel provided by OS Energy, with similar vessels scheduled for 2025 and 2026 to continue survey and ROV inspection services for this site and others. Throughout the operations, the results were seamlessly uploaded to UTEC’s proprietary iSite Subsea portal, enabling the project team to swiftly interpret inspection results. This portal, developed from iSite, the market-leading collaborative virtual asset and data management platform, was specifically designed to meet the needs of the offshore renewable energy market. The successful completion of this contract underscores Acteon’s expanding capabilities in balance of plant inspection and survey services, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for offshore wind developments Acteon.

Survey Vessel Operations

The Arctic Hunter, a survey vessel provided by OS Energy, played a pivotal role in the inspections conducted by Acteon for the Butendiek offshore wind farm. This vessel, equipped with advanced surveying and inspection tools, was crucial for the success of the project. The operations from the Arctic Hunter were instrumental in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure. The vessel’s capabilities, including its multibeam echosounder (MBES) and remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) inspections, were essential for the comprehensive surveys conducted.

The availability of the Arctic Hunter for future inspections is a significant advantage, as it ensures continuity in the monitoring and maintenance of the wind farm. Throughout the operations, results were uploaded to UTEC’s iSite Subsea portal, enabling the project team to swiftly interpret inspection results Source.

The Arctic Hunter’s operations were not without challenges. One notable issue was the effectiveness of the ship’s Master, which could limit the dive duration of underwater operations. This challenge was addressed by optimizing the dive schedules and ensuring that the surface ship was live-boating or conducting other operations to minimize delays. Additionally, the vessel’s crew, experienced and certified to the applicable offshore standards, played a vital role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring the successful completion of the inspections Source.

The Arctic Hunter’s role in the Butendiek offshore wind farm inspections highlights the importance of advanced survey vessels in the offshore energy sector. Its availability for future inspections ensures the long-term integrity and efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure, aligning with Acteon’s strategic goals. The vessel’s capabilities and the expertise of its crew were instrumental in overcoming the challenges faced during the survey, demonstrating the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance in the offshore energy industry Source.

Data Management and Interpretation

The process of uploading inspection results to UTEC’s proprietary iSite Subsea portal is a critical aspect of data management in the offshore renewable energy market. This portal serves as a centralized repository for all inspection data, ensuring that it is easily accessible, secure, and up-to-date. The features and benefits of iSite Subsea make it an invaluable tool for data management in this sector.

The iSite Subsea portal offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline data management. One of the key features is its ability to integrate data from various sources, including remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), multibeam echosounder (MBES) surveys, and corrosion protection surveys. This integration ensures that all relevant data is consolidated in one place, providing a holistic view of the offshore wind farm’s infrastructure. The portal supports real-time data uploads, allowing inspection results to be immediately available to the project team. This real-time capability is particularly important for ensuring the timely identification and addressing of any issues detected during inspections.

The portal’s user-friendly interface enables easy navigation and data retrieval. Users can access detailed reports and visualizations, such as 3D models and high-resolution images, to gain insights into the condition of the wind farm’s components. This accessibility is crucial for supporting decision-making processes, as stakeholders can quickly assess the status of the infrastructure and make informed decisions based on the latest data. Additionally, the portal’s security features ensure that sensitive data is protected, complying with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

The iSite Subsea portal also facilitates data interpretation by providing advanced analytics and reporting tools. These tools enable users to analyze trends, identify patterns, and predict potential issues before they become critical. For example, by analyzing historical data, users can identify areas of the wind farm that are more prone to corrosion or other forms of damage. This predictive capability is essential for proactive maintenance and long-term planning, ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the offshore wind farm.

In the context of the Butendiek offshore wind farm, the iSite Subsea portal has played a pivotal role in supporting Acteon’s inspection and maintenance activities. The portal has been instrumental in interpreting inspection results and providing actionable insights to the project team. By uploading inspection data in real-time, Acteon has been able to quickly address any issues detected during inspections, ensuring the continued integrity and efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure. The portal’s advanced analytics and reporting tools have also enabled Acteon to identify trends and patterns, allowing for proactive maintenance and long-term planning.

In summary, the iSite Subsea portal is a powerful tool for data management in the offshore renewable energy market. Its features and benefits make it an essential component of any offshore wind farm’s operations and maintenance strategy. By providing a centralized repository for inspection data, the portal ensures that data is easily accessible, secure, and up-to-date. Its advanced analytics and reporting tools enable users to interpret data effectively and support decision-making processes. In the case of the Butendiek offshore wind farm, the iSite Subsea portal has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term integrity and efficiency of the wind farm’s infrastructure Why data matters in the race for offshore wind.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the first year of this contract is a key milestone for Acteon, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for offshore wind developments in the renewable energy market. Acteon’s achievements demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence in the offshore renewable energy sector, setting a strong foundation for future projects.

Sources

• Marine Technology News – Acteon Marks First Milestone
• Acteon – Acteon Completes First Year Contract with SGRE for Butendiek Offshore Wind Farm
• Offshore Magazine – Interocean, Acteon and CSP Outline Latest Offshore Wind Farm Work Scopes
• OE Digital – Acteon Marks First Year Milestone at German Offshore Wind Farm O&M Job
• RPS Group – Why Data Matters in the Race for Offshore Wind