Overview

James Fisher provided comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) services for Equitix, a leading developer of core infrastructure and energy-efficiency assets in the UK and Europe, as part of a 15-year partnership focused on offshore transmission owner (OFTO) assets at Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm in Suffolk, UK.

Challenge

James Fisher was engaged to deliver a full turnkey solution for two offshore platforms, onshore substation, and grid connection at Greater Gabbard 500MW offshore wind farm. The primary challenge was to maintain network availability while applying a robust maintenance regime to reduce downtime and related loss of revenue. This complex project demanded an innovative approach and technical excellence to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of Equitix’ offshore and onshore substation HV transmission assets and ancillary equipment.

Our Solution

The James Fisher team led the full asset management programme, designing a tailored strategy to ensure optimal asset availability including outsourced maintenance management, hiring, vetting and approving process 3^rd party contractors, and extensive induction and monitoring process to ensure that high standards were maintained. The network was monitored at all times from the EDS control centre, utilising its state-of-the-art marine management system (OWMS) to quickly mobilise response teams to resolve outages. EDS’ multi-skilled engineering team, qualified to perform multiple tasks, helped to reduce the number of offshore visits offering a reduction in cost, environmental impact and risk.

Value to customer

• Rapid outage response and 24/7 monitoring from the control centre, enabling the team to quickly identify and resolve, with reduced downtime
• OWMS system for the safe transfer of personnel to assets supported rapid response times.
• Multi-skilled engineers helping to reduce personnel requirements and improve safety