/rc-wind/tuv-rheinland-375534202_core_8_3.jpg)
| Basic Facts | |
|---|---|
| Client: | Leading global insurance company |
| Timeframe: | 2012 |
| Project Location: | Offshore converter platform located in the North Sea |
| Main services: | - Marine Warranty Survey - Transportation and assembly monitoring |
Initial situation and requirements
The planned converter platform is scheduled to begin operation by mid-2014 in the North Sea. It will connect offshore wind projects to the German electrical grid and will supply up to 864 megawatts of power. On this platform, the three-phase current generated by the wind farms in the eastern North Sea will be converted to direct current before being transferred to the mainland through submarine cables.
The converter platform under construction is the largest existing platform of its kind. The size of the converter presents the biggest challenge: the platform has a total height of almost 80 meters and is 56 meters wide and 82.5 meters long. It is connected by around 160 kilometers of submarine cables, which also marks a new record.
| The platform’s dimensions are equivalent in height to an 11-storey apartment block, and the structure weighs as much as 25 fully fueled and fully loaded Airbus A380 jets. |
|---|
About TÜV Rheinland
Founded more than 140 years ago, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment, and technology in nearly all aspects of life.
We inspect technical equipment, products and services, oversee projects and help to shape processes for companies around the world. Since 2006, we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.
TÜV Rheinland offers a wide range of services for onshore and offshore wind power projects. Our independent experts investigate the safety of marine operations during the installation of offshore wind projects. We also offer type and component certification for wind turbines, as well as project certification for offshore wind projects in particular.
Solutions, results
Offshore wind installations are becoming more and more complex, and operators and investors are facing various challenges with regards to safety, performance and compliance. TÜV Rheinland, as a respected provider of marine warranty surveys, was the preferred choice for this project.
The insurance company is covering transportation and assembly risks, since all material damage that occurs during transportation, construction and operation is insurable. As part of the risk management strategy, the insurer has appointed TÜV Rheinland as the marine warranty surveyor. This project involves the monitoring of all loading, transportation and installation processes associated with the new offshore converter platform.
The complex marine warranty survey ensures the highest level of safety through the evaluation of risks on the offshore installation during the transportation and installation phase. The specialist from TÜV Rheinland carries out inspection services and monitoring to minimize potential risks and guarantee that the converter platform is safely transported and installed.
Read more about our services of offshore installations
Benefits for the client
TÜV Rheinland supported this project with:
- Maximum safety and performance during the transportation and assembly.
- Extensive experience in wind energy projects and quality issues.
- Highly qualified marine warranty experts.