Osbit Power’s MaXccess System receives innovation award

NOF Energy, the business support organisation for Oil & Gas, Nuclear and Offshore Renewables, has named Osbit Power as the winner of its 2012 Innovation & Technology Award.

The award comes in recognition of OP’s development and commercial introduction of the MaXccess offshore access system; a unique product providing safer access to offshore wind farms in a greater range of weather conditions. The company, established in 2010, set out to create a robust solution to the continuing problem of safely accessing wind turbines in harsh conditions.

CEO Tony Trapp comments:

“Over the past two years, Osbit has developed MaXccess from a concept into the proven solution for safer wind turbine access in higher wave conditions.

Our approach included undertaking rigorous and phased testing of the system, throughout its development; this has included full scale prototype trials and offshore testing at three sites in the UK and Norway. NOF’s recognition of the Osbit team’s hard work in producing this simple, clever and elegant solution is greatly appreciated.

Creating new technology is something that we have been doing in the North East of England for over 35 years. Building a new company and a new team to develop a solution to the offshore access problem has been challenging, but hugely rewarding. It is our aim to establish Osbit as a leader in a number of niche technologies, with access being one of these.

Our first MaXccess system has now completed four months of commercial operations at SSE and RWE’s Greater Gabbard site and the second system will soon be operating at Scira’s Sheringham Shoal development. A larger MaXccess model is being delivered in March 2013 to serve the larger crew transfer vessels now in use. We are achieving our objectives and look forward to launching and developing further innovative access systems in 2013.”

George Rafferty, Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said:

“The UK energy sector supply chain is world-renowned for its ability to consistently deliver technological innovation to enhance the industry. OSBIT Power symbolises the high standard of innovative companies operating in this country. Its team deserves this award for creating a unique and effective solution and for their innovation driving the business forward.”