Siemens purchases first MaXccess System
Siemens has purchased the very first MaXccess system, to improve the safe transfer of personnel on to offshore wind turbines. MaXccess was designed by OSBIT Power Ltd and has been rigorously tested by a strategic alliance of Siemens, OSBIT Power, Statoil and Fred Olsen Windcarrier.
Siemens, which operates a Zero Harm health and safety policy, will apply the system on a project 30km offshore, to increase experience and identify further optimisation opportunities. By using the system, Siemens aims to significantly improve safety for its technicians and to aid in reducing the cost of offshore wind.
Richard Luijendijk, director Siemens Energy Service Renewables UK & Ireland, has said “At Siemens, the safety of our employees is of paramount importance. Our approach to safety is driven by our Zero Harm policy and we never compromise on this. Thanks to the innovative design which OSBIT Power has developed, the hazards normally associated with the transfer phase have been reduced. As a result we will continue to ensure a safe working environment for our technicians offshore”.
The trials in Norway demonstrated that MaXccess can successfully and safely transfer technicians in higher sea states. The sea trials of MaXccess have shown that reliable access in 1.9m significant wave height conditions can be achieved. The system’s capability means that Siemens will be able to provide a higher level of accessibility which, in turn, will increase energy yields on the wind farm.
Siemens has supported the development of the MaXccess system since 2011, and has recently completed an extensive test campaign in Norway. A thorough set of sea trials were also conducted at the Hywind Demo site with Statoil and Fred Olsen Windcarrier, to further enhance design features.
Ken Soerensen, head of Service Offshore Wind Business of Siemens Energy comments:
“by proactively engaging with emerging companies such as OSBIT Power, we once again prove that we are at the forefront of the innovation in offshore wind, and continue to strive for excellence and safety in all service operations”.
Notes to editors: MaXccess can be experienced live during a product demonstration at the Seawork event, the largest international commercial maritime exhibition and business forum from 22-24 May at the ABP Port of Southampton, UK (www.seawork.com)