One of Taiwan’s largest offshore wind farms, located off the coast of Taichung, required a comprehensive inspection of its jacket structures to ensure their integrity and performance. Facing challenges such as strong currents, high vessel costs, and murky waters, the project team turned to BeeX for an innovative and cost-effective deployment solution.

Key Takeaways

• BeeX proved ability to produce >50% cost savings compared to traditional Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicles (WROVs) operations.

• Delivered equivalent inspection productivity as WROV, but with more mobile and versatile operations.

• Overcame challenges of murky waters and limited weather windows.

• Utilised the client’s Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) and equipment, reducing logistical complexities, CO2 footprint, and costs.

• Demonstrated compliance with safety and medical certifications for all on-site personnel (GWO BST, OGUK).

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Challenges: High Costs and Limited Weather Windows

Offshore wind farms in Taiwan face unique operational hurdles. Vessel costs are exceptionally high in Taiwanese waters, with larger vessels exceeding USD 70,000 per day, and even smaller Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) representing a significant operational expense. Strong winds, powerful currents, and murky seabed waters beyond 30 metres in depth further complicate traditional ROV inspection operations.

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Swapping Bulky WROV for Agile Autonomous Drone

Underwater inspections have traditionally relied on Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP2) vessels paired with large Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicles (WROVs). This method, while effective, involves substantial logistical overhead and high costs, especially in challenging environments like Taiwan’s offshore waters. Large vessels are required to stabilize operations, and WROVs face difficulties navigating close to structures in murky conditions, increasing both time and expenses.

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BeeX provided a fresh alternative. BeeX performed visual inspections, measured marine growth, and conducted visual scour surveys on the jacket structure. BeeX used the in-field CTV to transport personnel and equipment from the harbour to the jacket structure. They then mobilised onto the jacket transition piece (TP). Using the TP's davit crane, BeeX deployed the autonomous inspection drone.  This process completely eliminated the need for a DP2 vessel.

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High Productivity at a Fraction of the Cost

BeeX’s innovative approach of utilising an in-field Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) and mobilising from the jacket transition piece (TP) significantly reduced operational expenses and simplified deployment logistics.

Within a tight two-hour weather window, BeeX completed the inspection, delivering results comparable to those of a WROV while requiring far less equipment and offering enhanced mobility.

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