Equipment that works well at an onshore wind farm will not necessarily meet the needs of an offshore operation. The differences start with logistics and extend to the environment in which the equipment will work.
Logistics and handling
In onshore operations, road transport and on-site handling usually define the design constraints. Offshore, sea transport, handling in ports and on vessels, and lifting in sea conditions come into play, requiring extra attention to stability and securing.
Environment and durability
The marine environment is aggressive to steel structures. Corrosion protection, material selection and securing solutions must account for this exposure from the start of the design.
The same principle
Despite the differences, the principle is the same in both scenarios: design from the real operation. That is what ensures the equipment delivers performance and safety where it will actually be used.
