Adopting disruptive innovation can take a leap of faith, a mindset to consider that the old and established way, the supposedly tried and tested, might not always be the best. Sometimes, you need to flip a question completely on its head and bring a new perspective to realise that, maybe, a new approach is not only a step-change improvement but long overdue.
Seat belts, airbags, anti-lock braking (ABS), even safety guards on industrial machinery; all faced early resistance before becoming not only accepted but expected.
This is on my mind after time spent with the fantastic Pict Offshore team this week, considering future growth for their second-generation, heave compensated personnel and cargo hoist system, GUSX2.
With huge thanks for the support from Scottish Enterprise, Pict have installed a new demonstration platform at their factory in Fife, making it much easier to demonstrate the system’s capabilities: in short, significant capital savings from removal of ladders from foundations; enhanced safety and working conditions for technicians, and increased accessibility to turbines in higher sea states.
Seeing the system demonstrated under benign Inverkeithing skies does not, of course, convey anything like the conditions encountered many miles out at sea. It does, however, provide assurance on its operability, ease of use, back up systems and suchlike. The big advance for the GUSX2 from the original 150 model is the integration of a davit crane, delivering greatly enhanced functionality and operational savings.
Early adoption and proving of the system is now some way back in the rearview mirror. With Ørsted looking for a solution to remove ladder access where possible, they have installed GUS across all of their 165 turbines at Hornsea 2, as well as three of their US windfarms. With well over 27,000 operational lifts to date and counting, the system is thoroughly proven and delivering real benefits.
So, back to flipping that question on its head. Should operators be asking themselves why they would adopt a new method of accessing their turbines, or should they consider whether use of high, wet ladders from a pitching boat deck, far out at sea and often following a long boat transfer, is the best access solution? Getting up safe, and getting down safe after a full shift, are paramount. Perhaps a proven, 21st century solution might be better than a ladder…
Get in touch with Pict Offshore if you’d like to know more or see the system in operation – blue skies not guaranteed.
