For the increasingly remote wind energy sites, it is operationally inefficient for helicopters supporting Operations and Maintenance (O&M) to return to shore to refuel. A robust fuel supply offshore is a key enabler for these remote helicopter-based maintenance concepts.
Osprey recently used Bowtie analysis as part of a drive to understand the risks associated with operating a remote offshore helideck with aviation fuelling facilities in support of Offshore Renewable Energy O&M.
Typical O&M concepts can include the delivery of maintenance personnel to Offshore Substations (OSS) via helicopter from shore, and the subsequent transfer of pairs of technicians to individual turbines for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. This concept allows maintenance to continue on more days of the year as sea-state can limit the effective delivery of personnel to the turbines from surface vessels. The addition of the helideck refuelling capability allows even greater persistence for the helicopter to support offshore O&M activities.
Our Role
Having conducted earlier feasibility work which included a roadmap for achieving regulatory acceptance of the proposed O&M concept, Osprey were asked to conduct the risk assessment of helideck refuelling operations which would ultimately support the production of the windfarm safety case. This involved defining the system description, facilitating the hazard and consequence identification process, developing accident sequences, conducting Bowtie analysis, and capturing post-mitigation risk assessments.
Outcome
The results were delivered in a set of Bowties which presented the risks and mitigations in a strategic and visual format. This was cross-referenced with the Hazard Log which provided a tool for the ongoing management of the risks.
What exactly is Bowtie analysis?  Find out more here
