Thijs Schless, operations manager of Orsted in Norddeich, stated: “With its design and individual technical capabilities, the Wind of Hope is perfectly suited to efficient and sustainable maintenance operations as well as the needs of our employees. Due to our expansion in recent years, the scope of our installed wind power capacity in the German North Sea has almost doubled. The new service vessel will help us to continue to ensure energy generation at the high level we achieve today.”
The 84-meter-long Wind of Hope features a sustainable diesel-electric drive with hybrid support, complemented by a battery pack to enhance efficiency. For safe personnel transfers during maintenance, the vessel is equipped with a motion-compensated gangway that adjusts for wave movements. An advanced dynamic positioning system ensures the ship remains stationary within a one-meter deviation, improving operational precision.
The Wind of Hope provides 90 single cabins, each with windows and private bathrooms, for service technicians and crew. The onboard canteen, accommodating up to 40 people, offers freshly prepared meals, and the vessel has its own fresh water supply, ensuring comfort and self-sufficiency during operations.
Like the Wind of Change, the Wind of Hope will dock at the port of Emden every two weeks for crew changes and equipment loading. This regular schedule supports seamless operations and maintenance of Orsted’s offshore wind farms, which have significantly expanded in recent years, nearly doubling the company’s wind power capacity in the German North Sea.
The introduction of the Wind of Hope reflects Orsted’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while supporting sustainable energy production. The vessel’s advanced design and features enable efficient maintenance, ensuring the reliability of offshore wind turbines that contribute to clean energy generation in the region. By investing in specialized infrastructure, Orsted continues to strengthen its role in advancing renewable energy solutions in Germany.
This development underscores the importance of tailored maritime support in the offshore wind sector, enhancing both operational efficiency and employee well-being while contributing to the broader adoption of sustainable energy in the North Sea region.
