At Pelergy, we are proud to announce a significant achievement for Offshore Transfer Devices (OTD) and their innovative Tube Docking Device (TDD). We have been working with OTD since 2018 to provide commercial support, supporting commercialisation within the offshore wind market. After rigorous service trials, the TDD has proven its potential to transform technician transfers in the offshore wind industry. This achievement marks a key step toward the commercial delivery of version 2 of the TDD, and we are excited about the journey ahead!
The Road to Success
Launching a new technology in the competitive and resource-intensive world of offshore wind is no easy feat, especially for a startup like Offshore Transfer Devices. With tight budgets and high expectations, every step forward matters. The success of these trials demonstrates the resilience and technical expertise of Daniel James, who played a critical role in pushing this innovation forward. We also owe this milestone to the unwavering support from The Carbon Trust and the Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) program. Special thanks to OWA members, including major players like Ørsted, SSE Renewables, ScottishPower, Equinor, Vattenfall, EDF (UK), Shell, RWE, TotalEnergies, and EnBW Generation UK. Their support has been instrumental in helping OTD reach this stage.
Demonstrating the Tube Docking Device at RWE's Rhyl Flats
In September 2024, OTD’s TDD was put to the test in real-world conditions at RWE’s Rhyl Flats wind farm. With wave heights reaching 1.5m Hs, the TDD was successfully demonstrated onboard a 15m South Boat crew transfer vessel (CTV). The demonstration was a key milestone in the OWA-supported project, which included not only the installation and testing of the TDD but also the design and integration of a personnel access platform to enable safer and more efficient technician transfers.
The demonstration was attended by several key OWA members, including RWE, ScottishPower, Vattenfall, Ørsted, and our partners at Chartwell Marine, who designed the bespoke TDD personnel gangway. The trials showcased the TDD’s stability and effectiveness even in challenging offshore conditions, reinforcing its potential as a game-changer for technician safety, vessel operability, and environmental performance.
Unlocking Potential for Offshore Wind Operations
The Tube Docking Device offers a range of benefits that could reshape how we approach technician transfers in offshore wind. One of the most exciting features of the TDD is its ability to increase weather windows, allowing for more efficient operations in conditions that would traditionally be considered too challenging for technician transfers. This technology not only improves safety by reducing the risk of slips and other incidents during transfers but also provides environmental benefits.
During the trials, the TDD allowed for reduced propulsion power by up to 50% during push-on operations, which significantly cuts CO2 emissions. This reduction is especially valuable for conventional vessels and is likely to offer even greater benefits for future electrified CTVs, as fuel savings and lower emissions become increasingly important.
The TDD’s ability to maintain a stable platform in high-sea states (up to 2m Hs in earlier trials) demonstrates its potential to operate under more demanding conditions than standard fender arrangements. This opens new possibilities for enhancing the safety and efficiency of both larger and smaller offshore vessels.
A Bright Future for the TDD and Offshore Wind
The successful trials of the Tube Docking Device are a testament to the importance of innovation in the offshore wind sector. The financial backing from the OWA and the technical expertise from partners across the industry have allowed OTD to bring this cutting-edge technology to market. With the commercial delivery of version 2 on the horizon, we are confident that the TDD will become an integral part of future offshore wind operations, enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and making offshore technician transfers more reliable in a range of conditions.
As Pelergy continues to work closely with OTD and other industry innovators, we remain committed to supporting technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in offshore wind. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey for the Tube Docking Device, and we look forward to seeing its full impact on the industry in the coming years.
Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking technology and its future developments.