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SPECIALIST SURVEYING FEATURE


SPECIALIST SUPPORT TO THE WIND INDUSTRY


An average day’s work at one of the UK’s windfarm sites involves a diverse range of activities including; construction, diving, cable-laying and survey, however, an increasingly common addition is bomb disposal, as a result of improved Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) awareness and increasing footprints of the windfarm sites. Thus, the need for competent and qualified specialist bomb disposal teams has never been greater.


ENSURING COMPETENCE AND EXPERTISE


When handled incorrectly, or due to lack of understanding surrounding risk, UXo related incidents can result in significant unnecessary costs (£M). Recent incidents have highlighted the importance of adequate risk assessment and verification of the UXo contractor’s capabilities to enable them to undertake this work. Increasingly, some maritime contractors offer this as a bolt-on service derived from a scratch team with minimal quality or safety assurance and track record. This trend has been acknowledged by a number of larger operators, hence, comprehensive vetting measures have been introduced to ensure more extensive levels of competence and expertise.


EXPERIENCE


Although historically a military deliverable, the disposal of UXo items offshore by commercial companies is now well proven. Ramora UK have been delivering such services since 2005 and have undertaken more UXo disposals in the past three years than their military counterparts. The techniques used are far more technologically based and allow greater flexibility alongside client cost- savings. Additionally, advancements allow for the removal of personnel from the risk, thereby enhancing the safety profile of such operations.


Alongside a team of former Royal Navy Clearance Divers, Ramora UK offers clients access to reactive bomb disposal services, including the Remote Explosive ordnance Disposal System (REoDS) which can be deployed against UXo targets using the majority of RoV’s in service today.


PRIORITISING RISK


The continued success of wind generation projects alongside exploration into previously untouched areas, results in further UXo discoveries. the only remaining question for operators is how they prioritise the UXo risk during the early stages of projects. Historically, those who initially invest wisely, and entirely, in a UXo solution will reap financial reward during project progression. Whereas, those who choose to save early on, by neglecting risk management, invariably encounter significantly elevated costs and risk throughout the project.


Ramora UK www.ramorauk.com


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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk


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