Are traditional offshore wind logistics models limiting your project's efficiency and profitability?
As offshore projects grow larger, farther, and more complex, reliance solely on traditional Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) can lead to costly delays and reduced flexibility. A hybrid model—combining Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) with 24/7 helicopter support (HEMS)—is changing the game, unlocking substantial savings, improving uptime, and dramatically enhancing operational efficiency.
As offshore wind projects expand in scale, distance, and complexity, traditional logistics models face growing challenges. Historically dominated by Service Operation Vessels (SOVs)—with their significant cost, limited flexibility, and lengthy procurement timelines—the industry is increasingly turning towards a hybrid logistics model combining Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) with round-the-clock helicopter support, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).
Today's offshore wind projects, particularly in regions such as the US North Atlantic and North Sea, frequently face operational shutdowns lasting up to ten days due to harsh sea conditions. The integration of 24/7 HEMS is transforming logistics by breaking traditional operational constraints imposed by sea state and daylight limitations, significantly enhancing project continuity and efficiency.
While initially deployed primarily for safety purposes, helicopters have rapidly evolved into integral logistics assets. Their capability to transport personnel swiftly for urgent inspections, unplanned maintenance, and routine crew changes offers developers unmatched operational flexibility and substantial cost efficiencies compared to vessel-dependent solutions.
The hybrid model capitalizes on the complementary strengths of helicopters and CTVs. CTVs excel in transporting cargo and large crews under calm conditions, while helicopters enable operations during adverse sea states and low visibility, dramatically reducing downtime. Together, these assets can achieve operational availability rates exceeding 96%, greatly improving overall project timelines and cost efficiency.
HeliService USA exemplifies the successful implementation of this hybrid logistics strategy. Transitioning from specialized helicopter operations to an integrated logistics provider, the company utilizes real-time data, predictive insights, and customized access models tailored to actual offshore conditions. With over 10,000 hoisting operations annually, their approach significantly reduces project downtime and costs, particularly critical in the high-stakes environment of offshore wind construction and commissioning.
In contrast to costly US-built SOVs and installation vessels, the combined use of CTVs and helicopters presents a practical and scalable solution for developers. With substantial operational cost savings and minimized project delays—often valued at tens of millions per week—the hybrid logistics model represents a transformative approach for the offshore wind sector.
As offshore wind developments continue to grow in size and move farther offshore, adopting flexible, resilient, and integrated logistics strategies will become increasingly vital.
Discover more about this innovative approach: heliservice-usa.com
We’d love your insights: Are you currently exploring hybrid logistics solutions in your offshore wind projects? Share your experiences and thoughts below.