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Streamlining Offshore Wind: The Power of Integrated Port Logistics and Fuel Strategy

Published in: Wind, Digital Blog

Juggling multiple vendors for port logistics and fuel supply? A new partnership between Clarksons Port Services and Dan Bunkering is proving there’s a smarter, more efficient way to manage offshore wind operations. This collaboration unites port services and fuel delivery, offering a seamless and de-risked solution for the entire project lifecycle.

In a recent discussion with PES Wind, Innes Cameron of Clarksons and Nicolaj Splidt Jakobsen of Dan Bunkering explained how their integrated approach is delivering significant value to clients.

Rationale and Strategy

The partnership was inspired by the evolving challenges their clients have faced over the last five to six years. While the two companies have a longstanding relationship, it became clear that combining their respective strengths in port services and fuel supply could create significant supply chain optimizations. The objective is to provide a seamless and efficient service package that covers all activities associated with a port call.

Operational Efficiency and Client Value

A key benefit for clients is the consolidation of services under a single point of contact, which spares them the complexity of managing multiple parties. This approach delivers significant time and cost efficiencies.

A Single Coordinator: A dedicated coordinator has real-time oversight of all activities, ensuring the process is aligned with the clients expectations from the start.
Flexibility and Adaptability: The team can identify potential changes to the project schedule and adapt quickly, which is a major advantage in the fluid environment of offshore operations where factors like weather can cause delays.
Integrated Solutions: By integrating critical parts of the supply chain, the partnership can find unique time-saving opportunities. For example, fuel delivery can be more efficiently coordinated with other activities happening during the port call.

Managing Complexity and Accountability

The construction phase of an offshore wind farm can be incredibly complex, as a delay with one vessel can disrupt the entire schedule.

Streamlined Operations: By reducing the number of parties involved, operations are streamlined and the risk of potential delays is lowered. The partnership takes on the challenge of coordinating port calls and activities to ensure everything is synchronized.
Increased Accountability: With fewer stakeholders, the partnership becomes the sole counterpart responsible for ensuring a smooth operation and short turnaround time for vessels. This allows for clear communication, quick decision-making, and immediate action when needed.
Early Engagement: To bridge the gap between planning and execution, the teams aim to be involved early in the process. This allows them to tailor the solution from the beginning and align strategies with the clients project team.

Adapting to New Fuel Regulations

The partnership is actively helping clients navigate new environmental regulations like Fuel EU Maritime.

Advisory Services: They provide advisory support to help clients comply with regulations and meet GHG intensity targets.
Custom Fuel Mixes: They help create the right fuel mix for a specific work scope, balancing the amount of biofuel needed to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Shift in Demand: They have seen a significant shift in recent months, with more vessels now using biofuel blends like HVO and FAME. Their advisory support has helped clients understand the technical specifications of these fuels, leading to several physical deliveries.

The Role of Trust

Trust is a cornerstone of the partnership, enabling a much faster decision-making process. When clients have confidence in their capabilities, it allows them to focus on their core business, knowing the logistics around their port call are being handled effectively.

Learn more about this integrated approach:

Streamlining Offshore Wind: The Power of Integrated Port Logistics and Fuel Strategy

Rationale and Strategy

Operational Efficiency and Client Value

Managing Complexity and Accountability

Adapting to New Fuel Regulations

The Role of Trust

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