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Avoidance of high-potential incidents in port operations

Published in: Wind, Talking Point, Exclusive Articles

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No single measure can eliminate risk from offshore wind port operations. Dennis Jul Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Port Esbjerg, explores how weather forecasting, vessel data, pilotage, simulator training and agreed operational limits must work together to prevent high-potential incidents.

On the morning of 10th June 2026, a wind installation vessel was preparing to leave Gemini Quay at Port Esbjerg. During departure, the vessel appeared to lose control. The blades stored onboard struck another wind installation vessel and subsequently two gantry cranes. No personnel were injured, but nine blades were damaged and both wind installation vessels experienced downtime.

Speculation about the root cause of the incident was widespread, while blame and disagreement over the facts circulated around the port and in the media. Following its inquiry, the Danish Maritime Authority concluded that the root cause of the incident was a lack of situational awareness.

By contrast, port control recorded strong wind gusts, and control-room camera footage indicated that the vessel began to drift when the wind exceeded its manoeuvring capability.

Time is money, but it is also critical to achieving first power from an offshore wind farm. Efficient load-out operations in port are therefore essential and may provide a competitive advantage to the company managing the project. However, it would be unreasonable to conclude that commercial pressure necessarily results in unsafe operations, as the damaging consequences of an incident far outweigh any potential short-term gain from such behaviour.

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