Page 36 - Danish Offshore Industry 2015

will bring. A gradual development is bound to take place, but we are ready for tendering and winning new contracts in this new business area,” states Ib Hansen who considers it an advantage that ESVAGT can increase its activity within wind power at a time when a number of oil and gas projects are placed on hold. “We have gained a lot of experience in for instance work in cold regions where it is more important than ever to pick up people from the icy water in a hurry, but there is no doubt that the dropping price of oil makes costs the decisive factor when talking of drilling in cold waters. Consequently, quite a few of the more compli- cated projects will stay in the drawer for a number of years, and that, naturally, will have some impact on our business,” claims Ib Hansen admitting that the recent development naturally has infuenced ESVAGT’s new strategy. “To be honest we have been following the develop- ment, and we realize that we can make a difference now that the wind farms have moved further out at sea. We will tensely follow the development of the oil prices, but generally we hope for more activity within wind energy. Here we can take advantage of our experience from the oil and gas industry as we are training our crews in many of the situations relevant to both industries. That gives us two effcient and experienced arrows on the same bow.” A MAJOR JOB IS WAITING The new concept has caused certain organizational con- siderations, but generally they are not likely to result in any changes in the daily routine at ESVAGT. “Of course we can feel that we have entered a major area of activity, and we may have to consider if we shall split our organization into an oil and gas depart- ment and a wind department, but the two worlds have many similar aspects. They are both concerned with water, waves and safe transfer – activities we have been involved in the last 30 years,” smiles Ib Hansen who believes that just this competence and the many years of experience will turn into a decisive advantage for ESVAGT. “Traditionally it is impossible to transfer personnel to wind turbines in adverse weather, but our concept makes possible a safe transfer of persons in wave heights half a meter higher than our competitors dare. One concept from which we expect a lot is the fact that the vessels to be used for the Siemens contract will have a “walk-to- work” gangway welded on – a new concept combining a gangway and transfer by boat,” explains Ib Hansen who is ready to let more of the red ESVAGT vessels pro- vide service and support to the wind farms in the North Sea. ■ ESVAGT has entered a new business segment, but for now its organization will remain unchanged. 36 / WIND INCREASING ITS IMPORTANCE IN ESVAGT