Aussie-Dutch Partnership Targets Time-Saving Blade Installation

Van Oord and Mammoet are joining forces with Australian technology company Verton to develop a new lifting method for installing wind turbine blades.

The partnership is aiming to develop a way to shorten the installation cycle times and make installation safer for operators by sharing knowledge and expertise, Van Oord said.

Verton has developed a remote rotating device that uses gyroscopic modules to rotate a suspended load, which includes the unit being integrated into a lifting yoke for installing wind turbine blades.

“The system allows operators to rotate and install heavy loads without using tag lines. Not only is this safer for operators, but it also shortens the installation cycle times,” said Wouter de Wildt, Mentor from Van Oord.

Van Oord and Mammoet will engage in the first of three phases of the development, which is the kick-off phase to have the technical assessment and requirements made up.

Danish turbine supplier Vestas will be a knowledge partner in the development who will provide the partners with technical information and expertise required for the development of the new product.