Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance

This two-day intensive training is designed to equip professionals with a comprehensive understanding of offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M). Participants will gain in-depth insights into best practices, asset management, safety protocols, emergency response, cost optimization, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of offshore wind O&M.  Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will develop the skills needed to enhance wind farm performance, minimize downtime, and ensure long-term sustainability in this rapidly evolving industry. 

Learning Objectives 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry, key components, and the importance of effective operations and maintenance (O&M) 

• Learn maintenance strategies, troubleshooting methods, and safety standards (such as GWO compliance) to enhance operational efficiency 

• Explore data collection, analysis, and performance assessment techniques to optimize O&M strategies 

• Understand emergency response planning, incident management, and root cause analysis to handle offshore wind emergencies effectively 

• Learn cost-control strategies, budget allocation techniques, and cost-benefit analysis for efficient offshore maintenance 

• Stay updated on innovations like AI-driven predictive maintenance, robotics, and automation, as well as sustainability practices for long-term offshore wind growth  

  
  

   

 Who Should Attend?  This course is ideal for professionals in the offshore wind sector, including: 

• Project Developers & Managers – Optimize operational strategies and decision-making 

• Environmental & Safety Experts – Understand compliance, risk mitigation, and safety protocols 

• Maintenance & Service Providers – Enhance efficiency in offshore maintenance activities 

• Operations Managers & Technicians – Gain technical expertise in O&M best practices 

• Regulatory & Compliance Officers – Stay updated on industry standards and policies 

• Energy Analysts & Investors – Learn about cost optimization and financial risks in O&M 

• Government Officials & Policymakers – Develop insights into offshore wind sustainability and industry growth 

Course Outline 

This course is expected to run 9-16h both days 

Day 1: Fundamentals of Offshore Wind Operations and Asset Management 

Module 1: Introduction to Offshore Wind Operations (GE Vernova & Orsted) 

• Offshore wind industry overview 

• Importance of effective O&M 

• Key components of offshore wind farms 

Module 2: General operating framework (GE Vernova & Orsted) 

• Logistics 

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting 

• Safety standards & requirements (GWO) 

Module 3: OEM and Owner/Operator Asset Management Strategies (Orsted) 

• Group exercise: Construct a wind farm and determine the O&M strategy based on given framework parameters 

Module 4: Data Analysis and Reporting (GE Vernova) 

• Data collection and analysis  

• Performance assessment  

• Reporting for optimized O&M 

  
  

Module 5: Area-specific Deep Dive (Orsted) 

• Permitting & regulation  

• Local engagement and tax  

• Wildlife and environmental impact assessments  

• Sustainability practices in O&M  

• Case studies in environmental responsibility 

  
  

 Day 2: Advanced O&M Strategies & Best Practices 

Module 6: Team Coordination & Maintenance Logistics (GE Vernova) 

• Effective team management and communication in offshore O&M  

• Master Maintenance Schedule (MMS): Planning and execution of:  

• Preventive Maintenance Campaigns  

• Planned Corrective Maintenance  

• Unplanned Corrective Maintenance  

• Logistics planning for offshore operations (crew transfers, vessels, and access solutions) 

  
  

Module 7: Emergency Preparedness & Incident Management (GE Vernova) 

• Emergency response planning & risk mitigation  

• Technical Readiness Level (TRL): Assessing O&M capabilities  

• Lifespan (LS) considerations in O&M strategies  

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & handling Non-Conformities (NCs)  

• Case studies on real-world offshore wind emergencies 

Module 8: Cost Control & Budgeting in Offshore O&M (GE Vernova) 

• Production-Based Availability (PBA) vs. Time-Based Availability (TBA)  

• Budget allocation strategies for efficient O&M  

• Cost-benefit analysis of different maintenance approaches 

  
  

Module 9: Technology & Innovation in Offshore O&M (GE Vernova) 

• Emerging O&M technologies:  

• Smart fasteners (I-bolts) with integrated sensors  

• Drones & crawlers for turbine blade & tower inspections  

• Robotic solutions for blade repairs and tower cleaning  

• Automation & AI applications in predictive maintenance  

• The future of digitalization in offshore wind O&M 

Module 10: Sustainable Growth & Industry Outlook (GE Vernova) 

• Sustainable O&M practices for offshore wind longevity  

• Industry trends & future job opportunities in offshore wind  

• Preparing for the next decade of offshore wind growth 

This course will be led by GE Vernova's Cristina Fernandez Alonso and Orsted's Florian Büter and Alexander Kulesh.

Cristina Fernandez Alonso, Product Service Engineer

GE Vernova

Cristina Fernández Alonso is a Product Service Engineer at GE Vernova, specializing in Offshore Wind Operation & Maintenance (O&M). With over 11 years of experience in the energy sector, she has developed deep expertise in wind turbine reliability, blade performance, and fleet support. Cristina began her career as a consultant in the oil and gas industry in Lyon, France, before joining GE Power’s Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP). She then transitioned to GE Renewable Energy, where she has spent nearly eight years in various roles, including Fleet Performance Engineer and Product Service Engineer – Blades. In her current role, she leads root cause analyses (RCA) for complex technical issues affecting offshore wind turbine operations, supports field technicians and service teams worldwide, and contributes to new blade product introductions to enhance fleet reliability and performance.