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. 

This course is expected to run 9-16h each day

Course 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 

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 

Course Completion Certificate: Upon completing at least 50% of the course and achieving a minimum passing score of 50% on a post-course assessment, participants will receive a course certificate valid for three years. This certificate verifies that the essential learning outcomes of the course have been met. While not mandatory, this certification is currently undergoing an accreditation process to further enhance its value, allowing it to be used for job applications, promotions, and professional license renewals, such as the PE (Professional Engineer) license.

Course Instructors:

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.

Florian Büter, Head of Owner Management GOW01/GOW02

Ørsted

Florian Büter is Head of Owner Management for the German offshore wind farms Gode Wind 1 & 2 and one of the Managing Directors of these assets. He has more than 16 years of experience in the renewable energy industry with focus on Asset Management and Quality Management.

Florian started his career with a dual study program at GE Wind Energy, then worked for a Swiss utility and started his master’s studies in parallel. During his second tenure in GE, he worked as Quality Manager in the onshore and offshore business.

Florian joined Ørsted in 2019 as Commercial Manager, and in the following years held various positions in the Commercial Team before moving to his current role, where he leads a team of Commercial Managers and is responsible for a number of projects across the German portfolio.

Alexander Kulesh, Offshore Wind Portfolio Asset Manager

Ørsted

Alexander Kulesh is a seasoned wind energy professional with over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector. His experience spans roles within Operations and Asset Management across onshore and offshore wind in Europe and the US. Passionate about the transition to a low-carbon future, he is a frequent collaborator on industry initiatives and a dedicated advocate for clean energy advancement.