MHI Vestas raising the bar in offshore lifting operations

Media Release

August 26, 2020

MHI Vestas raising the bar in offshore lifting operations

Installation of offshore wind turbines is about to become considerably safer thanks to the new partnership struck between renowned Danish wind turbine manufacturer, MHI Vestas, and the inventor of the world’s first remote-control load orientation solution, Verton. This exciting new partnership is the first step to transform MHI Vestas’ future installation operations in terms of speed, automation, and most importantly, safety.

Working on offshore wind projects presents unique challenges due to their inherent operational complexity and offshore location, and MHI Vestas has always been committed to continuous improvement of safety standards. As a leader in wind turbine technology it is fitting that MHI Vestas turned to a breakthrough technology to improve safety and efficiency of wind turbine installation.

MHI Vestas has previously announced its range of SMART Turbine products, including SMART Dampers to actively reduce fatigue loads on wind turbine towers.  MHI Vestas has now signed with Verton to produce innovative new tooling to handle the SMART Dampers during WTG installation.

Managing Director of Verton, Trevor Bourne, said that the benefits integrating Verton technology to create this specialised tooling for MHI Vestas are significant.

“Working on offshore sites is difficult enough and is further complicated using taglines to control loads during lifting operations. “Our Columbus 7.5 SpinPod will be capable of precisely controlling the orientation of the custom lifting yoke and its load, including setting and holding a desired orientation, even under the most challenging conditions” he said.

“Our remote-control solution completely removes the need for taglines and for workers to be near the landing area of loads, greatly improving safety and reducing the number of workers required. The precise orientation control will also enable lifting operations to be completed faster, which is very important in an environment where every minute saved is highly valuable” he added.

MHI Vestas Chief Technology Officer Torben Hvid Larsen said of Verton’s technology, “With this partnership with Verton, we are introducing the next generation of load orientation equipment to MHI Vestas’ toolbox. This technology will enable us to increase our offshore handling capabilities and make our product and associated handling procedures smarter, safer and more flexible.”

Verton’s products are reinventing lifting operations in every area that counts. Their SpinPod technology provides the only comprehensive solution to the significant problems associated with using taglines - by making them obsolete. Verton is not only solving issues relating to safety and productivity, but also adding smart technology to provide HD video and onboard sensors, IoT connectivity, superior data analytics, and much more.

“Verton is providing a solution for a difficult and dangerous job, making it safer, faster and smarter,” said Mr Bourne.

“It’s a necessary improvement to ensure people can come to work and then go home safe, every day.”

Both Verton and MHI Vestas are driven to create efficient, safe work environments, and this collaboration provides a notable example of complex requirements and innovation coming together to deliver enhanced outcomes for all stakeholders.

ENDS

About Verton Technologies

Verton Technologies is a smart technology company focused on reinventing lifting operations across multiple industries and around the world. Verton’s world-first remote-controlled load orientation solutions deliver immediate safety and productivity benefits, making taglines obsolete and providing the capability for true hands-free lifting operations. For more information visit www.verton.com.au.

Same Job but Safer. Same Job but Faster. Same Job but Smarter.

About MHI Vestas Offshore Wind

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is a joint venture between Vestas Wind Systems A/S (50%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (50%). The company’s focus is to design, manufacture, install and service wind turbines for the offshore wind industry. The company aims to create sustainable value through offshore wind power by driving capital and operating savings and increasing the power output of wind turbines. An innovative force in offshore wind since its inception in 2014, the company is guided by its founding principles of collaboration, trust, technology and commitment. For more information, see www.mhivestasoffshore.com or follow @MHIVestas on Twitter.