The first contract, awarded in September 2024 for Moray West, spans an 18 month period and includes comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) for the offshore transmission owner (OFTO) assets.
Scope of work includes timely inspections and maintenance in line with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements, detailed remedial reporting and accurate record-keeping.
A second contract for 24/7 HV control and alarm monitoring services for Moray East’s 66kV network was awarded in November 2024.
Fixed for an initial two-year period with the option to extend for an additional two years, this framework will be managed from Ventus Energy’s state-of-the-art HV control center in Belfast, providing HV safety rules management and dedicated support services.
Both scopes will incorporate Elecsys, an advanced electricity network management system. Following a recent seven-figure investment developing its cutting edge software, Elecsys addresses unique challenges within networks by offering scalable digital solutions to support real-time operations, electrical safety coordination, and asset management.
Jonathan Lakey, asset integrity electrical engineer at Ocean Winds, commented, “Ventus Energy now forms an important part of our operational activities in the Moray Firth. Its expertise ensures Ocean Winds is maximising Scottish clean power generation by maintaining the highest standards in HV operations.
“The addition of Elecsys is a true innovation for HV asset management which is already improving efficiency on site.”
Ventus Energy will deploy a team of 20 skilled personnel to both projects. For Moray West, roles comprise of HV maintenance technicians and engineers, cable jointers, project managers, O&M engineers, and auxiliary services.
The Moray East team includes authorizing engineers, senior authorised persons (SAPs), cable jointers, fibre technicians, control engineers, and maintenance engineers.
Leadership for the frameworks will be provided by Alastair Symington, head of operations and maintenance, and Colin Bowman, head of control center operations.
Rauri Maguire, director of commercial operations at Ventus Energy, said, “These new contracts with Ocean Winds strengthen our growing offshore wind portfolio and further position Ventus Energy as a trusted partner in the industry.
“Both Moray West and Moray East will play a vital role in Scotland’s renewable energy future, aligning with our commitment to advancing engineering development and innovation."
Ventus Energy’s sister company, RTS Wind UK, will provide structural inspections as part of the contract, demonstrating the group’s capability to deliver integrated, turnkey solutions.
All personnel assigned to each contract are authorised under Ocean Winds’ Safe System of Work and comply with Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations, ensuring the highest standard of quality and safety are maintained..
Moray West, located in the Moray Firth off the north-east coast of Scotland, is largely owned by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, with a minor stake held by Ignitis Group. The project will have an operational life span of more than 25 years.
Moray East is also situated in the outer Moray Firth. Shareholders in the project are Ocean Winds, Diamond Green Limited and Equitix. The generation output provides the equivalent of 40% of the domestic electricity demand in Scotland.
PHOTO: L-R Ryan Murphy, CEO at Elecsys, Jonathan Lakey, Asset Integrity Electrical Engineer and Rauri Maguire Director of Commercial Operations at Ventus Energy.
