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Operations and Maintenance

Acta Marine’s first 24-pax CTV

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Signifying its first mobilisation of a 24-passenger capacity Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), Acta Marine’s Offshore Wielingen is currently carrying out crew transfer duties at the Arkona offshore wind farm in German waters. The increase in passenger capacity is a direct move to respond to increased demand from the European offshore wind sector.

“Since acquiring our CTV fleet, we have only operated vessels with a 12-person passenger capacity,” says Acta Marine’s Operations Coordinator Kerrie Forster. “However, due to a growing demand for more capacity in terms of industrial personnel carriage, we started investigating the option of expanding the Offshore Wielingen to meet the newly developed High Speed Offshore Service Craft Code, HS-OSC.”

And then, in late 2017, one of Acta Marine’s long-term clients approached the company with an enquiry for a 24-passenger CTV. This was the incentive to go ahead with the plans to modify Offshore Wielingen.

 With the modification and re-certification works completed at South Boats IOW (now Diverse Marine) in April 2018, Offshore Wielingen started her first project as a 24-passenger CTV. This involved providing crew transfers on the Arkona Windfarm inter-array cable laying campaign.

“With this modification, we are continuing our provision of up-to-date vessels and abilities, while catering to the growing demand for these types of vessels,” concludes Forster. “And, of course, increasing our success rate for future projects.”

Operations and Maintenance

Eawind completes periodic audit for GWO blade repair training

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Eawind, one of the first training providers to offer GWO blade repair training in Türkiye, has announced the successful completion of its periodic audit process.

According to the company’s statement, the training program, delivered under Global Wind Organisation (GWO) accreditation, aims to provide participants with a globally recognized qualification.

The company also expressed its appreciation to Dr. Duygu Hakan and the Bureau Veritas team for their professional approach and contributions throughout the audit process.

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Operations and Maintenance

We4Ce and CEWA Plus Expand Blade Root Repairs in Asia

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We4Ce, a Netherlands-based rotor blade engineering company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand-based renewable energy developer CEWA Plus to scale on-site blade root bushing remanufacturing across Asia.

The agreement integrates We4Ce’s proprietary “Re-FIT” methodology and CNC Onsite’s mobile machining solutions with CEWA Plus’s on-site execution and quality control processes, forming a regional service network.

Serial orders are scheduled to begin in April 2026, with operations expanding across 12 countries including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

A new approach to blade root maintenance

Blade root bushings are critical structural components connecting the blade root to the turbine hub. In certain blade constructions, material shrinkage or uneven distribution may lead to microcracks and reduced bonding strength over time.

The Re-FIT methodology enables precise removal and replacement of the damaged interface layer, restoring a factory-standard mechanical bond.

Compared to conventional repair methods involving blade transport or replacement, the on-site solution offers:

  • Up to 60% cost reduction
  • Lower CO₂ emissions
  • Reduced downtime

New monitoring system: GapMaster Intelligence

The MOU also includes the integration of “GapMaster Intelligence,” a monitoring system developed by CEWA Plus.

Using high-precision laser scanning, the system continuously monitors the bond between the blade root and the bushing. Any detected gap triggers an automated alert via SCADA, enabling a shift toward proactive, condition-based maintenance.

Regional expansion and training

Technical teams from Asia will undergo training in Denmark and the Netherlands, covering machining operations, the Re-FIT process, and structural restoration procedures.

Following initial deployment in Thailand, the partners are also targeting expansion into Brazil and the United States, while developing solutions for offshore wind applications.

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Operations and Maintenance

GE Vernova Secures 1.1 GW of U.S. Onshore Wind Repower Orders in 2025

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GE Vernova receives 1.1 GW of U.S. wind turbine repower orders, extending asset lifetimes, increasing output, and supporting domestic manufacturing.

GE Vernova’s Onshore Wind business has secured orders in 2025 to repower 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind capacity in the United States. The projects are expected to reach commercial operation between 2026 and 2027.

The repowering initiatives will utilize nacelles and drivetrains manufactured at the company’s Pensacola, Florida facility, reinforcing domestic manufacturing activity and supply chain localization.

Extending Asset Life and Increasing Output

Repowering enables wind farm operators to upgrade existing assets by replacing key components such as nacelles and drivetrain systems, without developing entirely new sites. This approach increases annual energy production, improves reliability, and reduces long-term operations and maintenance costs.

As onshore wind fleets mature, repowering is emerging as a cost-effective strategy to extract additional value from established sites while avoiding permitting complexities and grid connection challenges.

A Growing Installed Base

GE Vernova’s Onshore Wind segment supports an installed base of approximately 59,000 turbines worldwide, representing nearly 120 GW of capacity. The company continues to expand its focus on lifecycle services and modernization solutions as part of its broader energy transition strategy.

Repowering as a Strategic Trend

Globally, repowering is becoming an increasingly important component of wind market development. By upgrading high-performing sites with modern equipment, operators can enhance output without expanding land use, while improving project economics and asset performance.

The 1.1 GW of repower orders secured in 2025 signals sustained demand for modernization solutions in the U.S. market and highlights the growing role of lifecycle optimization in mature wind fleets.

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