Challenging weather over the German North Sea Highlights Effective EnBW and Tennet cooperation, with support from Bibby WaveMaster Horizon
Persistent poor flying conditions (fog and ice) affected helicopter transfers for 20 TenneT technicians at the BorWin Cluster, who had already been offshore for up to 14 days.
With no forecasted improvement in the weather, TenneT simultaneously examined several alternatives, including the short notice charter of CTVs and SOVs, as well as support from OWP vessels. The focus was on finding a pragmatic solution to bring the crew home as quickly as possible.
EnBW responded to TenneT’s request and, in the spirit of “good seamanship,” both sides worked together to identify a practical option. It was agreed that the Bibby WaveMaster Horizon (BWMH), which was already scheduled for a port call, would make a detour to collect the technicians.
Thanks to the effective coordination between TenneT and EnBW, as well as the swift operational execution onshore and offshore by BWH crew, the transfer was carried out safely despite challenging weather conditions. The successful return of these technicians highlights the value of reliable cooperation and direct decision making processes in such situations.
Kevin Brown, Commercial Director at Bibby Marine, commented: “This operation reflects the very best of our industry: rapid response, seamless coordination, and an unwavering commitment to safety. We are incredibly proud of the BWMH crew and all partners involved in ensuring these technicians were brought home safely.”
Image Courtesy of TenneT
