• Renewable energy

Design assistance for Kawasaki Heavy Industries tidal turbine

James Fisher Marine Services (JFMS) has completed a front end engineering design study for the installation, maintenance and decommissioning phases of Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ tidal turbine system.

The design study lasted three months and produced a detailed analysis of all associated phases to enable KHI to address key factors with regards to development of a tidal turbine and subsequent offshore testing. The JFMS team on the project was managed by Peter Leach, supported by Alan Heslop and Stan Groundwater.

The work was carried out in conjunction with key partner Mojo Maritime, a specialist provider of marine project management support to the marine renewable energy sector. The study included an analysis of every single individual operation from quayside to seabed (and vice versa), from a risk, cost, timeline and capability perspective, including all necessary project and quality, health, safety and environmental requirements. The final report ended up being a very considerable volume of work and, according to Peter, Alan and Stan, when it was presented to KHI, they summed up their thoughts with one word: “brilliant”.

Overall, the project represents over two years of negotiation, trust building and work, beginning with initial discussions in Orkney between Stan and KHI.

Stan explains:

“It was our suggestion that with all of the complexities and variables involved in a full testing cycle of a tidal turbine, these would be best addressed through a thorough front end engineering design study. I believe that the capabilities, size and history of the James Fisher group enabled us to beat numerous other competitors to be awarded this work."