The project aim is to build a prototype Pivoting Deck Vessel (PDV) ready for trial by utilities, in which the PDV
will demonstrate that it increases offshore wind electricity generating revenues by reducing turbine downtime,
thereby decreasing the cost of offshore wind electricity and lowering UK consumer electricity bills. By
increasing renewable electricity generation, the amount of fossil fuel generation required reduces, thus also
lowering carbon emissions and increasing security of supply. Utilities require vessels to transfer crew and cargo
to offshore wind turbines for maintenance, as well as for wind farm construction. The problem is that current
vessel designs do not allow for safe and cost-effective access to turbines in rougher seas and so when seas are
high, turbine downtime increases, electricity generating revenues are lost and the costs of offshore wind
generation rise. The innovative pivoting deck design of North Sea Logistics’ PDV addresses this problem,
allowing safe access to turbines in higher seas for crew and cargo. The PDV was a 2011 finalist in the Carbon
Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator Access competition.