Caption: The Orsted project team at the Australian Wind Industry Forum in May.
With a focus on transforming technology, a presentation at the Australian Wind Industry Forum in Melbourne this month highlighted the ways technology is being used to drive innovation and continuous improvement in the offshore wind industry.
Ørsted Australia’s Lead Supply Chain Development Manager Marc Adams shared how new technologies are improving safety, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency across the offshore wind sector – and what that could mean for Australia’s emerging industry.
Ørsted constructed and operated the world’s first offshore wind farm in 1991 that powered 2,000 households in southern Denmark. Since then, Ørsted’s footprint has grown to a global portfolio of more than 30 offshore wind farms powering millions of homes across three continents.
“Offshore wind has evolved rapidly over the past three decades, driven by continuous advancements in technology,” Marc said.
From cargo drones delivering equipment to offshore wind turbines in the North Sea, to uncrewed vessels collecting metocean data in the Bass Strait, innovation is rapidly changing how offshore wind projects are developed and operated around the world.
“Innovation plays a critical role in helping us reduce risk, improve efficiency, and support the long-term growth of offshore wind.”
Offshore heavy-lift cargo drones are now being used at Ørsted wind farms in the UK and Germany.
Ørsted Australia’s Lead Supply Chain Development Manager Marc Adams shared how new technologies are improving safety, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency across the offshore wind sector – and what that could mean for Australia’s emerging industry.
Ørsted constructed and operated the world’s first offshore wind farm in 1991 that powered 2,000 households in southern Denmark. Since then, Ørsted’s footprint has grown to a global portfolio of more than 30 offshore wind farms powering millions of homes across three continents.
“Offshore wind has evolved rapidly over the past three decades, driven by continuous advancements in technology,” Marc said.
From cargo drones delivering equipment to offshore wind turbines in the North Sea, to uncrewed vessels collecting metocean data in the Bass Strait, innovation is rapidly changing how offshore wind projects are developed and operated around the world.
“Innovation plays a critical role in helping us reduce risk, improve efficiency, and support the long-term growth of offshore wind.”
Offshore heavy-lift cargo drones are now being used at Ørsted wind farms in the UK and Germany.
Caption: Cargo drones delivering equipment to offshore turbines in the North Sea.
The drones, which are capable of carrying up to 100 kilograms, can directly transfer equipment from the vessel to the nacelle of a turbine while it remains operational. Traditionally, this transfer process requires turbines to shut down so that technicians and cranes can complete the task.
Use of the drones improves safety by reducing lifting operations and personnel transfers at sea, while also helping lower operational costs and turbine downtime. To date, the drones have completed more than 550 flights across more than 400 turbines.
Another example is Ørsted’s Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), which was deployed in Gippsland in March 2025 to collect metocean data in the Bass Strait.
Use of the drones improves safety by reducing lifting operations and personnel transfers at sea, while also helping lower operational costs and turbine downtime. To date, the drones have completed more than 550 flights across more than 400 turbines.
Another example is Ørsted’s Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), which was deployed in Gippsland in March 2025 to collect metocean data in the Bass Strait.
Caption: The USV being deployed from Barry’s Beach in Gippsland.
Operating remotely, the USV gathers critical information including wind conditions, wave heights, sea currents, and environmental data to support surveys.
“The USV technology is a significant advancement for offshore wind development. It improves safety by reducing the number of people required offshore, increases flexibility, and helps gather high-quality data more efficiently,” Marc said.
Unlike traditional floating buoys or met masts, the USV can travel independently and remain offshore for extended periods without requiring large installation vessels or narrow weather windows.
“The USV technology is a significant advancement for offshore wind development. It improves safety by reducing the number of people required offshore, increases flexibility, and helps gather high-quality data more efficiently,” Marc said.
Unlike traditional floating buoys or met masts, the USV can travel independently and remain offshore for extended periods without requiring large installation vessels or narrow weather windows.
Caption: Marc presenting at the ‘Offshore wind: Grid, technology, and supply chain solutions’ session.
Marc said applying global experience and proven technologies will be critical in the development of Australia’s offshore wind industry.
“As offshore wind develops in Australia, technology and innovation will play an important role in building a safe, efficient, and sustainable industry,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to apply Ørsted’s global expertise here in Victoria.”
“As offshore wind develops in Australia, technology and innovation will play an important role in building a safe, efficient, and sustainable industry,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to apply Ørsted’s global expertise here in Victoria.”