Bardex’s OmniCrane: A Game-Changer in Offshore Wind Technology
Bardex, a renowned leader in products and engineering services addressing marine-based challenges, has been named a Ventus Award finalist. The prestigious awards, spanning eleven categories, aim to acknowledge individuals and innovations that propel the advancement of offshore wind and other ocean renewables. Bardex’s proprietary OmniCrane has secured its position as one of the four finalists in the Health, Safety & Environment category, thanks to its revolutionary design that virtually eliminates the risk of at-height accidents.
The OmniCrane: Revolutionizing Offshore Wind Turbine Installation
The OmniCrane stands out as a self-contained system designed to lift and position all components of a wind turbine generator, from tower sections to blades. By enabling the assembly of crucial turbine parts over land at quay level, this innovative technology eradicates the need for working over water, reduces safety hazards, minimizes heavy lifts, and mitigates assembly challenges caused by adverse weather conditions. The final blade installation, controlled by two contact points as it is lifted vertically into the hub, ensures a seamless and secure process. Moreover, the OmniCrane’s adaptable design allows for horizontal lifting of the last blade if mandated by the OEM.
Enhancing Efficiency with Bardex OmniLift™
Combining the OmniCrane with Bardex OmniLift™ offers a stable platform for turbine integration, further diminishing over-water work while enhancing schedule reliability and reducing operational risks. This integration allows for parallel sub-assembly construction, staging before installation, and improved cost-efficiency, schedule adherence, and operational safety.
Sustainability at its Core
Unlike traditional diesel-driven cranes, the Bardex system operates on grid power, significantly curbing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. The system’s unique foundation design eliminates the need for diesel-powered tug assistance post-launch, thus reducing environmental impact.
A Novel Financial Model for Ports
Bardex’s OmniCrane presents ports with a distinctive financial model. Ports can own their OmniCrane, earning a day-rate from developers during installation and maintenance phases, rather than renting cranes from external providers. This model enables ports to diversify their revenue streams by utilizing the OmniCrane for various industries, bolstering the local economy and job market.
Looking Ahead
The winners of the Ventus Awards will be revealed at the Ventus Gala on April 29, 2025. Bardex’s OmniCrane continues to set new benchmarks in offshore wind technology, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.