AqualisBraemar hosts renewables insurance sector at Blyth

Members of the renewables insurance sector participated in an AqualisBraemar-organised tour of the ORE Catapult testing facility located in Blyth earlier this month. Representatives of Aon, RKH, Canopius, Swiss Re, Ark, Scor, Axis, Chaucer and Clyde&Co had the opportunity to see first-hand the second-largest offshore wind turbine blade measuring 88m, which had just finished undergoing rigorous testing at the largest blade testing facility in the world. This same facility will be testing what is now the longest blade ever manufactured; for GE’s 12MW offshore wind turbine, the 107m Haliade X blade.

The group witnessed the qualification testing of a 6MW nacelle that was taking place during the visit. We also witnessed a scaled-down version of a direct drive generator that was being prepped for testing, subsea cable testing and repair certification facilities, and the blade leading edge erosion test rig, which was testing next-generation blade protection coatings.

We wanted to show our colleagues from the renewables insurance market the major components of an offshore wind turbine and how they are tested to ensure they can withstand the operational and environmental loading in the field. Our colleagues left with a very positive experience and increased knowledge of the testing facilities. We would like to thank ORE Catapult for hosting us and offering an insight into the valuable work for the offshore wind industry.