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O&M center
An O&M Center (Operations & Maintenance) serves as a base for the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. As the closest port to the North Sea Mid and North Sea South, Hvide Sande Port offers quayside areas, flexible facilities, and short sailing time that support an efficient, safe, and cost-effective operational phase for offshore wind.
O&M center at offshore wind farms
As the clearly closest port to the offshore wind farms North Sea Mid and North Sea South, Hvide Sande Port is the nearby choice for establishing an O&M Center for the turbines' operational phase. The short distance to the farms provides optimal conditions for daily operation, technical maintenance, and personnel transport, and constitutes a central part of the port's overall offshore activities.
Hvide Sande Port has dedicated quay areas with directly adjacent hinterland for storage, personnel, and office facilities. On these dedicated quay stretches, it is possible to establish exclusive usage rights for CTV vessels as well as adjacent areas for the O&M center.
The areas can - as needed - be fenced and established contiguous with direct access to quayside facilities ranging in sizes up to approximately 10,000 m² depending on location. Different locations can be offered based on the need for proximity to the quay, exclusivity, water depth, and facilities.
The available quay and hinterland areas span from approximately 4 to 7 meters of water depth and include both pier quays and sheet piled quays. Services such as shore power, water supply, fuel handling, and waste management can be arranged as part of the overall O&M setup.
Establishing an O&M Center brings together personnel, vehicles, spare parts, and daily logistics in one place and creates an operational base that supports continuous operation throughout the lifespan of the wind farms.
Shortest sailing distance to offshore wind farms
The distance from the entrance to Hvide Sande Port to the edge of North Sea Mid and North Sea South wind farms is approximately 20 km.
The short sailing time gives technicians more effective working hours on the turbines, reduces fuel consumption, and increases overall operational efficiency. Short distance between port and wind farm is a decisive factor in the O&M phase, as travel time directly affects both maintenance efficiency, response time, and total operational costs.
Torben Lindberg Strømgaard
Business Manager / CBO
Reliability in the O&M phase
The short distance increases safety, as CTV vessels can quickly reach port in the event of deteriorating weather conditions. The entrance to Hvide Sande Harbor is also ice-free year-round due to the lock operation between Ringkøbing Fjord and the North Sea.
Hvide Sande Harbor has a 24/7 permanent harbor watch, which can be called upon 24 hours a day, year-round. The harbor watch can assist with information about berths, water and electricity consumption, waste management, and oil spills.
Facilities, dock conditions, and areas
- Area: up to approx. 10,000 m² depending on location
- Dock type: bridge dock and sheet-piled docks
- Water depth: approx. 4–7 meters
- Exclusive usage rights: possibility for dedicated CTV docks and O&M areas
- Services: shore power, water, fuel handling, waste, and oil spills (can be arranged as needed)
Vattenfall Wind Power – O&M Center at Hvide Sande Harbor
Offshore wind farms: Vesterhav Syd and Vesterhav Nord
Area: approx. 5,000 m²
Exclusive dock: approx. 90 meters
Established: 2023
Vattenfall's O&M Center at Hvide Sande Harbor demonstrates the harbor's ability to establish dedicated O&M areas with exclusive dock access and functional frameworks for the daily operation of offshore wind farms.
Clear overview of the benefits
| Benefits of Hvide Sande Harbor | Practical gains |
| Shortest sailing distance to wind farms | More effective working hours offshore and reduced sailing time |
| Dock and backland in one place | Efficient operation with CTVs, crew, storage, and facilities close together |
| Flexible and scalable areas | Possibility for both smaller and larger O&M setups depending on need |
| Ice-free harbor year-round | Stable operation without seasonal restrictions |
| 24/7 harbor service | Quick response, ongoing support, and high reliability |
FAQ – general questions about O&M centers
What is an O&M Center in offshore wind?
An O&M Center is a base for the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, where personnel, vessels, spare parts, and logistics are gathered to support the daily operations during the turbines' lifespan. The center acts as a hub for both planned maintenance and handling of unforeseen events, so uptime and safety can be maintained.
Why is the distance between the port and wind farm important?
The distance has direct implications for how many effective working hours technicians have offshore, as well as for fuel consumption, safety, and response time to unforeseen events. Short transit distance allows for more flexible planning and quicker response, which is crucial in daily O&M operations.
What types of vessels are typically used in the O&M phase?
The operational phase primarily uses CTV vessels (Crew Transfer Vessels) for transporting technicians and equipment between the port and wind turbines. CTVs are designed for frequent sailings and quick access to the turbines, making them suitable for wind farms located relatively close to the coast.