Service Harbor for Offshore Wind Farms in the North Sea

Operation and maintenance of an offshore wind farm requires short sailing distances, flexible berthing and facilities that can be scaled up and down according to the campaign. As the closest port to the upcoming offshore wind farms in the North Sea, Hvide Sande Harbor offers berthing areas, good water depth for CTVs and SOVs as well as a comprehensive network of maritime service companies - as part of the harbor's other offshore activities.

Service Harbor Close to the Parks

As the closest port to the upcoming offshore wind farms in the North Sea, Hvide Sande Harbor is an obvious choice as a service harbor. The port combines flexible berthing and berthing areas with good water depth for CTVs and SOVs, access to shore power, bunkering facilities and an ice-free harbor year-round.

On and around the harbor, there are versatile maritime service companies with offshore experience as well as shipyards with towage contracts. Hvide Sande town also offers a wide range of accommodation options and recreational activities for crews on long-term campaigns.

Base for Maintenance and Service Tasks

Hvide Sande Harbor is an ideal base for maintenance campaigns, blade changes, scour protection, preliminary investigations and crew changes. The harbor has continuously available areas, quays, office facilities as well as both indoor and outdoor storage options.

For service tasks and maintenance campaigns, the harbor can provide berthing areas and dedicated berths for both shorter and longer periods. You only pay for the space and time you use.

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Torben Lindberg Strømgaard
Business Development Manager, Offshore

Areas and Load Capacity at Vesthaven

At Vesthaven, the port has over 60,000 m² with high load capacity for heavy components - up to 18 tons per m² in flat load and up to 50 tons per m² in point load. The quay has a load capacity of up to 10 tons per m² and a point load of up to 80 tons, making it suitable for heavy crane operations.

The areas can be combined with the port's other areas and storage halls when a project requires additional storage or project offices close to the quay.

Water Depth and Vessel Sizes

Vesthaven currently has 7 meters of water depth. A final investment decision has been made regarding dredging to 8 meters, which is expected to be carried out during 2027.

The port's standard recommendation is a maximum vessel size of 150 meters in length and 50 meters in width. Larger specialized vessels are assessed on an ad hoc basis in collaboration between the shipping company, the pilot, and the port's maritime department.

Experience with Heavy Components and Commissioning

Hvide Sande Harbor has extensive experience in handling large and heavy items - from transformers weighing 150 tons to blades, nacelles for 15 MW turbines and steel foundation parts up to Ø11.5 meters.

The harbor has also served as a commissioning base for several completed offshore wind projects:

Vesterhav Syd - Siemens Gamesa, commissioning base for the turbines
Horns Rev 3 - Vestas, commissioning base for the turbines
Horns Rev 3 - commissioning base for the foundations

FAQ - general questions about service ports for offshore wind

What is a service port in connection with offshore wind?

A service port serves as a base for the operation and maintenance of an offshore wind farm after the farm is operational. From here, crew, spare parts, and equipment sail out to the turbines, and this is where the facilities that support daily operations throughout the lifespan of the farm are located.

What requirements do operation and maintenance impose on a port?

Operation and maintenance require short sailing times to the farm, berth space with good accessibility for CTVs and SOVs, as well as office, crew, and storage facilities close to the quay. Additionally, practical conditions such as shore power, bunkering, and access to local maritime service companies are necessary.

Why does the distance between the port and the farm matter?

Sailing time directly affects operational economics. Shorter distances mean fewer crew hours on the water, lower fuel consumption, less wear on vessels, and more usable working days - an effect that accumulates over an operational period of 25-30 years.

What can a service port offer during a maintenance campaign?

During a campaign, there is typically a need for temporary areas, dedicated berth space, storage, and office facilities for a limited period. Flexible agreements make it possible to adjust the scope to the duration of the campaign, so that payment is only made for the space and time that is actually used.