With offshore wind providing a much-needed way to generate sustainable electricity, ISO 29400 provides guidance on the best way to manage associated operations.

Offshore wind farms offer several advantages when compared to their solid ground counterparts. They are well-sited to catch the wind, and they're less of a burden on the eyes and ears. The downsides? Installation and maintenance can present significant technical challenges.

Now, a new International Standard, ISO 29400, Ships and marine technology - Offshore wind energy - Port and marine operations, provides comprehensive requirements and guidance for the planning and engineering of port and marine operations of offshore wind farms. Developed by the ISO technical committee on ships and marine technology, the standard covers all documents and works related to such operations.

The Chair of the technical committee, Mr Yanqing Li, explains that "the new standard is comprehensive, covering the systems, equipment and procedures required to perform port and marine operations, as well as the methods or procedures developed to carry them out safely."

ISO 29400 covers everything from the design and analysis of components, to the operations that support key activities such as offshore transport and commissioning works, repair operations including component exchange, and decommissioning or redeployment of offshore wind farms.

(Source: ISO)