The Journey of the Box – North Star Shipping

Company Information:

Vessel Operator offering Service Operation Vessels SOV’s to various wind farms.

North Star is a company who own a fleet of Service Operation Vessels (SOV’s). These ships help meet the evolving demand of Offshore Wind Operations & Maintenance operations, by transferring people and equipment from port to the offshore turbines.

Project Overview

North Star Shipping is a vessel operator offering Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) to offshore wind farms. The company owns a fleet of vessels that support Offshore Wind Operations and Maintenance activities. These ships transfer people and equipment from port to offshore wind turbines.

This project focuses on understanding the logistics involved in transporting equipment and cargo required for offshore wind operations. The project examines the process of moving an operational component from a warehouse shelf through the supply chain until it is installed on an offshore wind turbine. This process is described as “The Journey of the Box”.

Project Aim

The aim of the project is to develop an understanding of the logistics surrounding cargo handling, warehouse facilities on a Service Operation Vessel (SOV), and the wider offshore wind industry. The project will also explore the wide range of roles involved in offshore wind operations.

Why This Project Is Valuable

North Star continually looks for ways to improve the timing, efficiency and logistics involved in port calls. This includes the movement of personnel and cargo to turbines so that technicians can begin their work offshore.

By examining the steps involved in delivering a critical operational component from a warehouse shelf to installation on an offshore wind turbine, the project helps identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the process.

What You Will Do

• Carry out desk-based research into offshore wind logistics and vessel operations

• Observe operations and ask questions with the team

• Conduct interviews with staff involved in maritime operations and support roles

• Gather information about the logistics and processes involved in transporting cargo to offshore wind turbines

• Develop an understanding of the warehouse facilities on board a Service Operation Vessel

• Explore the range of job opportunities within Offshore Wind

• Map the different roles within Maritime teams, Operations and Maintenance teams and support functions

Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding

• Learning how Service Operation Vessels support offshore wind Operations and Maintenance

• Understanding the logistics involved in transporting cargo and equipment offshore

• Exploring the operational processes required to support offshore wind turbines

• Understanding how maritime teams, O&M teams and support functions work together

Planning and Organisation

• Plan and organise research activities

• Gather information through interviews, observation and desk-based research

• Organise findings clearly

• Work independently while receiving guidance and support when required

Skills Developed

• Microsoft Office

• Research

• Problem solving

• Self motivation

• Independent working

• Organisation

• Communication

Final Outputs

• A storyboard or presentation describing the journey of “the box”

• Exploration of alternative approaches that could improve the process

• Depending on time available, a pack of career profiles for young people highlighting lesser-known careers in offshore wind and the pathways into those careers

Reflection and Evaluation

Your report may include:

• What you learned about offshore wind logistics and vessel operations

• What roles are involved in supporting offshore wind projects

• Key insights into how cargo moves through the logistics chain

• Reflection on the different career opportunities identified

This project will be conducted in conjunction with an intern at Peterson Energy Logistics.

https://www.northstarshipping.co.uk

https://www.crestawards.org/resources/crest-gold-student-guide