In the meantime, the two teams from Deutsche Windtechnik
and Baltic Taucher hâve completed their work on their respective locations. The Sure Swift brings them back on board. Now
it's lunchtime. Climbing harnesses, life-jackets and helmets are
removed and everyone gathers in the cabin. Adam Russell, the
second mate, is standing in the kitchenette frying fillets of
chicken for the vessel's crew. Then he skilfully slices the cooked
méat and uses it to make sandwiches. Some mayonnaise, a little
salad garnish and the inviting snack is ready.
In the meantime, Tibbs receives some information via the Tetra
communication System, which keeps him permanently up-todate on ail movements on the construction site. A helicopter will
shortly fly in from the East and land on the jack-up installation
vessel. Fascinating to watch as some minutes later the aircraft,
having taken off in Esbjerg, approaches the Bold Tern, slowly
loses height and finally lands safely on its helicopter pad. Christian Schnibbe is enthused by the scenery and is hard at work
taking photos with his mobile phone for his wpd colleagues in
Bremen who hâve remained on land. A coffee, a few sandwiches
and another drink from the water bottle: then the trouble-shooters are ready to get back to work. Tools and materials for the
next assignment are fetched from the small container which
stands firmly secured on the deck of the Sure Swift. This time
Tibbs puts the experienced rope access technician, "Rigger" as
he calls himself, Tino and his younger colleague, Jannis, down on
a foundation. "There is an incredible amount of documentation
to be done", laments Tino on the fact that besides climbing and
technical skill, there is also a lot of paperwork.
To finish their day - it is now 3.30 p.m. already - Kôhler and Klopper hâve to go to turbine number 58, which provides the backdrop
to two neighbouring wind turbines that are turning lazily in the
almost windless conditions. On turbine 58 the two-man team has
to remove the granulate material, so-called gel packs, from the
switching cabinets which absorb moisture from the air thus preventing corrosion. In this case too, everything has to be minutely
documented to facilitate a smooth handover and to enable any
questions of liability to be clarified at a later date. After a good
hour the work is completed.
Kôhler returns to the deck of the Sure Swift somewhat sweaty
from his exertions. "It's certainly a tough job, going up and down
several times a day", he says referring to the physical challenges
36
and Baltic Taucher hâve completed their work on their respective locations. The Sure Swift brings them back on board. Now
it's lunchtime. Climbing harnesses, life-jackets and helmets are
removed and everyone gathers in the cabin. Adam Russell, the
second mate, is standing in the kitchenette frying fillets of
chicken for the vessel's crew. Then he skilfully slices the cooked
méat and uses it to make sandwiches. Some mayonnaise, a little
salad garnish and the inviting snack is ready.
In the meantime, Tibbs receives some information via the Tetra
communication System, which keeps him permanently up-todate on ail movements on the construction site. A helicopter will
shortly fly in from the East and land on the jack-up installation
vessel. Fascinating to watch as some minutes later the aircraft,
having taken off in Esbjerg, approaches the Bold Tern, slowly
loses height and finally lands safely on its helicopter pad. Christian Schnibbe is enthused by the scenery and is hard at work
taking photos with his mobile phone for his wpd colleagues in
Bremen who hâve remained on land. A coffee, a few sandwiches
and another drink from the water bottle: then the trouble-shooters are ready to get back to work. Tools and materials for the
next assignment are fetched from the small container which
stands firmly secured on the deck of the Sure Swift. This time
Tibbs puts the experienced rope access technician, "Rigger" as
he calls himself, Tino and his younger colleague, Jannis, down on
a foundation. "There is an incredible amount of documentation
to be done", laments Tino on the fact that besides climbing and
technical skill, there is also a lot of paperwork.
To finish their day - it is now 3.30 p.m. already - Kôhler and Klopper hâve to go to turbine number 58, which provides the backdrop
to two neighbouring wind turbines that are turning lazily in the
almost windless conditions. On turbine 58 the two-man team has
to remove the granulate material, so-called gel packs, from the
switching cabinets which absorb moisture from the air thus preventing corrosion. In this case too, everything has to be minutely
documented to facilitate a smooth handover and to enable any
questions of liability to be clarified at a later date. After a good
hour the work is completed.
Kôhler returns to the deck of the Sure Swift somewhat sweaty
from his exertions. "It's certainly a tough job, going up and down
several times a day", he says referring to the physical challenges
36