Project Certification Offshore
Con4Mare is a Certification Body for the scope of project certification for offshore projects, delivering impartial and comprehensive evaluations and conformity assessments. We ensure compliance with all necessary industry standards, guaranteeing the integrity, safety and success of offshore wind farm projects.
The conformity assessment includes all certification tasks in the lifetime of an offshore wind farm project. This covers site assessment and design review, manufacturing surveillance, transportation and installation (T&I) surveillance and commissioning surveillance. With these certification works it is ensured that the offshore structures meet all regulatory requirements and the project certificate can be issued. Certification needs in the operational phase can also be resolved in order to maintain the validity of the project certificate.
Review of the design basis
The review of the design basis involves ensuring that all site-specific environmental conditions, such as wind speeds, wave heights, and seabed characteristics, have been accurately assessed and integrated into the design criteria. A crucial step is the verification that the selected design standards and methodologies are appropriate for the project’s location and comply with relevant regulatory and industry norms, standards and guidelines. In addition, the review should confirm that the design basis addresses all necessary technical requirements and constraints specific to the offshore environment.
Design review
The design review for project certification of offshore wind farms ensures that all structural components are engineered to withstand site-specific environmental conditions, including extreme weather events, marine forces and installing and transportation states. It is essential to verify that the design adheres to established industry standards and best practices, covering aspects such as load calculations, material selection, and corrosion protection. Furthermore, the review must confirm that the design ensures the structural integrity of the wind farm over its intended lifespan.
Manufacturing surveillance
Manufacturing surveillance involves the monitoring of the production processes to ensure that the selected components are manufactured in accordance with the approved design, therefor specifications and quality standards. This includes audits and inspections with spot checks of the verification of material quality, dimensional accuracy, and adherence to design tolerances. Additionally, it is essential to document and address any deviations or non-conformities promptly to maintain the integrity and reliability of the final components.
Transport and installation
The surveillance of transport and installation requires verifying that all logistical plans and procedures are in place to safely and efficiently move components from the manufacturing site to the offshore location. This involves ensuring that all operations are conducted in compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices. For many occasions this will be executed in close collaboration with the project designated Marine Warranty Surveyor incorporating the results of their inspection and supervision. Additionally, thorough documentation and real-time monitoring are essential to address any issues promptly and to ensure the integrity and alignment of all components during installation.
Commissioning surveillance
Performing commissioning surveillance involves overseeing the initial operation of the parts of the offshore wind farm to ensure all systems and components function as designed under real-world conditions. This includes verifying that electrical, mechanical, and control systems are correctly integrated according to the commissioning plan and that performance tests meet the specified criteria. Additionally, it is critical to document any issues, implement necessary adjustments, and confirm that all safety and regulatory requirements are fulfilled before the wind farm becomes fully operational.
Periodic inspections
Periodic inspections in the operational phase are regularly scheduled assessments to ensure that all structural and functional components continue to perform optimally and safely. These inspections include checking for signs of wear, corrosion, and other potential issues, as well as verifying that maintenance routines are effectively preventing any degradation. Additionally, it is important to document all findings and follow-up on corrective actions taken to ensure compliance with the project certificate and regulatory requirements.
