Ørsted and Skyports complete complex offshore wind cargo drone trial

Ørsted and Skyports Drone Services have completed a four-week cargo drone trial at the Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm. The trial delivered maintenance kits weighing up to 65 kilograms via drone, including the first beyond visual line of sight flight inside the wind farm.

The partnership assessed whether drones could deliver essential maintenance kits and reduce routine vessel trips. The trial, conducted in the North Sea, is described by the companies as their most complex offshore wind cargo drone trial to date. It brought together specialists in safety, aviation, warehousing, and site operations.

Automation and safety gains from drone-delivered kits

The trial introduced a new load-collection method using an automatic hook attached to the drone. This system removed the need for an operator to manually connect each bag by hand. The process became more automated and safer as a result.

Operators completed the first delivery beyond visual line of sight inside the wind farm. They planned, coordinated, and monitored this BVLOS flight from a specialist service vessel. The automatic hook system was a key enabler for these unmanned operations.

Operational benefits: reduced emissions, costs, and downtime

By cutting vessel trips, the approach may lower fuel use, emissions, and operating costs. The drone flew kits to individual turbines before technicians arrived. A key benefit is that turbines could keep generating electricity while deliveries were in progress, reducing lost production.

Drone deliveries also cut the number of lifting operations technicians had to perform offshore. This limited their exposure to lifting work and changing sea conditions. The goal was to enable turbines to generate electricity more consistently at lower operational risk and cost.

Technical details and industry context

The trial operated within the UK Civil Aviation Authority regulatory framework. The authority supported the necessary airspace approvals for the work. Ed Clay is head of technical strategy, future safety and innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

During the BVLOS flight, the drone travelled around 4 kilometers. The bags weighed approximately 55 to 65 kilograms. Each maintenance kit held tools, spare parts, and materials needed for a specific task. After technicians finished work, the drone collected the kits and returned them to the Service Operations Vessel.

Skyports Drone Services, described as the world’s leading drone airline, specializes in BVLOS flight for delivery and inspection. The company partners with maritime and offshore industries, healthcare providers, infrastructure and asset owners, and public bodies. The approach allows for rapid response, enabling quicker delivery of tools, spare parts, and welfare items.

Leadership and validation of the trial’s significance

Richard McCrilley is project lead at Ørsted. Alex Brown is chief executive of Skyports Drone Services. The trial demonstrated that drones can deliver maintenance kits BVLOS inside offshore wind farms, reducing vessel trips and enabling safer, more efficient turbine maintenance.