ABSTRACT

Offshore wind energy represents a key technology within the energy revolution (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy 2015, Hau 2014). This is due to the high supply potential of wind out at sea, the resulting high number of fullload hours, and the favorable power plant characteristics that offshore wind energy offers (Hau 2014, Rohrig et al. 2013). In view of Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear energy, offshore wind energy represents a form of power generation that is capable of supplying base load, making it a key component in the future energy mix (German Federal Government 2010). The need to optimize and reduce costs in all areas of the supply chain of offshore wind energy is reasoned by the following aspects: the specific challenges of offshore wind energy as well as the competitive

situation with conventional and other renewable energy sources (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy 2015). Given that the cost-saving potential for production and installation logistics was estimated at 5.7-9% and 3.6-5% respectively back in 2013, there is a need for optimisation in these areas (Briese 2016, Hobohm et al. 2013).