Case Study: How SeaPlanner's SSoW Supported One of the UK's Largest Offshore Wind Projects
How do you keep thousands of people safe, on schedule, and in sync: in the middle of the North Sea? For one of the UK’s largest offshore wind projects, the answer was a tried and tested Safe System of Work (SSoW) that could handle the complex logistics of an offshore wind project without compromising on safety. SeaPlanner’s integrated SSoW modules helped coordinate people, permits, and procedures at scale, enabling the success of a multi-billion-pound build.
Project Overview
At the time of its construction, this offshore wind farm (located 33 kilometres off the UK coast) was one of the largest of its kind. With 90 turbines and a total capacity of 857 megawatts, the project was to be a major step forward in renewable energy. Offshore construction began in early 2020 and continued through the global COVID-19 pandemic, environmental restrictions, and the complex logistics that come with offshore construction. Coordinating thousands of personnel and assets required a system built for scale, precision, and safety.
Challenges
Delivering a project of this scale meant managing thousands of moving parts. With over 3,800 personnel, 73 vessels, and more than 156,000 transfers, the risk of delays, miscommunication, and safety breaches was real. Documentation had to be submitted, reviewed, and approved without bottlenecks. Every permit and RAMS needed to be current and accessible. The team required full visibility of who was on site, what work was happening, and whether it was safe to proceed.
Solution: SeaPlanner Safe System of Work
To manage the complexity of this offshore build, the project team relied on an integrated Safe System of Work that could scale with the operation. A Safe System of Work (SSoW) is a structured process that ensures work is carried out safely and efficiently.
SeaPlanner provided the tools to make this possible. Its integrated SSoW modules–Permits, Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), and Transfer of Control (TOC)–helped streamline documentation, improve visibility, and maintain control across every stage of the project. Here’s how these three modules were specifically applied to this offshore build:
Permits
SeaPlanner’s permit module enabled a consistent, auditable workflow for reviewing and approving work. Contractors could submit permits in advance, reducing delays and ensuring only authorised work was carried out. Integration with the marine coordination system gave teams real-time awareness of ongoing activities, helping to avoid conflicts and improve planning.
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
The RAMS module ensured that Risk Assessments and Method Statements were submitted, reviewed, and approved in a controlled and timely manner. Version control and certification features helped eliminate duplication and confusion, ensuring that permits were always linked to the latest approved documentation.
Transfer of Control (TOC)
With SeaPlanner’s TOC feature, asset custody could be formally handed over to specific contractors and work packages. This helped maintain clear lines of responsibility, restricted access to authorised personnel, and supported safe, efficient transitions between phases of work.
Together, these modules formed a single, connected system that supported safe decision-making and operational clarity at every level of the build.
Results: Over 150,000 Transfers Coordinated without Compromise
Over the course of the project, SeaPlanner supported 5,767 approved inductions and helped manage 3,840 personnel across 156,398 safe transfers. A total of 1,327 RAMS were processed and 11,600 permits issued, all through a single connected system. With 73 vessels operating offshore, SeaPlanner provided the visibility and control needed to keep operations running smoothly, even during the challenges of a global pandemic and strict environmental constraints.
Behind every transfer, permit, and RAMS was a person relying on the system to keep them safe and informed. SeaPlanner gave marine coordinators the confidence to manage daily operations with clarity, knowing exactly who was on site and what work was underway. Contractors could focus on the job at hand, assured that their documentation was approved and up to date. For everyone involved, SeaPlanner reduced uncertainty and helped create a safer, more predictable working environment offshore.
“Even after the marine coordination contract ends, projects often choose to keep using SeaPlanner for safe system of work. It becomes an essential and integral part of how they operate safely.”
- Lisa Deamer, Client Relations Manager at SeaPlanner
Summary: Safer Offshore Wind Construction with SeaPlanner SSoW
This offshore wind project showed what is possible when safety, coordination, and technology come together. SeaPlanner’s Safe System of Work modules helped teams manage complexity without losing sight of the people behind the process. From permits to personnel, every detail was tracked, approved, and aligned.
If you are planning a high-risk offshore operation, SeaPlanner can help you do it safely and efficiently. Schedule a SeaPlanner demo or download the brochure to learn more today.
