Galloper Wind Farm – Fuel System Maintenance & Cleaning
Project overview
The Galloper Wind Farm, located off the Essex coast, is operated by RWE, one of Europe’s leading renewable energy companies. When bacterial contamination was detected in the site’s fuel system, RWE approached OTS Group to take over maintenance and ensure the integrity of critical fuel infrastructure supporting the offshore service craft.
The project involved Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), fuel polishing, and tank cleaning – all essential for maintaining compliance, safety, and operational efficiency in a marine environment.
| Client | RWE |
| Sector | Offshore wind / Renewable energy |
| Location | Galloper Wind Farm, off the Essex coast |
| Scope of work | Fuel polishing, tank cleaning, PPM, electrical, logistics coordination |
| Key challenges | Bacterial contamination, weather disruption (40 mph winds) |
| Outcome | Project completed safely, on time, and to a high standard with excellent client feedback |
| Team leads | Kevin – Environmental Services; Steve – Managing Director |
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OTS’s connection with Galloper dates back several years. The team originally constructed a temporary fuel storage depot for James Fisher Marine Services, the marine operators responsible for supporting the wind farm. That facility was later relocated, and now, the relationship has come full circle: OTS has returned to provide maintenance and environmental support for RWE.
This new phase of work reflects RWE’s confidence in OTS’s technical expertise and commitment to high safety and environmental standards.
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Led by Kevin Barrett, OTS’s Waste and Environmental Services team were tasked with:
Conducting a pre-PPM site survey to assess unfamiliar equipment and filtration systems.
Performing fuel sampling and analysis, which identified bacterial contamination.
Developing a safe, compliant plan for fuel polishing, tank cleaning, and maintenance.
Coordinating site logistics, including cranes, tankers, and holding tanks for temporary fuel storage.
Managing electrical connections and reinstallation of tank manways.
Every stage was carefully planned to minimise disruption to operations and protect the site’s environmental integrity.
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Severe weather conditions presented a major obstacle during the works. With winds reaching 35–40 mph, crane operations had to be suspended on safety grounds.
Rather than delay the project, the OTS team quickly adapted their approach, using a Hiab to complete reinstatement safely and efficiently. The crew even returned to site late in the evening to stay ahead of worsening weather, working until 9:00 pm to ensure the tanks were reassembled and secure.
This flexibility and commitment ensured that the client’s site was never left exposed or incomplete – a hallmark of OTS’s operational approach.
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RWE provided detailed written feedback following completion of the works, highlighting the team’s professionalism, adaptability, and proactive approach throughout the project. In their words:
“It is a very sensitive piece of work for us that had some tight deadlines, and the approach you and the team have had to the many obstacles along the way have been nothing but accommodating. We have been very impressed with the work ethic, ‘can-do’ attitude and general approach from the team, including identifying any issues and discussing solutions before implementing them.”
They also commended the smooth delivery despite challenging weather conditions, noting that the dedication and workmanship of the OTS team made this possible.
Kevin summarised the relationship:
“They were very impressed with our work ethic and adaptability. We made sure the site was never left exposed, even when the weather turned. It’s great to see that level of commitment recognised.”
Steve added:
“This kind of feedback from a highly safety-driven organisation reinforces the quality of our field teams. Their professionalism really shows in complex environments like this.”
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The successful completion of the Galloper project has:
Strengthened OTS’s relationship with RWE and other offshore operators.
Highlighted the capabilities of OTS’s Waste and Environmental department – a rapidly growing area of the business.
Reinforced OTS’s reputation for professionalism, adaptability, and technical excellence in complex, high-risk environments.
The project serves as a benchmark for OTS’s end-to-end service delivery, combining engineering expertise, safety leadership, and a customer-focused mindset.
