Cluster Insight with WindSpider

The WindSpider crane uses the tower of the wind turbine itself as a base for the crane, thus offering safe and powerful lifting capabilities at significantly reduced cost, explains Hans Olav Hide in this article.

Cluster Insight is a column where we ask six questions to catch a glimpse into the daily business-lives of the partners and members of GCE Ocean Technology.

In a recent column, Rene Jenensch, Product Manager- Cranes, Palfinger Marine Norway, sent the baton over to WindSpider, so this week we spoke with Hans Olav Hide to learn more about him and his work in this company that develops technology in connection with cost-effective energy production with a special focus on offshore wind turbines.

1. What is your role in WindSpider?

Currently I act as CEO and Chairman. I very much enjoy working in the green sector and note that experience that competence gained in the oil and gas business is highly applicable and valuable also for wind.

2. Your primary focus at work right now is?

We are entering a very exciting phase, where we will complete the development and certify a new version of the WindSpider crane. The new version can be used for installation and maintenance for both fixed and floating offshore wind turbines. We are currently working to establish the right partner network and are very happy to see such a big interest among the potential parties with regards to working with us.

3. Biggest challenges and opportunities for WindSpider in the future?

I believe we share many of the challenges of the wind industry in general, where reducing costs is priority one, and securing higher content for Norwegian products and industry also is an important one. Building on technology and experience from the oil and gas industry; we are in particular aiming at solving challenges related to lifting operations, both during installation and maintenance of the turbines.

We have introduced the WindSpider crane, which is using the tower of the wind turbine itself as a base for the crane, and thereby offering safe and powerful lifting capabilities at significantly reduced cost. And the associated environmental impact is much lower. The international opportunities seem large and extremely exciting - and trying to capture these is key for us going forward!

4. Best part of being member in a cluster?

Being a cluster member offers easy access to other member companies, both on the customer, partner and supplier side. During “Covid-times”, I believe it has been particularly good, with seminars and other digital meeting opportunities. I also appreciate the information flow, and the possibility to get advice on topics of interest.

5. Your business/life motto

Have fun while growing a profitable company.

6. Which cluster member should we interview next?

Loke Marine Minerals.

Thank you for the insight Hans Olav.