Logistics in offshore wind

Based on gaps in academic literature, this PhD thesis has used the case study method to collect empirical data and perform different types of qualitative as well as quantitative analysis.

The findings in the form of seven key theoretical contributions have been presented based on the five peer-reviewed and published academic papers forming part of this research:

• An academic definition of logistics in offshore wind has been proposed
• A furthering of the understanding of logistics costs in offshore wind has been generated as seen in relation to offshore wind farm capital expenditure, operating expenditure, and levelized cost of energy
• The high logistics costs as a share of total costs for offshore wind suggest that logistics be treated as a separate discipline of great importance by academia as well as industry
• Levelized cost of energy studies and cost models seem to possibly be biased
• Logistics costs do not appear to be not properly defined and accounted for in major cost studies
• Analysis of China, as a representative emerging market for offshore wind, indicated that logistics characteristics are different there compared to mature markets
• Using logistics as the lens, it was found that the offshore wind supply chain does not seem ready for the planned government diffusion plans of the future

This research presents several ideas for how academia may further the studies of logistics in offshore wind.