The scientists have identified potential for improvement in the run-up and in the risk management measures undertaken in offshore projects. This is why, together with its project partners E.ON Climate & Renewables GmbH, Global Renewables Shipbrokers GmbH and Siem Offshore Contractors GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institute IWES is developing the COAST 2.0 software, which is primarily to be used during the analysis and planning phase.

Whilst other software as well as the previous version focus only on weather risks at the beginning of the project, COAST 2.0 aims to go one step further. Unlike others, the aim of the software is to optimise, as far as possible, all offshore processes. Therefore, it will also take into consideration project-related risks: Additional uncertainty factors and sensitivities during transport and installation are to be exposed and automated scenario and performance analyses to be developed. With these instruments at hand, a continuous monitoring of the project will be possible: Windfarm developers will be provided with a comprehensive tool to track the progress of their projects.

The software is to be finalised and tested in detail before the project - funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) - comes to an end mid-2021.