Erste Betriebserfahrungen mit der FINO1- Forschungsplattform in der Nordsee

Since mid-2003, the first research platform has been erected within the framework of the FINO programme in the North Sea, approx. 45 km off the island of Borkum. The platform is close to the first approved Germany offshore wind energy project and serves as a basis for anextensive technical and biological measuring programme. The aim of the technical investigations carried out by DEWI in co-operation with BSH (Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency) is the exact measurement of the meteorological conditions in the lower atmospheric boundary layer. The hydrographic measurements of BSH include waves, wave height, water current and physical properties of the sea water. A large number of sensors provided for the measurement of the structural dynamics of the platform will allow to analyse the effects of waves and wind on the foundation structure. During the first six months of the measurements no particular incidents with regard to the meteorological and structural measurements were reported. Maintenance and servicing mainly concerned the measurement computer and re-calibration of individual sensors or measuring chains. As already expected, the wave measurements also required some maintenance and repair work. For several months, the hydrographic standard data can already be found on the Internet (follow the link on the BSH homepage).