Using drones for offshore wind turbine inspection

Page date: Published 20 Jan 2025; updated 30 Sep 2026. 2 min read.

The article compares rope-access inspections, which use technicians for visual checks and knock tests, with drone inspections of turbine exteriors and blade interiors. It says drones can carry high-resolution cameras and LiDAR to create 3D maps and locate defects such as delamination, lightning damage and corrosion; specialized drones can inspect internal blade chambers.

Stated advantages include reducing technician exposure to climbing and harsh weather, shortening inspection time and turbine downtime, reducing labour and equipment costs, and gathering detailed imagery and sensor data. The article says drones may need long battery life, autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, and resistance to saltwater corrosion and high winds. These benefits are generalized claims and no comparative measurements are provided.

The page cites AQUADA-GO as an AI and thermal-mechanical modelling project to detect blade damage while turbines are operating, and FOD4Wind as exploring drones launched from service-operation vessels, with charging, tool and spare-part delivery functions. Related links: Energy; Offshore wind; AQUADA-GO; FOD4Wind.