1st February 2012: International logistics service provider, BLG Logistics, has appointed MeteoGroup to supply weather services during the on-shore and near-shore transportation of wind farm foundations in the Bremerhaven harbour.  MeteoGroup will provide BLG with site-specific weather forecasts, tidal data and other weather services as the logistics company transports the cargo.  The foundations, weighing up to 900 tonnes, are for offshore wind farms which are to be constructed in the German North Sea.

Bremen-based BLG, requires accurate and timely weather services to ensure the wind farm foundations are transported safely and efficiently. MeteoGroup’s service includes site-specific weather forecasts, tidal data and wind speed data for heights of 50m and 100m.  Weather alerts, triggered by pre-defined thresholds, ensure BLG only operates within the permitted conditions.

MeteoGroup is Europe’s largest private sector weather provider and is a key supplier of weather services to the renewables industry.  With offices throughout Europe and in the United States, MeteoGroup already supports a number of large industry players, providing weather services for all phases of wind and solar projects.

From site assessment and installation through to operations and maintenance, accurate weather data is crucial throughout the life cycle of wind energy projects.  Andreas Wellbrock, Director BLG Logistics Wind Energy, explained this from the perspective of logistics: "There are strict rules for the weather conditions in which we are allowed to transport the heavy foundations.  To use personnel and material efficiently, we need accurate weather data, tailored specifically to our location. The individual alarms ensure that we are aware of each weather threat early on. "

BLG has recognised the potential of the wind energy industry and is currently investing €20million in logistics for offshore wind farms.  "We are proud to support BLG Logistics," said Nils Brodersen, responsible for renewable energy sales and consulting at MeteoGroup’s German office.  "We were awarded this contract after extensive, competitive testing and we look forward to future cooperation with BLG."

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For more information please contact:

MeteoGroup:  Alison Cobb, Admin Assistant

alison.cobb(at)meteogroup.com 020 7963 7575, www.meteogroup.com

BLG Logistics Group: Hartmut Schwerdtfeger, PR Spokesman

hschwerdtfeger@blg.de, +42 (1) 398 3391, www.blg.de

About MeteoGroup

MeteoGroup is Europe’s largest private sector weather business with a worldwide customer base and operations in ten European countries and the USA as well as representatives in the Middle East and Far East. MeteoGroup is a full-service weather business supplying tailored products to professional, media and consumer markets. Founded in 1986, the company has an unrivalled reputation for quality and innovation in weather forecasting.  

Expert meteorologists provide forecasts, support, monitoring and consultancy services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, a dedicated weather modelling team continuously develop MeteoGroup’s in-house systems and forecasting techniques. 

The Group is owned by the Press Association, the national news agency for the UK and Ireland.  Offices are located in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the USA.