Introducing Patrick
My name is Patrick Sweeney, and I joined New Power Partners in July 2023 as a Foundation Installation Manager.
Currently, I’m working as the Ports & Logistics Manager on the Muir Mhòr project, a 1GW floating wind farm in development, located 65 km off the east coast of Scotland. It will be one of the world’s first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farms.
I am responsible for managing all ports used during the construction phase of the project, as well as overseeing logistics. This includes offshore transportation and the installation of infrastructure such as anchors, moorings, floating foundations, turbines, and cables.
Balancing Hybrid Work and On-Site Responsibilities
Since joining New Power Partners, I’ve really enjoyed the flexibility of hybrid working. I split my time between the client project office in Glasgow and my home office in Aberdeen.
My role also involves frequent visits to ports across Scotland and the UK, as well as traveling to contractors’ premises, attending meetings, conferences, and supply chain events. I appreciate the flexibility of my work schedule, and hybrid working has enabled key conversations to happen face-to-face while allowing me to maintain a great work/life balance.
A typical workday includes project team meetings with colleagues across Europe, engaging with the supply chain, managing the delivery of various engineering scopes and concept studies, and investigating technical solutions to make the project safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. My work is both engaging and challenging, with no two days ever being the same!
Overcoming Complex Logistics in Offshore Wind Energy
One of the most complex challenges I face is figuring out the logistical puzzle of storing, marshalling, assembling, and installing a vast number of wind farm components within a workable schedule and at an acceptable cost. The immense size of the foundations and turbines, combined with the harsh environment of the North Sea, adds to the complexity. What makes this challenge unique is that it’s being done at a scale unprecedented in the industry, making it both exciting and challenging.
Empowered by a Global Support Network
What I truly appreciate about New Power Partners is the extensive support network. If I ever face a specific project challenge or need help with a specialist topic, there is always someone within the NPP family with the relevant experience and knowledge. Despite being spread globally, NPP colleagues are always willing to help and share their invaluable expertise.
New Power Partners trusts its employees, providing an empowering environment where I’ve had the opportunity to take on a leadership role in a pioneering mega-project. I’m able to contribute meaningfully to solving the global energy challenge and influence key decisions during the project’s development phase, ensuring the right balance between cost, schedule, and risk.
Looking ahead, I am confident there will be more opportunities across the company, allowing me to work on a broad range of industry-leading projects with various clients globally, making the future very exciting.