Discover why renewable energy companies need a travel management company (TMC) with an oil & gas background in this expert insight. The article discusses the similarities between the crew travel of oil & gas and renewable energy companies, and why these companies and their mission-critical travellers benefit from an experienced and specialist renewable energy travel management company.
The renewable energy revolution.
Increased technological advances, climate change, and a loosening link between renewables and oil are factors that have contributed to the rise of the renewable energy market. An ever-increasing number of countries and companies are investing in renewable energy, with the growth showing no signs of slowing. This accelerating expansion of renewable energy has led many to question whether the twenty-first century will be the last for fossil fuels.
As the size of the renewable energy industry multiplies so does the number who are employed in the sector, including crew who inspect and maintain the devices. The synergies between renewable energy and oil and gas crew are easy to spot, as both travel to remote and often hard-to-reach destinations. A travel management company specialising in mission-critical crew travel is therefore paramount.
The importance of a mission-critical TMC.
For over 100 years, ATPI has been a specialist in the energy and shipping market. A large majority of our travellers are considered ‘mission critical,’ as they have to reach their destination to complete their work. Of that majority, most of them are crew, travelling to a rig or vessel to fulfil operational requirements.
Travellers in the renewable industry have the same requirements in regard to travel. They too need to travel for their role, including site management, inspections, repairs, planning, surveying and construction to name a few.
All companies seek operational efficiencies to drive time and cost savings, and a specialist TMC knows how to achieve these efficiencies related to complex crew travel. Four key points to consider include:
Operational consistency around labour-intensive, manual processes.
A variety of suppliers and tools makes managing crew travel and crew rotations complex. Having a TMC that understands the processes involved and can consolidate multiple systems in one place is crucial.
Using system integrations to create cost efficiencies
Technology develops at a rapid pace, and being able to easily integrate new tools into a larger platform is key for travel management. Crew travel in particular often requires door-to-deck logistical services, and being able to manage that entire travel cycle in one place allows for cost efficiencies to be seen.
Complete visibility of crew whereabouts for risk control
Safety and security are paramount to every travel programme, especially for the crew members who are travelling to remote locations. Look for a travel partner that puts safety at the heart of the programme and enables you to be proactive in your duty of care obligations.
Access to speciality marine and offshore fares
Marine and offshore fares are specialist contracts that airlines offer through select TMCs, traditionally helping service the shipping and energy sectors. These fares, offer flexibility and significant discounts and can be applicable to crew travellers in the renewable markets.