The logistics industry in steep ascent:  According to a recent study conducted by Barkawi Management Consultants the market volume for onshore wind farm logistics amounts € 22 billion between 2012 and 2020. Germany and Spain, which represent the countries with the largest markets for wind energy still have very high growth rates; this is where the most important west European economies will be in the lead. Germany came in third place with a total market volume of € 1.97 billion in comparison to Spain and Portugal which took first place with a combined market volume total of € 4.52 billion. The United Kingdom and Ireland stand in second place with a total of € 2.68 billion.

“The logistics industry with respect to wind power holds enormous economic potential for the next ten years”, says Frank Reichert, responsible for the energy industry at Barkawi.  Reasons for this development are primarily contributed to the change in Germany’s energy policy as well as the increased recognition wind power has received in other European countries. The consulting firm, which among other areas specializes in the logistics and energy markets also sees further growth potentials beyond 2020 for the onshore wind farm logistics industry in Europe.

The study categorizes the market volume by countries and regions as well as by construction and after sales logistics. In the market segment of after sales logistics Germany with a total of € 314 million takes second place behind Spain and Portugal with a combined total of € 331 million. In total comparison with respect to construction logistics, Germany also finds itself behind the regions of Spain and Portugal as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland. Furthermore, the after sales logistics industry will experience an average annual growth rate of 10% in Europe until 2020. Strategic and logistics planning, infrastructure management, operations, maintenance and calibration as well as reverse logistics and waste management are all part of the after sales logistics market segment.

Manufacturers of onshore wind parks have already indicated a strong demand for the classical services such as for example transport management, ground transport and the IT-mapping and steering infrastructure required for these processes. Of increasing value for manufacturers are services, which expand past the traditional transport service offerings such as for instance the provision of an all-encompassing spare parts management inclusive of the spare parts stocking, provision of cranes or the provision of maintenance services and tools.