Discover Global Wind Projects (Day 5: Q&A with Daniel McMullan)

Daniel McMullan, Installation Lead, gives us insight into what it's like to work for Global Wind Projects — a division of Global Port Services that supports the installation and commissioning of both onshore and offshore wind turbines.

What’s your name?

Daniel McMullan

Tell us about you… what’s your work history to date?

I started with Global Crane Services last April as a Crane Supervisor being hired out to assist with contract lifts. A major part of the job was assisting Senvion with their major component exchange campaigns; exchanging gearboxes, main bearings, blade bearings etc. I also was able to support GCS with vessel discharges around the ports, as well as assisting them with normal day to day crane hire jobs.

What’s your current role at GWP and can you describe a typical working day?

My role at GWP is Installation Lead on the Harting Rig Wind Farm. A typical day consists of planning work, keeping track of project progress, overseeing operations on site, and providing an excellent service to our client.

What’s your favourite, or the most exciting part of your job?

My favourite part of the job would be getting the crane to site, assembling it and having the first installation completed. It is a good milestone not only for us, but for all the stakeholders in the windfarm as a whole.

What three personality traits define you, and how do these relate to your job?

I am an approachable and outgoing character, which is vital when you have constant and ongoing communication with clients during the construction phase of the job. I would say I am fairly approachable which again helps when we interact with our own employees - they know that can ask management for any help or guidance when required, and that the more questions they ask, the better!

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your job?

I think a lot of people may assume that my work is just manual labour and supervising heavy lifting, when in fact there is a lot of documentation and progress reporting to be completed daily in the site office.

Who or what inspired you to peruse the career you have today?

To be honest, whenever I started my career it was by chance. When the economic downturn happened in 2008, I was working for Frank and he approached McNally’s Crane Hire about making the move into the renewables sector from doing pre-cast installation, I was fortunate enough to go along, and this allowed me to progress my career in this industry, I probably would not be in this industry today, if I hadn’t made the move with him.

Can you provide details of a professional accomplishment at GWP that you are proud of?

I began my renewable energy career as a wind turbine technician back in 2009, I gained multiple qualifications over the years, and my experience allowed me to work my way up to site management. There's a lot of responsibility that comes with this role, but it is extremely rewarding when you see the competition of a successful project.

Do you have any professional goals / aspirations for the industry?

Although I have been involved in the installation of many wind farms over the last 13 years, I have never had the chance to be part of the offshore installation process, one day I hope to achieve this.

What motivates and energises you at work?

I suppose with the drive this industry is taking in this decade for new projects on and offshore, I think being a part of that makes you hungrier for what we can do ourselves.

What attracted you to work for a business that is a part of Global Energy Group?

Back in 2018, I worked on the Beatrice project in Nigg, and the team there was a group of well skilled and knowledgeable people. The facilities at Nigg were also fantastic for completing the offshore pre-assembly, so it was a fairly easy decision for me.

Working at GWP, what’s one thing that has surprised you?

I would say the investment we have had recently, with the purchasing of our new Liebherr LG crane, being able to get our tool containers and equipment for the construction jobs we have so far.

What advice would you give someone who has just joined GWP, or one of our other divisions?

Just that if you are ever in doubt, not to be afraid to ask the question. I have found that there is always someone willing to answer, and when it comes to safety on site – no question is a stupid question.

Who do you look up to within the company (GWP or Global Energy Group), and why?

I’d have to say that I look up to Ryan Burke, Kevin McAlonan and Frank McAlonan. They are able to offer another solution for wind turbine installation, in order to deliver a bespoke service with cranes and installation crew.

Which of our Core Values means to the most to you and why?

"Resolute on safety and quality" as if we can deliver our projects with a positive safety culture and handover a top quality turbine to our clients, then we will have a successful future in this business.

Relating back to your role, can you give an example of one of our core Values played out in practice?

"Create opportunities for our people" - a friend who I worked with in my last company was out of work for a while and fortunately when GWP was established Ryan took him straight on board,

During your career, what is the best piece of advice you have received?

Delivery starts from the bottom up.