Introduction  The purpose of this paper is to optimize the schedule management idea of offshore wind power projects, coordinate the resources in the management process, properly develop the top-level design of offshore wind power project management, grasp the key path in schedule management, effectively promote the project progress, help pool the resources to resolve risks, avoid or reduce construction delay, and improve the ability to manage the offshore wind power projects.

  Method  This paper analyzed and summarized the key work contents and key nodes in the course of the construction of offshore wind power projects by collecting and analyzing the practical construction experience of offshore wind power projects in various domestic sea areas combined with critical path theory in the project management. Besides, it also summarized the time required for performing the key procedure in the course of the project construction according to the actual situation of offshore wind power projects in Guangdong so as to verify the accuracy of relevant process timing and the importance of key procedure.

  Result  The results show that the critical path of offshore wind power project construction includes the delivery line, centralized control center, main submarine cable production and laying, step-up substation (converter station) construction, first loop foundation manufacturing and construction, fan manufacturing and hoisting, branch cable production and laying, grid connection debugging and defects elimination. The cores of schedule planning are as follows: On the premise of the overall construction sequence planning, properly match the survey and design, foundation engineering, fan engineering and submarine cable engineering throughout the process, control the time required for performing each key procedure, and promptly take appropriate corrective actions to manage the schedule, so as to control the overall project schedule. Among them, the time required for performing each key procedure has practical reference significance for the early planning of Guangdong offshore wind power projects.

  Conclusion  The research results can be used as a reference for the schedule management of similar projects in Guangdong sea area.