Floating installation concept for offshore wind developments

The design of equipment and methods currently used for installation of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) have, to a large extent, migrated from land based or close to shore construction technologies, mainly relying on jack-up vessels with limitations regarding maximum sea depth (< 60-70 meters). This makes realizing a cost-efficient up-scaling of today's technology to handle installation of larger turbines at greater depths, practically impossible. Hence, the primary objective of the project is to develop a scalable, flexible and cost efficient installation method for both large (10 MW+) and extra-large (15 MW+) OWTs located at sea-depths exceeding current capabilities of jack-up vessels. The results of the project has reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4/5. During the initial project phase, the partners agreed that the most realistic installation site would be at a key site or in sheltered water. The decision to move the installation to key /sheltered area was strengthened by the fact that all installation of ongoing and upcoming floating WTG projects will be performed in a sheltered water area. Main Conclusions: ? The installation & maintenance tool is technically feasible. The design is based on well-known technology used for moving heavy parts in the offshore industry and is also based on modification of existing machine elements. ? Installasjon he installation & maintenance tool is scalable ? The installation tool is adaptable for various types of semi-submersible designs and can also be modified to suit a SPAR construction. ? A step by step installation procedure have been developed based on a single unit and a detailed timeline developed based on the activities.

? Increased understanding offshore wind industry marked. ? Established valuable Network across the value chain, both national and internationally. ? Experience with cross discipline cooperation (Marine operation, logistic, engineering, key marked players) ? International Networking outside consortium o Siemens Gamesa o Principle Power o Innovasjon Norge US o GE o Equinor project teams on real planned floating wind parks All the above points will improve the future ability of the partners to cooperate with the industry players, more effective and to identify new valuable development projects within the offshore wind industry.

The design of equipment and methods currently used for installation of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) have, to a large extent, migrated from land based or close to shore construction technologies, mainly relying on jack-up vessels with limitations regarding maximum sea depth (< 60-70 meters). This makes realizing a cost-efficient up-scaling of today's technology to handle installation of larger turbines at greater depths, practically impossible. Hence, the primary objective of the project is to develop a scalable, flexible and cost efficient installation method for both large (10 MW+) and extra-large (15 MW+) OWTs located at sea-depths exceeding current capabilities of jack-up vessels. The results of the project will reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4/5. The proposed new disruptive installation concept (INSTALLER) is based on; (1) a motion compensated crane; (2) a wind turbine jacking system; (3) a blade installation tool; (4) appropriate vessels concepts; and (5) corresponding transportation and assembly line. The combined technology enable a module-based tower and turbine erection from the bottom and up - section by section. The concept reduces lifting and handling challenges normally introduced with larger turbines, while the independence of jack-up vessels allows for installations in deeper waters. The technology behind the INSTALLER concept will ensure a wide range of scenarios and applications. With Statoil as developer and operator, and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Ulstein and NOV as suppliers, the INSTALLER solution approach will pave the way for a significant Norwegian market share for installation of large wind turbines and in particular within floating wind farms. Moreover, the importance of the project is reflected by the proposed set of activities that can contribute to restructure the Norwegian oil and gas supply industry into serving the industry of ocean renewables (Green Growth).