FEEDERDOCK, a next-generation marine logistics solution for offshore wind developed by ONP Management and Renewable Resources International, aims to transform how large-scale wind farms are built globally while entering the Australia and New Zealand markets with support from Energy Estate.
The solution delivers a 30–50% productivity advantage through a fixed-to-fixed installation methodology using a heavy lift jack-up vessel supported by feeder vessels, ONP Management said.
The developers added that the patented design has received Basic Design Approval from the American Bureau of Shipping and is engineered to install turbines in the 25+MW class and foundations of up to 2,800 tonnes.
FEEDERDOCK separates installation operations from port logistics, allowing smaller shallow-draft feeder vessels to transport components from a wider range of ports including those with infrastructure constraints.
The approach reduces the need for costly port upgrades while addressing one of the key global offshore wind bottlenecks around access to suitable installation vessels and ports.
The concept has been developed by ONP Management drawing on more than 15 years of European offshore wind and heavy lift vessel experience in partnership with US-based Renewable Resources International and backed by a US private equity firm focused on the global energy transition.
Energy Estate has been appointed exclusive advisor to support FEEDERDOCK’s entry into the Australian and New Zealand offshore wind markets.
“FEEDERDOCK has been developed precisely for markets like Australia – it removes the need to rely on rare deepwater, heavy lift ports and gives developers a bankable pathway to deliver their first projects,” said Frank Witte, FEEDERDOCK Project Director at ONP Management.
“FEEDERDOCK is designed to be part of the solution – a highly efficient installation platform that can work alongside the heavy-lift jack-up fleet and significantly increase the volume of turbines installed per season,” commented Andy Geissbuehler, Managing Partner of Renewable Resources International.
The developers said the concept is also intended to support local supply chains and jobs through engagement with Australian shipyards and maritime companies for construction, outfitting, operation and maintenance.