Damen Shipyards is developing a new class of vessel that will be capable of supporting the transportation and installation of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT).
Given the size of the turbines and the depths of the water in which they will be positioned, these FOWTs will require chains and anchors of “unprecedented sizes”.
Research indicates that each FOWT will require between three and six anchors each, with chain diameters increasing from a typical 152mm for a large offshore structure to upwards of 220mm.
While the anchoring technologies will remain much the same, the vessels required to handle them will need to be much bigger than today’s anchor handling vessels and will also have to be efficient.
In cooperation with suppliers and vessel operators, Damen is now working on a new class that will be able to meet this need.
The company has its own anchor and chain production facility, giving it additional insights.
Damen said initial feedback from anchor handling specialists has been positive.
It is also in discussions with other suppliers regarding new deck systems that can accelerate the loading of chain, synthetic rope, steel wire, clump weights and other possible mooring line components in the harbour while maintaining safety, a major consideration given the sizes and weights being contemplated.
Damen’s Offshore Construction facility at Damen Shipyards Mangalia, Romania, will also be playing a part in the floating offshore wind market development as it is well positioned and equipped to produce the large number of floating foundations on which the turbines will be mounted.
“There are many variables relating to the new vessel concept still to be assessed and explored, not least the final nature of the FOWT mooring systems,” said Damen’s Business Development Manager Offshore Wind, Wijtze van der Leij.
“If larger numbers of lighter anchors and chains per turbine are judged superior to fewer but larger, the vessel design will adapt accordingly.
“But whatever the outcome, rapid growth in the offshore wind turbine sector is just around the corner and at Damen we are working hard now on the solutions that will support that growth in ways that are both economical and sustainable.”