Dutch companies TWD and Barge Master have designed a motion compensated pile gripper to help with the installation of offshore wind foundations in deeper waters.
The main function of the pile gripper is to hold a monopile perfectly vertical by counteracting the wave motions of the vessel on which it is fixed, the companies said.
They added that the technology has been examined on different vessel types, both for existing assets as for new-built floating heavy lift vessels.
“Due to a higher payload, reduced vessel day-rate and time savings related to the jacking process, a reduction of the monopile installation costs up to 40% can be achieved,” TWD and Barge Master said.
They are aiming for a full-scale demonstration of the pile gripper in 2018.
The companies have developed the system because purpose built jack-up vessels have too little lifting and jacking capacity for XL monopiles, while floating heavy lift vessels, which have sufficient crane and payload capacity, are sensitive to wave motions and have limited workability.
Image: TWD/Barge Master
