Dutch engineering company Temporary Works Design has developed a new sea fastening for all sizes of monopile foundation that provides similar support to a hammock.
The seafastening consists of two supports fixed to the deck of the vessel either transversally, across the ship, or longitudinally, from bow to stern, the company said.
One side of the support is fixed rigidly upright, while the opposite side frame is hinged at the base.
A specially designed rope is slung in a cross-over pattern, designed to avoid lateral movement of the monopile, TWD said.
“When loading the monopile on to the vessel the hinged support frame is held open and as the ropes take the weight of the monopile this support automatically closes,” it added.
Lateral support for the monopile is provided by contact pads on the upper horizontal part of the frame.
TWD said that a second frame can be stacked on top of the bottom support frame.
“The upper support frame is then equipped with a hydraulically operated lifting arm to raise the rope to one side to give access to the monopile below,” the company said.
It added that the new sea fastening uses less steel than conventional designs and so saves on cost and weight.