Seaqualize has executed the world’s first offshore transfer lifts of turbine components from a heaving supply vessel at the 800MW Vineyard Wind wind farm.
Its newly developed offshore lifting device, the Heave Chief 1100, is being deployed by DEME Offshore US.
The team of DEME Offshore, GE Renewables, Barge Master, Foss Maritime, Seaqualize and many other US partners both on- and offshore, have transferred and installed the first turbines, and are working closely together to get the other machines out in the water.
Seaqualize is responsible for executing the fast lift from the barge to the installation vessel, while compensating for heave motions.
This new technology will ensure that the Halliade X 13MW turbines can be installed year round, Seaqualize said.
Never before have such delicate but heavy lifts been done, under safe compensation, and with full active heave control, it added.
It now needs to be done hundreds of times more in the upcoming months, to make sure the team can keep installing turbines all year round, even in adverse weather conditions.
Each machine will be transported in separate components from the supply harbour to DEME’s installation vessel Sea Installer.
Seaqualize managing director Gjalt Lindeboom said: “We are very proud of these first successful fast-lifts and the contract and cooperation with DEME.
“In addition, the second Seaqualize Heave Chief – the HC750 – is about to start operations this month, on another wind farm installation project ramping up in the US.
“We are currently planning the production of additional machines to support projects in 2024 up to 2026.
“Combined with the first successful results from Vineyard Wind, this cements Balanced Heave Compensation as the way to go for safe and efficient offshore feeder lifts.
“Floating offshore heavy lifting has many complex problems. For now, it’s been shown that ‘heave compensation’ is not one of them… anymore.”