On the pages of BalticWind.EU, we quoted the results of the analyzes of the IHS Markit center, according to which the current fleet of ships in the world is not adapted to the installation of new generation wind turbines. Analysts estimate that 15 MW wind turbines will appear on the offshore wind energy market within the next three years. Unfortunately, the current fleet of ships used to assemble wind turbines is not up to the job.
The president of the Dutch company Heerema Marine Contractors, Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven, referred to the results of the analysis. Quoted by the SWZ / Maritime magazine, he said that it was not true. The Vessels Thialf and Sleipnir are currently capable of installing 15 MW wind turbines. The company is currently working on instrumentation supporting the installation of such turbines. After adjusting the crane jib, ships will be able to install turbines up to 20 MW.
Thialf and Sleipnir are semi-submersible crane vessels (SSCVs). At this point, the cranes make it possible to lift the structure at a height of 195 m above sea level. In addition, the units can be used to install the largest and heaviest offshore farm components.
The Arcadis Ost 1 project, developed by the Belgian company Parkwind, is currently under construction in the Baltic Sea. The 257 MW wind installation will be built near the island of Rügen in German waters. The 9.5 MW turbines will be installed by Heerema with the help of a ship of this scale. Already in 2019, the company indicated that it is working on a new method of installing turbines for Arcadis Ost. It relies on a 100% floating method of installation without contact with the seabed. Compared to a jack-up vessel, the installation is much shorter without major risks to the project.
Currently, Heerema is working with turbine developers and manufacturers to improve the technique of larger wind turbines above 15 MW. This year, the company wants to obtain appropriate permits for the installation of such large turbines. After obtaining the relevant documents, the ships will be available on the commercial market, which will allow their use as early as 2024.
Source: IHS Markit/SWZ|Maritime
