Dutch company Damen Shipyards claimed Tuesday it was functioning to establish a brand-new course of vessel that will certainly can sustaining the expanding drifting wind sector.
Damen has actually mentioned projections which show that by 2050 over 200GW or around 13,500 systems of brand-new drifting overseas wind generators will certainly function, and also these wind turbines will certainly be gigantic, and also positioned in much deeper water than traditional bottom-fixed wind turbines, needing chains and also supports of unmatched dimensions.
“Even just one installation starting to drag an anchor upwind of others could have a serious impact on the output of an entire wind farm, so the anchoring systems must leave nothing to chance. Research indicates that each [floating offshore wind turbine] will require between three and six anchors, with chain diameters increasing from a typical 152mm for a large offshore structure to upwards of 220mm,” Damen Shipyards claimed.
“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 given the projected demand for their services, they will also have to be exceptionally efficient,” the business claimed.
“In cooperation with suppliers and vessel operators, Damen is now working on a new class that will be able to meet this need. As an integrated R&D, design, engineering and shipbuilding group it has all the resources needed to undertake this challenge,”Damen Shipyards included.
“While there is much work to be done, initial feedback from anchor handling specialists has been positive. Damen 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 harbor while maintaining safety, a major consideration given the sizes and weights being contemplated,” the business claimed.
Damen claimed its overseas Construction center at Damen Shipyards Mangalia, Romania, will certainly additionally be figuring in in the drifting overseas wind market growth.
In certain, Damen Shipyards claimed, the center in Romania is well placed and also outfitted to create the multitude of drifting structures on which the wind turbines will certainly be installed.
“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,” says Damen’s Business Development Manager Offshore Wind, Wijtze van der Leij.
“If bigger varieties of lighter supports and also chains per wind turbine are evaluated above less however bigger, the vessel layout will certainly adjust as necessary. But whatever the end result, fast development in the overseas wind generator industry is simply nearby, and also at Damen we are striving currently on the services that will certainly sustain that development in manner ins which are both cost-effective and also lasting.”
