Ampelmann and C-Job Naval Architects have joined forces to develop an offshore wind feeder vessel concept for the US offshore wind market
C-Job Naval Architects vice president business development Todd Allen said, The US has ambitious plans for offshore wind. The only way to realise these goals while complying with the Jones Act is utilising offshore wind feeder vessels. Together with our strategic partner Ampelmann we have created an innovative design ready to support construction of US windfarms.”
The feeder vessel has an L-shaped superstructure. This enables it to transport all of the components for an offshore windfarm, including blades, while keeping the ship itself relatively compact, minimising construction and operational costs.
To maximise workability and allow for safe lifting of components, the feeder vessel has a specially designed motion-compensation system by Ampelmann.
The system uses Ampelmann’s core technology to stabilise components in six degrees of freedom. It is designed for safe lifting operations in sea states of up to 2.5 m significant wave height.
The compensator is positioned close to the vessel’s centre where it can compensate for all vessel motions and allow for continued operations in adverse weather conditions.
Wind turbine components are arranged on the ship with a quick connect grip- and glide system. Cargo pallets are placed on deck quickly thanks to the quick connect system.
Once the feeder vessel is at its destination, the system slides the components into place to connect to the motion compensator. The Ampelmann system then compensates for vessel motions, so that the crane operator can lift turbine components in a similar fashion to an onshore lift.
“With two or more feeder vessels per project, the new design allows a turbine installation vessel to focus on installation and ensures operations can continue at all times,” the Dutch companies said.
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