DP technology developed for advanced towage

This DP-based technology was unveiled as Kongsberg Maritime presented a range of innovations, designs and methods to transform and industrialise the transport and installation (T&I) of floating offshore wind turbines.

“We aim to offer a full package of equipment and technology, from the point the floating turbines leave their assembly site to the moment they are connected to the power grid,” said Kongsberg Maritime senior vice president of business concepts, Gunnar Thorsen.

“Our new methods for anchor tensioning, mooring installation, tow-out and cable pull-in will represent a big leap forward in the industrialisation of floating wind installation,” he said.

“They are also applicable to other offshore energy structures, so our investment in these novel solutions will also be relevant and benefit oil and gas-related operations.”

These new solutions will streamline the entire process, from anchor and mooring installation through to electrical cable pull-in, ensuring turbines are ready to be connected to energy grids, and offer a comprehensive solution for the floating offshore wind market.

Kongsberg’s naval architects have developed new vessel designs for efficient large-scale mooring and installation operations. Its equipment teams have developed an integrated tensioning concept, including permanent-magnet winches, for safe mooring line hook-up operations and increasing the operational weather window.

Kongsberg also developed a new method for cable pull-in operations using digital devices on a floating structure to speed up the overall rate of installation of the windfarm array and reduce risks for offshore engineers.

“At present, cable pull-in operations require mobilising equipment such as winches, power packs and fuel tanks on the floating turbine,” said Mr Thorsen.

“Personnel must be on board the floater after it has been hooked up to perform the cable pull-in,” he explained.

“However, with the new, patented method, all necessary equipment is placed on the vessel, significantly reducing the complexity and risk associated with the operation. This new approach offers several advantages, including enhanced safety by reducing the number of people on board the floater to a minimum during the pull-in operation.

“Equipment lifting operations and personnel transfer are minimised which allows operations to continue in harsher weather conditions. This is crucial for maintaining year-round productivity and speeds up the overall rate of installation of the windfarm array.”

Kongsberg Maritime’s vice president for business concepts in offshore energy, Ottar Antonsen, presented these innovations during Riviera’s Offshore Wind Journal Conference 2025, held in London, UK, 3 February 2025