Ampelmann and C-Job Naval Architects have joined forces to develop a one-of-a-kind offshore wind feeder vessel concept with motion compensation technology specifically suited for operating off the east coast of the U.S.
The offshore wind feeder vessel has an L-shaped superstructure, which enables the transport of all wind turbine components, including blades, while keeping the vessel itself relatively compact minimizing construction and operational costs, C-Job said.
The system uses Ampelmann’s technology to stabilize the turbine components in six degrees of freedom and is designed for lifting operations in sea states up to 2.5m significant wave height.
“The United States is ambitious in its plans to grow the installed offshore wind power. The only viable way to realize this goal while complying with the Jones Act is utilizing offshore wind feeder vessels,” said Todd Allen , VP Business Development at C-Job Naval Architects.
“Together with our strategic partner Ampelmann, the experts in motion compensation, we have created an innovative ship design ready to support construction of US wind farms today and into the future.”
Components are arranged on the vessel with a quick connect grip- and glide system. Once the 103.5m vessel is at its destination, the system slides the components into place to connect to the motion compensator. The Ampelmann system then compensates all vessel motions, so the crane operator can lift turbine components in a similar fashion to an onshore lift.
With this concept, which is envisioned to be a series, the turbine components are brought to the installation site by the feeder vessel. With two or more vessels per project, this allows the wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) to focus on the installation of the turbines and ensures operations can continue at all times, C-Job concluded.