Floating offshore wind turbine – Heavy construction requirements (chapter)

Abstract

Floating offshore wind farms are becoming an option, for marine renewable energy production. They are anchored to the seabed, in water depths greater than those used by fixed bottom offshore turbines, where winds are stronger and more consistent further offshore. The large space required to build floating wind substructures will require changes to existing fabrication facilities. As turbines become larger then new lifting methods will need to be developed at the fit out quays. These floating offshore wind turbines will need to be fabricated, transported and installed in locations all over the world. To keep up with this progress, installation vessels and onshore cranes have to go through updates and new builds so that they can still be utilized in the installation of floating wind farms. This paper sets out the potential work in the design, construction and installation of floating offshore wind turbines.