Tech Files
Vessels
Geoquip Elena
Geoquip Marine confirmed the expansion of its fleet with the addition of another Integrated Geotechnical Survey Vessel (IGSV) the Geoquip Elena. Geoquip Elena is setup as a specialist deep-push Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) vessel and has been acquired to add vital capacity to the demand from offshore windfarm developers, especially in Europe and North America. Geoquip Elena is a 4000-ton IGSV, 91m in length and 19m in breadth. It was built at Vard Brattvaag, Norway in 2002. Geoquip Elena is fitted with one of Geoquip’s 200kN seabed CPT units, which can operate a range of seabed penetration test equipment. Once operational on the seabed the CPT unit relays data to an operator on board in real-time where it is then processed. The 200kN system provides a continuous profile of tip resistance, sleeve friction and pore water pressure, which can be used for the derivation of shear strength in cohesive soils and the relative density of non-cohesive soils. The rig can reliably push to depths in excess of 40m and is therefore ideally suited for gathering data for the construction of foundations for offshore windfarms.
Geoquip Elena joins five other DP2 and four-point moored vessels in the company’s fleet, which provide a highly versatile range of offshore geotechnical investigation services in all parts of the world.
DNV issues an Approval in Principle to Friede and Goldman’s Windsetter 156 Class Wind Turbine Installation Vessel with Optional BargeRack Feeder Barge System design, pictured here with and without the optional system.
Windsetter 156 WTIV
DNV awarded Friede & Goldman (F&G) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) design. The review and DNV awarded AiP confirms that F&G's Windsetter 156 Class Wind Turbine Installation Vessel with Optional BargeRack Feeder Barge System design complies with applicable DNV classification rules and statutory requirements.
The WTIV design is suitable for all offshore wind markets was developed in conjunction with wind equipment vendors and feeder logistic companies to support a future-proof design. With the capability of installing turbines with more than 20 MW of capacity, the Windsetter 156 Class design is unique to the market, as the vessel is equipped with F&G's optional BargeRack feeder barge system enabling Jones Act-compliant operations in the U.S. Meanwhile, the BargeRack is removable, allowing the vessel to assume traditional WTIV operations in other markets globally.
Edda Breeze CSOV
Edda Wind’s newbuild Edda Breeze is the first of seven offshore wind service vessels prepared for emission-free operations. “It is special for us to take Edda Breeze to Norway, where Edda Wind was established in 2015. Now we get to show the first state of the art CSOV to stakeholders at home,” said Kenneth Walland, CEO of Edda Wind.
The Commissioning Service Operation Vessel is designed for operations in wind farms anywhere in the world. Prepared for emission-free operations with a hydrogen-based propulsion system, it will enable the construction and commissioning of wind farms without generating carbon emissions within just a few years.
“Being the first in seven C/SOVs fit for zero-emission, Edda Breeze marks a milestone for Edda Wind. We strongly believe that the upcoming hydrogen solution will be a game changer. It is also a proof that we continue to improve our operations, “ says Walland.
Edda Wind will have a fleet of nine SOVs and CSOVs. Next year six of these will be in operation. When finalized, Edda Breeze will go on a ten-year contract with Ocean Breeze on the Bard Offshore 1 farm in Germany.
With increased focus on energy security and accelerated pace for the renewable energy transition, it is estimated that more than 250 vessels will be required by 2030, excluding China. This is far exceeding existing tonnage and order book of totally 49 vessels.
Atlantic Wind Transfers
Atlantic Wind Transfers, led by Charles A. Donadio, Jr., is an American leader—quite literally. In 2016, it became the first crew transfer vessel owner and operator in the U.S. with the launch of Atlantic Pioneer, the country's first purpose-built vessel for offshore wind. Today, the company owns and operates two CTVs, serving the Block Island and Coastal Virginia Offshore wind farms on long-term charters, and the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the enormous opportunities presented by an industry that is only just starting to take off.
In August, it was announced that AWT's plans and fleet were set to expand, with news that the Rhode Island-based company had ordered an additional six CTVs from Florida builder St. Johns Ship Building. These vessels will operate up and down the East Coast as the U.S.'s still new offshore wind industry continues to build up in the years ahead.