Forewind

The Dogger Bank offshore wind zone is proving to be a site for innovation as a new and safer installation technique has been used to lift Forewind’s initial meteorological mast tower on top of the innovative suction-installed bucket foundation.

The use of the Bucket Foundation was also a UK industry first when placed on site in February.

Fred. Olsen United implemented the concept of moving the riggers, who previously had to be near the lattice towers during installation, and instead introducing guide cones, therefore eliminating the risk of a swinging or falling load causing an accident. The use of guide cones enables the crew to stay on deck away from the lifting hazards.

Forewind General Manager Lee Clarke said the innovative installation technique was another example of industry cooperation and the potential safety and efficiency gains to be made through developers and contractors working closely together.

Developed jointly between Forewind, Fred. Olsen United and its partners in the project, the “human-free” installation employs strong plastic guide cones that are strapped to the tower flanges before any lifting activity. SeaRoc Ltd, the contractor for the project’s topsides, drew the detailed design and provided the final solution for the 93 metre high tower.

The lightweight plastic cones have a number of benefits as they enable easier handling, do not affect coating on the flanges, and also act as weak-links to avoid structural damage to the mast.

Fred. Olsen United HSEQ Manager Jan Fredrik Platou said that it was was both safer than traditional methods, but also much faster as the cones helped to quickly stabilise the load in the final stage of the lifting.

“This project is a significant achievement for Fred. Olsen United as it demonstrates the combined capabilities of the Fred. Olsen related companies and of our unique suction bucket technology, designed by Universal Foundation,” he said. “This is a project of many firsts and we are very proud to be at the forefront.”

The installation of the 44 tonne galvanized steel tower was carried out by Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s 132m jack-up vessel Brave Tern.

The Forewind project has been supported by the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator programme, which takes the best concepts for offshore wind turbine foundations from design to deployment, and The Crown Estate through its co-investment in the development of the zone.

Head of Offshore Wind at The Crown Estate, Huub den Rooijen said that the installation of the first met mast on the Dogger Bank is a tremendous step forward for the UK offshore wind industry.

“Not only do we now have a structure that can measure wind speeds within our largest offshore wind zone; Forewind and its contractors have also successfully demonstrated a range of new innovations, from suction bucket foundations to new and innovative lifting techniques, that have the potential to reduce costs and improve health and safety performance as our industry develops.”

Photos: Guide cones were used in the first “human free” installation of a met mast tower.

Contact: Forewind Communications Manager, Sue Vincent on e: [email protected] or m: 07768 508742.

About Forewind: Forewind is a consortium comprising four leading international energy companies – RWE, SSE, Statkraft and Statoil – which joined forces to bid as part of The Crown Estate’s third licence round for UK offshore wind farms (Round 3). It is committed to securing all the necessary consents required for the development and construction of Dogger Bank, the first of which is anticipated around the end of 2014. www.forewind.co.uk.

Fred.Olsen United combines the offshore wind expertise Fred. Olsen related companies to offer a turnkey solution to the industry. The unique capability and capacity of the companies combined enable them to supply the market with a complete, coherent and cost effective total installation. The companies are: Fred. Olsen Windcarrier (DK & NO), Universal Foundation, Harland and Wolff and Global Wind Service. www.founited.com

Carbon Trust is an independent company with a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. The Carbon Trust: advises businesses, governments and the public sector on opportunities in a sustainable, low carbon world; measures and certifies the environmental footprint of organisations, products and services, and helps develop and deploy low carbon technologies and solutions, from energy efficiency to renewable power. www.carbontrust.com

The Crown Estate supports and partner developers as they work to harness the potential of wind, wave and tidal power through some of the largest infrastructure projects in the world. To date we have run six commercial offshore wind leasing rounds and two commercial wave and tidal leasing rounds, helping to position the UK as a world leader in installed capacity in offshore wind and wave and tidal commercialisation. www.thecrownestate.co.uk

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