LOC approves Steady Top Feeder handling system
Barge Master and Gusto MSC jointly develop and market the Steady Top Feeder concept
The system, designed to improve the efficiency of turbine installation at offshore wind farms, enables components to be delivered offshore next to the jack-up and under the hook of the crane. The motions of the seagoing barge are compensated by Barge Master’s BM-T700 platforms, enabling safe and steady lift-off, thereby improving safety and raising uptime.
The approval is important because it will enable existing Jones Act-compliant barges in the US to be used for offshore installation work on wind farms such as the Vineyard Wind project off the country’s east coast. The collaboration between Barge Master and GustoMSC is based on the former’s proven BM-T700 platform and the latter’s experience in delivering designs and equipment for more than 250 offshore units.
