Exchange Forum on Wind Turbine Installation vessels

The forum, which was attended by some eighty participants, focused on topics such as solutions for offshore installations, types of vessel required, regulatory limits and operational experience obtained in recent wind farm installation projects, as well as what GL can offer ship owners, vessel operators and energy utilities.

According to the European Offshore Wind Market Report by GL Garrad Hassan, there are massive requirements on the current supply chain, involving e.g. turbine suppliers, installation vessels, transformers for offshore sub-stations and, most critically, experienced personnel. Grid connections and funding are also key issues. Offshore wind projects in Europe are at a stage of mass development with 1.5GW already operating and a further 100GW at the planning and development stages. A shortage of suitable installation vessels might restrict offshore wind development in the years ahead. It is planned to install some 800 foundations and wind turbines annually up to 2020.

Since offshore wind farming is in its start-up phase with many players in the field, there are a large number of design concepts with considerable growth potential. GL's maritime business segment is already involved in more than 18 wind installation and maintenance newbuilding projects.
At the forum, Samsung Heavy Industries presented a new wind turbine installation barge, while Beluga Hochtief Offshore explained the project management of a next generation wind turbine installation vessel.
The participants in the exchange forum were also briefed on the regulatory framework for wind turbine installation vessels, wind turbine carriers, barges and subsea support vessels.