First turbine installed with ‘revolutionary’ method
Three years after offshore wind firm Parkwind announced a turbine installation would be carried out using a floating method, the first one of 27 has been completed.
Parkwind, Heerema and Vestas are working together on the Arcadis Ost 1 site, marking ‘an industry premiere’ in wind turbine installation on a commercial scale, the partners say.
“This innovative method has two main advantages: the first is zero seabed interaction, especially important in areas of significant water depth or challenging soil conditions; the second advantage is a shorter installation cycle,” says Parkwind.
Using Heerema’s crane vessel Thialf, the pre-assembled wind turbine tower was lifted to the foundation by one crane while the second crane simultaneously assembled the wind turbine generator (WTG). The assembly was done with a lift on a ‘support’ tower on the vessel itself, where a stable platform developed by Heerema allowed a fast, secure assembly of the nacelle and blades, Parkwind says.
“Once pre-assembled the complete RNA (Rotor Nacelle Assembly) is lifted as one piece onto the WTG tower in only one lift,” Parkwind said. ”The pre-assembly process on board Thialf ensures full control, thereby guaranteeing a safe and highly reliable installation environment.
“The reduced number of lifts between the vessel and the structure eliminates key risks of the floating installation.”
In total, 27 turbines by Vestas will be installed, with a total projected electricity generating capacity of 257MW.
”The floating installation method is the perfect example of what it takes to set new industry standards, and new standards mean new opportunities for offshore wind globally. Arcadis Ost 1 will soon be one of the world’s most advanced wind farms, thanks to its design, components,” said Parkwind CEO Eric Antoons.
In August, the first major step was taken when DEME, using its offshore installation vessel Orion, put the first monopile foundation in place, The Baltic Sea wind farm is due to be fully commissioned next year.
