WTIVs in demand
With ‘MPI Adventure’ currently installing the first of the Siemens 3.6MW turbines for the E.On Renewables Amrumbank offshore wind farm, and ‘MPI Discovery’ only a few miles away closing out the foundation installation campaign on the same project, these two WTIVs (Wind Turbine Installation Vessels) are, according to MPI, demonstrating their versatility in the field.
MPI Offshore has been managing the installation work for E.On since the start of a long-term alliance, centred around a six-year charter of MPI Discovery. The installation works are the third stage of a sequence spanning three countries.
Making full use of her deck spread of equipment, complemented by the addition of a multi-axis monopile gripper on her stern, MPI Discovery has been installing monopiles across the Humber Gateway Project and Amrumbank since summer 2013.
Facing technical challenges specifically associated with noise mitigation, MPI Consultants have worked closely together with E.On to reduce waterborne noises during pile-driving and develop effective methods for the deployment of an innovative hydro-sound damper (HSD) around the monopile during pile driving. The results from this project have provided a greater understanding of noise-mitigation strategy when working in German waters. To date, MPI and E.On have successfully demonstrated the ability to reduce noise levels to less than 160db at 750m, in accordance with the BSH (German Authority Guidelines).
MPI Discovery has another eight complete foundations to install before returning to the newly acquired MPI Offshore Tees Base, while MPI Adventure will remain in the field until August 2015, installing eighty Siemens turbines for the 288MW project.
By Jake Frith
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