DNV has become the leading classification society for new building of specially designed wind turbine installation units. The organization’s involvement in this market is continuously growing, preparing the ground for a special service notation for these vessels, first launched in October 2009.
The new DNV Offshore Standard (DNV-OS-J301) provides technical requirements for vessels that are purpose built for installation/maintenance of Offshore Wind Turbines. The new object standard for WTI units covers all classification requirements to the newbuild project and reflects the special way these vessels operate. This is considered important as the market continues to see a wide range of new and novel designs which are planned to increase the effectiveness of offshore installation of wind turbines, including single and multi-hulls, floating and self-elevating units, some equipped with shipboard cranes or special equipment to facilitate installation.
Henning Carlsen, business development manager in DNV’s Offshore Classification unit says that the design of WTIUs often requires a different approach to safety and technical issues. “Unlike traditional oil and gas units, these vessels are normally not designed for the hazards of the oil and gas industry, which take into account fire and explosion risks associated with hydrocarbons,” he says.
Carlsen notes that since the installation work is only carried out in relatively calm weather, WTIUs may be designed for weather-restricted operations under the assumption that they will escape to shelter in case of extreme weather. “The ability to escape safely then becomes a critical matter to consider at the design phase,” he says. “At the same time, the broad variety of hull designs and the size of onboard cranes are unique to this segment.”
Date: 2011-03-22