As offshore wind turbines increase in size—some now reaching heights of 280 meters—their installation has become more complex. While the open ocean offers space and minimal environmental disruption compared to land-based wind farms, the immense size and weight of modern turbines have made traditional cranes and hoisting methods inadequate. In response, several global companies are developing innovative solutions to tackle the logistical challenges of offshore wind turbine installation.
Innovative Solutions for Offshore Wind Installation
A number of companies are leading the charge in advanced installation techniques for the growing demands of offshore wind turbines. Danish firm Cadeler has introduced a hybrid-electric installation vessel to its fleet, while Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has partnered with Mammoet to deploy a heavy-lift A-frame crane in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Texas-based CLS Wind has developed a crane-free turbine installer that offers a more streamlined and environmentally friendly approach.
Cadeler’s Hybrid-Electric Installation Vessel
Cadeler’s new hybrid-electric vessel, Wind Peak, began operations in August, adding a significant boost to its fleet’s capacity. A second vessel, Wind Pace, is currently under construction. Built by Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry in China, these vessels are designed to handle the largest offshore wind turbines on the planet. With a deck measuring 5,600 square meters and a crane capable of lifting over 2,500 tons, the Wind Peak can transport and install up to seven 15 MW turbines or five sets of turbines exceeding 20 MW in a single trip.
By carrying larger loads, the Wind Peak reduces both installation costs and the project’s carbon footprint. The vessel can accommodate up to 130 crew members, further improving efficiency in complex offshore operations.
Van Oord and Mammoet’s A-Frame Lift
In the Netherlands, Van Oord uses its vessel, Svanen, to install massive turbine monopiles, supported by an upgraded 960-tonne A-frame lift. To meet the demands of larger turbines, Van Oord called on Mammoet to install the A-frame using its PTC210-DS ring crane. This heavy-lifting crane, with a main boom of 107 meters and a luffing jib of 67 meters, is specially designed for challenging environments. With over 4,000 tonnes of counterweight, Mammoet’s crane lifted the A-frame onto Svanen, reducing installation time from months to weeks. The upgrade increases the Svanen’s height to 125 meters, enabling it to handle larger turbine components.
CLS Wind’s Crane-Free Installation Solution
Texas-based CLS Wind has taken a different approach by eliminating the need for cranes and heavy equipment altogether. The company’s elevator-style lift system can install, maintain, and decommission large turbines both offshore and onshore. This innovative method reduces costs and environmental impact, offering a more sustainable solution for wind turbine installations. CLS Wind’s system, which lifts turbine components such as blades and nacelles for on-site assembly, received approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in July after a successful demonstration.
CEO Kent Johnson highlighted the importance of collaboration in finding cost-effective and efficient solutions for offshore wind energy. CLS Wind’s technology marks a significant step forward in improving the sustainability and practicality of large-scale wind turbine installations.
As offshore wind turbines continue to grow in size, these pioneering solutions are essential to meeting the challenges of the next generation of renewable energy projects.
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