A cutting-edge ‘integrated tensioner’ concept from Kongsberg Maritime increases the efficiency, precision and safety of the wind generator installation process, enabling streamlined and large scale deployment of these vital offshore structures.
The ‘integrated tensioner’ is one of several cutting-edge solutions developed by Kongsberg Maritime to streamline the installation of floating wind turbines. In certain markets, trends point towards avoiding permanent winches on the floaters. However, new demands are placed upon the anchor handling vessel performing the hook-up, tensioning and decommissioning with the use of mooring tensioners.
The process begins with the pre-laying of anchors on the seabed, which can involve a spread of three to six lines, depending on the project requirements. This task is typically handled by a specialised mooring installation vessel.
Lars Petter Tennfjord, Kongsberg Maritime’s Product Manager – Emerging Markets
The mooring tensioning system is used to connect floating turbines
“The process begins with the pre-laying of anchors on the seabed, which can involve a spread of three to six lines, depending on the project requirements. This task is typically handled by a specialised mooring installation vessel.
Seabed tensioner
“Once the anchors are in place, the mooring lines are laid out on the seabed, ready for the arrival of the floating turbine. When the floater arrives at the site, towing vessels assist in optimising the headings and positioning of the floater. The towing spread is carefully laid out and a high-end anchor handling vessel, known as the hook-up vessel, takes over. This vessel is responsible for picking up the mooring lines and connecting them to the floating turbine.
Inline tensioner
“The traditional method of hooking up mooring lines involves a vessel picking up the line from the floater and transferring it, often struggling with weather limitations. Our new integrated tensioning concept increases the efficiency of this process. The system monitors the motion of the floater, allowing the vessel winch to compensate, removing peak loads and hazardous situations. This results in a much smoother hook-up process and significantly increases the operational weather window.
“The control system utilises a variety of sensor systems, both on board the floater and on the vessel, to compensate for relative movement. This ensures precise and efficient tensioning of the mooring lines, which can handle loads ranging from 150 to 300 tonnes – and higher, if required.
“Designed for the largest floaters, this system is a key component in the industrialisation of floating turbine installations. It integrates seamlessly with Tow Assist and new vessel designs, providing a comprehensive solution that enables large-scale deployment of floating wind turbines.”
