Single pile transportation and installation ship

Abstract

A unitary pile transport and installation vessel has an unitary pile deck storage device for storing a first plurality of unitary piles above a main deck layer of a hull, where the first group of unitary piles are horizontally oriented and parallel to each other and parallel to a central axis of the hull. The vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling the individual pile to be installed. The ship comprises the single pile clamping device. The hull of the vessel comprises at least one unitary pile storage hold below the main deck layer, the at least one unitary pile storage hold configured for storing therein a second set of one or more unitary piles, such as two unitary piles parallel to each other, the second group of one or more individual piles is horizontally oriented and parallel to the central axis of the hull, and the at least one individual pile storage hold is accessible from the main deck layer for loading and unloading the one or more individual piles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbines. In particular, the present invention relates to a monolithic pile transport and installation vessel configured for transporting a monolithic pile to an offshore location and for installing the monolithic pile at the offshore location, such as a wind farm where one or more monolithic piles are to be installed in the seabed. As is known in the art, the monolithic piles can each be used as a foundation for an offshore wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] Currently, many offshore wind farms are planned to achieve large amounts of electricity production. For efficiency reasons, wind turbines have an ever-increasing power and size. Although many 5MW and 8MW designs are currently being installed or are already in operation, future designs envision wind turbines of 14MW or more. The proposed 14MW turbine has a rotor diameter of 220 meters and a hub height of approximately 160 meters above sea level.

[0003] These wind turbines can be mounted on various foundation types. A well-known foundation type is a monolithic pile installed in the seabed. The monolithic pile can have a maximum diameter of at least 10 meters, for example at least 12 meters, for example about 15 meters. A monolithic pile length of 60 meters is currently considered quite small, because designs have already had lengths of 100 meters or more, for example, about 150 meters are now considered for some wind farms. For example, monolithic piles are now planned for water depths of up to 65 meters. The weight of a monolithic pile may be well over 1000mt, even well over 2000mt. Summary of the invention

[0004] For example, in view of the increasing size and weight of monolithic piles, it is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile and efficient vessel for transporting and installing monolithic piles.

[0005] The present invention provides a monolithic pile transport and installation vessel, which is configured for transporting and installing monolithic piles to an offshore location, wherein one or more monolithic piles are to be installed in the seabed to serve as foundations of offshore wind turbines, respectively.

[0006] The vessel has a monohull type hull having a bow, a stern, a side, a bottom and a longitudinal center axis,

[0007] Wherein the vessel has a propulsion system, for example including a dynamic positioning system,

[0008] The vessel has a monohull deck storage device configured to store a first plurality of monohulls above the main deck level of the hull, wherein the first plurality of monohulls are in a horizontal orientation and parallel to each other and to the central axis of the hull,

[0009] The vessel comprises at least one crane, wherein the at least one crane is configured to carry a single pile to be installed,

[0010] The vessel comprises a monolithic pile clamping device configured to position and maintain the verticality of the monolithic pile during installation.

[0011] The hull of the vessel comprises at least one monohull storage hold below the main deck layer, the at least one monohull storage hold being configured for storing therein a second group of one or more monohulls, for example two monohulls parallel to each other, wherein the second group of one or more monohulls are horizontally oriented and parallel to the central axis of the hull, and the at least one monohull storage hold is accessible from the main deck layer for loading and unloading the second group of one or more monohulls.

[0012] Since one or more monolithic piles, such as only two monolithic piles, are stored below the main deck level, the vessel can be used efficiently. For example, the vessel is configured to store three monolithic piles in the deck storage device and two monolithic piles in the hold of the vessel.

[0013] For example, during navigation with the vessel and during operations performed at an offshore location, such as during installation of monolithic piles in the seabed, the stability of the vessel is enhanced by the method of the invention.

[0014] Preferably, it is envisaged that multiple monopiles, such as deck storage of three monopiles, are constructed and completed in only one layer, without storing the monopiles up and down on the main deck level as in the prior art, which increases the capacity of the monopiles transporting and installing vessels.

[0015] The vessel is equipped with the crane or cranes required for handling the monolithic piles and with monolithic pile gripping devices. Thus, the vessel is not only a transport vessel, but is also configured to perform the actual installation of the monolithic piles using the vessel's one or more cranes and pile gripping devices.

[0016] In an embodiment, at least one monolithic pile storage cabin is provided with a monolithic pile elevator system, which is different and independent from at least one crane of the ship and is configured to lift and lower a second group of horizontally oriented monolithic piles between a storage position in the monolithic pile storage cabin and a transfer position at the main deck level. Although one can imagine using one or more cranes to load and unload the monolithic piles into and from the storage cabin, it is advantageous to provide a dedicated monolithic pile elevator system. The main advantage is that it is particularly challenging to manipulate the huge monolithic piles in and out of the storage cabin by the crane on the monolithic ship. And inappropriate contact and collision between the monolithic piles and the hull may cause damage. In this regard, it is noted that although the monolithic piles are particularly large and very heavy, they are still quite fragile parts due to the relatively small wall thickness relative to the diameter. Therefore, collisions may locally dent the monolithic piles, making the monolithic piles unsuitable for installation. Of course, in the case of such collisions, the hull will also suffer damage. Another advantage is that the operation of the monolithic pile elevator system can be carried out while at least one crane participates in the handling of another monolithic pile. For example, a hoist system may be used to lower a monocoque into a storage hold while a crane is used to bring another monocoque onto the vessel from a quayside location.

[0017] In an embodiment, the monopiles elevator system includes a plurality of monopiles support frames distributed along the length of the monopiles storage cabin and configured to support a second set of monopiles oriented horizontally thereon, the support frames being able to move vertically. The monopiles elevator system includes an elevator drive mechanism for each of the plurality of monopiles support frames. For example, the monopiles are supported by two or three monopiles support frames. Such frames may be completely rigid, but may also include resilient support members to uniformly support the monopiles and avoid undue local stress.

[0018] In an embodiment, the elevator drive mechanism includes one or more winches connected to the monocoque pile support frame via one or more cables. For example, the winches are mounted to the hull, such as at or just below the main deck level, such as on opposite sides of each support frame. The support frame is then suspended from the winch-driven cables, thereby being able to move the support frame and the monocoque pile resting thereon up and down.

[0019] In an embodiment, the elevator drive mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder, such as a telescopic cylinder, mounted to the hull, such as standing vertically on a bottom structure of the hull, such as on opposite sides of each support frame.

[0020] In an embodiment, the elevator drive mechanism includes a rack and pinion mechanism located between the hull and the monocoque pile support frame. The rack and pinion mechanism can provide sufficient force for controlling the lifting and lowering of the support frame and the monocoque pile resting thereon. For example, reference is made to a so-called jack-up vessel, where such a mechanism is used to lift the entire hull.

[0021] In an embodiment, the elevator drive mechanism comprises a jacking mechanism located between the hull and the monocoque pile support frame, the jacking mechanism being configured to gradually raise and lower the monocoque pile support frame. These jacking mechanisms are also used in so-called jack-up vessels, where such mechanisms are used to lift the entire hull.

[0022] In an embodiment, an embodiment of the elevator drive mechanism incorporates the methods discussed herein, such as incorporating the use of a winch and the use of a hydraulic cylinder for moving a support frame up and down in a storage hold.

[0023] In an embodiment, at least one storage hold is configured to store therein exactly two monolithic piles, each monolithic pile having a maximum diameter of at least 12 meters, such as at least 15 meters.

[0024] In an embodiment, the hull of the vessel is provided with two monocolumn storage holds with an intermediate longitudinal hull section between the two monocolumn storage holds, wherein each of the two monocolumn storage holds is configured to store therein a monocolumn having a maximum diameter of at least 12 meters, for example at least 15 meters. For example, the intermediate longitudinal hull section is offset from the central axis of the vessel towards one side of the hull. For example, the latter is advantageous in embodiments in which at least one crane is positioned along the other side of the vessel, for example so that a trolley track and a trolley can be arranged for erecting monocolumns using at least one crane in the area along said other side of the vessel.

[0025] In an embodiment, each monohull storage hold is provided with a respective monohull elevator system, which can be operated independently of the monohull elevator system of another monohull storage hold.

[0026] In an embodiment, the monopiles deck storage and the at least one monopiles storage hold are configured to store monopiles having a maximum length of at least 120 m, such as 150 m, for example monopiles having a maximum diameter of at least 12 m, such as at least 15 m.

[0027] In an embodiment, at least one crane, preferably a first crane, is preferably arranged along the side of the hull of the vessel, behind the monopiles deck storage and behind at least one monopiles storage cabin. Due to this arrangement, the width of the hull can be optimally used for deck storage of monopiles. For example, in a practical embodiment, three monopiles can be stored side by side on the main deck level.

[0028] In an embodiment, the hull has a buoyant stern section behind the mono pile deck storage means and at least one mono pile storage cabin, on which at least one crane, preferably a first crane, is arranged. The stern section thus provides additional buoyancy where the crane is installed. For example, the ship is configured and operated so that the mono pile is erected and suspended from a first crane, which is then used to lower the mono pile towards the seabed when the mono pile is engaged by the mono pile clamping device. The stern section then supports the weight of the crane as well as the mono pile and the mono pile clamping device. Preferably, the crane is arranged along the side of the hull of the ship.

[0029] In an embodiment, the buoyant stern section preferably has a length of 30 meters, for example between 40 and 55 meters. Combined with the ability to handle monolithic piles of a maximum length of 150 meters, this means that the hull is at least 190 meters long.

[0030] In a practical embodiment, the vessel has a accommodation structure at the bow, which is provided with a bridge and crew accommodation. This may result in a vessel having a hull length of at least 220 meters.

[0031] In an embodiment, the width of the hull of the vessel is greater than the width of a Panamax vessel of 32.3 meters. For example, the width of the hull of the vessel is between 50 meters and 65 meters, for example, about 62 meters.

[0032] In an embodiment, a second crane is arranged in front of the monopiles deck storage, preferably along the same side of the hull as the one first crane. This enables, for example, the monopiles to be engaged horizontally at both ends by the cranes, which then operate in unison to handle the monopiles. For example, the monopiles can be displaced in a transverse direction with the aid of two cranes, for example during the lifting of the monopiles from a quay onto the main deck of the vessel.

[0033] In an embodiment, the hull of the vessel supports a trolley track extending, for example, along the side of the hull parallel to the central axis, and wherein the monocolumn bottom end support trolley is supported by the trolley track so that the bottom end of the monocolumn can be supported during the erection of the monocolumn using at least one crane of the vessel. In an embodiment, the trolley track is arranged at the main deck level. In another embodiment, the trolley track is arranged at a distance below the main deck level, optionally in the monocolumn storage cabin.

[0034] For example, a first crane behind the main deck level storage device is used during the erection of the monocoque, wherein the trolley tracks extend so that the support trolley moves towards the crane during the process. Once the erected orientation is reached, the monocoque is in a state of suspension from the crane. For example, the crane is then slewed to move the monocoque overboard to align with the monocoque clamping device. The device can be installed along the side of the ship or at the stern of the ship, for example, the stern has a recess in the stern section where the clamping device is located.

[0035] In an embodiment, the vessel is provided with a mono pile transverse displacement system, which is distinct and independent from at least one crane, arranged at the main deck level and configured to displace the mono pile across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull. This approach can avoid the use of at least one crane when displacing the mono pile in the transverse direction. This can again avoid challenging crane operations.

[0036] In an embodiment, the monopiles transverse displacement system is configured to engage and absorb the weight of the monopiles in the second group that have been brought into the transfer position by the monopiles lifting system, thereby enabling the monopiles to be transversely displaced across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull. This method eliminates the need for at least one crane in the process of pushing one of the monopiles of the second group out of the storage hold and toward the lateral side of the hull, for example, so as to be erected at said lateral side.

[0037] In an embodiment, the monocoque pile lateral displacement system includes a plurality of lateral rails supported by the hull and a monocoque pile support bracket traveling on the lateral rails.

[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one crane comprises a monobloc pile erecting crane, the monobloc pile erecting crane comprising:

[0039] - a crane base mounted to the hull, e.g. behind the monocoque deck storage arrangement and at least one monocoque storage hold, e.g. along the side of the hull,

[0040] - a crane housing and a slewing bearing, which is arranged between the crane bed and the crane housing, wherein the slewing bearing enables the crane housing to swivel about a vertical slewing axis;

[0041] - a boom, wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is pivotably supported by the crane housing at the base end for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and the boom is used in an elevated upright position for erecting a monolithic pile;

[0042] - a luffing winch and an associated luffing cable, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing cable extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable the boom to pivot between a lowered upright position and a raised upright position;

[0043] - a lifting system, wherein the lifting system comprises a lifting winch and an associated lifting cable, wherein the lifting cable is guided via an upper pulley assembly in the boom to a lower pulley assembly of the load coupling device for coupling with the top end of the monolithic pile, thereby enabling the crane to lift the top end of the monolithic pile using the lifting winch;

[0044] - a trolley guide, such as a track comprising one or more guide rails, the trolley guide being mounted to the boom of the crane; and

[0045] - a trolley coupled to the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with engagement means configured to engage the top end of the monolithic pile and / or the load coupling means.

[0046] When the erection crane is used in conjunction with the carrier track and carrier as discussed above, the erection of the monolithic pile is completed while both the top and bottom ends of the monolithic pile follow the track, which avoids excessive swinging movement of the monolithic pile during the erection process. Once the monolithic pile is erected, the crane lifts the monolithic pile from the supporting carrier in the vertical direction and swivels about the vertical swivel axis to position the monolithic pile above the monolithic pile holder. Subsequently, the crane is used to lower the monolithic pile toward the seabed while the monolithic pile is guided by the pile holder.

[0047] For example, the erection crane is implemented as described in WO2022229455, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for transporting and installing a monolithic pile, wherein a vessel as described herein is used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0050] Figure 1shows a side view of a vessel according to the invention,

[0051] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The ship's plan,

[0052] Figure 3a Shows Figure 1 The cross section of the ship,

[0053] Figure 3b Shows Figure 3a A cross section of the vessel with the second set of monocoque piles lifted out of the storage hold.

[0054] Figure 4 The erection of a monolithic pile is shown using an erection crane and a support truck for the bottom end of the monolithic pile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The figures show an example of a monolithic pile transport and installation vessel 1, which is configured for transport and installation of monolithic piles. The monolithic pile is transported to an offshore location, for example having been loaded onto the vessel at a quayside location by means of a vessel. The monolithic pile is then installed, for example as a foundation for a wind turbine of an offshore wind farm.

[0056] As is known in the art, a monolithic pile to be installed in the seabed each serves as a foundation for an offshore wind turbine. It is worth noting that the monolithic pile may also serve as a foundation for another offshore structure, such as a substation of a wind farm.

[0057] The vessel has a hull 2 ​​of the monohull type with a bow 3 , a stern 4 , port and starboard sides 5 , 6 , a bottom 7 and a longitudinal centre axis 8 .

[0058] The vessel has a living structure 10 at the bow, which is provided with a bridge and crew accommodation.

[0059] The vessel has a hull length of at least 220 metres, here approximately 230 metres.

[0060] The width of the hull of the vessel is greater than the Panamax width of 32.3 meters. In this example, the width of the hull of the vessel is between 50 meters and 65 meters, for example, about 62 meters.

[0061] The vessel has a propulsion system, here comprising a dynamic positioning system with thrusters 15 .

[0062] The vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling the monolithic pile to be installed. In this example, there is an erection crane 100 and an auxiliary handling crane 200 .

[0063] The vessel comprises a monolithic pile clamping device 300, such as an XY motion compensated monolithic pile clamping device, configured to position and maintain the verticality of a monolithic pile during installation in the seabed.

[0064] Behind the accommodation 10, the vessel has a monopiles deck storage 30 configured for storing a first plurality of monopiles, here specifically three monopiles 20a, located above the main deck level of the hull. The first plurality of monopiles 20a are in a horizontal orientation and are parallel to each other and to the central axis of the hull.

[0065] Furthermore, the hull of the vessel comprises at least one monohull storage hold below the main deck level.Here, two monohull storage holds 40, 50 are provided in the hull.

[0066] The hull of the vessel is provided with two monocoque pile storage holds 40, 50 with an intermediate longitudinal hull section 2c between them. Preferably, the hull section 2c extends from the bottom structure of the hull to the main deck level and extends beyond the length of the storage holds 40, 50. This enhances the stability of the hull.

[0067] Each monopiles storage hold 40, 50 is configured to store therein one monopiles of the second set of monopiles, here two monopiles 20b. The two monopiles 20b are parallel to each other and in a horizontal orientation, parallel to the central axis of the hull.

[0068] Each of the two monolithic pile storage holds 40, 50 is configured to store therein a monolithic pile 20b having a maximum diameter of at least 12 meters, here approximately 15 meters.

[0069] Each of the two monopiles storage holds 40, 50 is configured to store therein one monopiles 20b having a maximum length of at least 120 meters, here approximately 150 meters.

[0070] Each monohull storage hold 40, 50 is accessible from the main deck level to load and unload the second set of monohulls 20b.

[0071] Figure 3a , Figure 3b It is shown that each monohull storage hold 40, 50 is provided with a monohull hoist system 70, 80, which is different and independent from the crane 100, 200 of the ship and is configured for storage positions in the monohull storage hold 40, 50 (see Figure 3a ) and the transfer position of the main deck layer (see Figure 3b The example in FIG. 2 shows an example of a method for raising and lowering a second set of horizontally oriented monolithic piles 20b between the two piles.

[0072] For example, the monopiles elevator system includes a plurality of monopiles support frames 71, 81, which are distributed along the length of the monopiles storage cabins 40, 50 and are configured to support the second group of monopiles 20b thereon in a horizontal direction. These support frames 71, 81 are vertically movable. The monopiles elevator systems 70, 80 each include an elevator drive mechanism for each of the plurality of monopiles support frames 71, 81.

[0073] Figure 3b An embodiment of a lift system is shown by way of example only, wherein one or more winches are connected to a monocoque pile support frame 71, 81 via one or more cables 72, 82. In this example, upper pulleys are mounted on hydraulic cylinders 73, 74 to provide additional lifting height. As explained, alternative designs of lift systems 70, 80 are also contemplated.

[0074] The hull has a buoyant stern section 2c behind the monohull deck storage and at least one monohull storage cabin 40, 50, on which an erection crane 100 is arranged here along the side of the hull of the vessel. The buoyant stern section preferably has a length of 30 meters, here between 40 and 55 meters.

[0075] The second crane 200 is arranged in front of the monohull deck storage along the same side of the hull as the crane 100 .

[0076] The hull of the ship supports a trolley rail 90 extending parallel to the central axis, here extending along the side of the hull where the cranes 100, 200 are arranged. A monocolumn bottom end supporting trolley 95 is supported by the trolley rail 90 so that the bottom ends of the monocolumn piles 20a, b can be supported during erection of the monocolumn piles by the crane 100 of the ship.

[0077] In this example, the trolley track 90 is arranged at the main deck level.

[0078] The single-body pile erecting crane 100 comprises:

[0079] - a crane base 101 mounted to the hull, here behind the monopiled deck storage and at least one monopiled storage hold, here along the side of the hull,

[0080] a crane housing 102 and a slewing bearing 103, which is arranged between the crane bed and the crane housing, wherein the slewing bearing enables the crane housing to swivel about a vertical slewing axis;

[0081] a boom 104, wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is pivotably supported by the crane housing at the base end for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and the boom is used in an elevated erected position for erecting a monolithic pile;

[0082] a luffing winch 105 and an associated luffing cable 106, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing cable extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable the boom to pivot between a lowered erect position and a raised erect position; and

[0083] - a lifting system 107, wherein the lifting system comprises a lifting winch and an associated lifting cable 108, wherein the lifting cable is guided via an upper pulley assembly in the boom 104 to a lower pulley assembly of a load coupling device 110 for coupling with the top end of the monolithic pile 20a, b, so that the crane can lift the top end of the monolithic pile using the lifting winch;

[0084] a trolley guide 115 , for example a track comprising one or more rails, which is mounted to the boom of the crane; and

[0085] - a trolley 120 coupled to the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with engagement means configured to engage the top end of the monolithic pile and / or the load coupling means.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, during erection, the top ends of the monolithic piles 20a, b are effectively guided by the trolley 120 along the approximately vertical or vertical boom 104, while the bottom ends of the monolithic piles are guided by the transport vehicle 95 and the track 90. ​​Excessive swinging motion of the large and heavy monolithic piles during the erection process is thereby prevented. For example, even when the erection plane is parallel to and deviates from the central axis of the monolithic vessel, the rolling motion of the vessel 1 will not excessively affect the erection process.

Claims

1. A monolithic pile transport and installation vessel, configured for transporting and installing a monolithic pile to an offshore location, wherein: One or more monolithic piles will be installed in the seabed to serve as the foundation for an offshore wind turbine, respectively. wherein the vessel has a monohull type hull having a bow, a stern, a side, a bottom and a longitudinal center axis, The vessel has a propulsion system, for example a dynamic positioning system. The vessel has a monohull deck storage device, the monohull deck storage device is configured to store a first plurality of monohulls above the main deck level of the hull, wherein the first plurality of monohulls are in a horizontal orientation and parallel to each other and to the central axis of the hull, The vessel comprises at least one crane, wherein the at least one crane is configured to carry a single pile to be installed. The vessel comprises a monolithic pile clamping device, wherein the monolithic pile clamping device is configured to position and maintain the verticality of the monolithic pile during installation, The hull of the vessel comprises at least one monohull storage cabin below the main deck layer, the at least one monohull storage cabin being configured for storing therein a second group of one or more monohulls, for example two monohulls parallel to each other, wherein the second group of one or more monohulls are horizontally oriented and parallel to the central axis of the hull, and the at least one monohull storage cabin is accessible from the main deck layer for loading and unloading the second group of one or more monohulls.

2. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein: At least one monohull storage hold is provided with a monohull hoist system which is distinct and independent from at least one crane of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering a second set of horizontally oriented monohulls between a storage position in the monohull storage hold and a transfer position at the main deck level.

3. The vessel according to claim 2, wherein: The monocolumn pile elevator system comprises a plurality of monocolumn pile support frames distributed along the length of the monocolumn pile storage cabin and configured to support a second group of horizontally oriented monocolumns thereon, the support frames being capable of vertical movement, and wherein the monocolumn pile elevator system comprises an elevator drive mechanism for each of the plurality of monocolumn pile support frames.

4. A vessel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The elevator drive mechanism includes: - one or more winches connected to the monocoque pile support frame via one or more cables, - hydraulic cylinders arranged between the hull and the monohull support frame, or - a rack and pinion mechanism located between the hull and the monocoque pile support frame, - A jacking mechanism, located between the hull and the monocoque pile support frame, configured to gradually raise and lower the monocoque pile support frame.

5. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least one storage hold is configured to store therein two monolithic piles, each of the two monolithic piles having a maximum diameter of at least 12 meters, such as at least 15 meters.

6. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The hull of the vessel is provided with two monohull storage holds with an intermediate longitudinal hull section between the two monohull storage holds, wherein each of the two monohull storage holds is configured to store therein a monohull having a maximum diameter of at least 12 meters, such as at least 15 meters.

7. A vessel according to claims 2 and 6, wherein: Each monohull storage hold is provided with a respective monohull elevator system which can be operated independently of the monohull elevator system of another monohull storage hold.

8. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The monopiles deck storage and at least one monopiles storage hold are configured to store monopiles having a maximum length of at least 120 m, such as 150 m, for example monopiles having a maximum diameter of at least 12 m, such as at least 15 m.

9. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein: At least one crane, preferably a first crane, is preferably arranged along the side of the hull of the vessel, behind the monohull deck storage and the at least one monohull storage hold.

10. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 9, preferably claim 9, wherein: The hull has a buoyant stern section behind the monohull pile deck storage device and at least one monohull pile storage cabin, on which at least one crane, preferably a first crane, is preferably arranged along the side of the hull of the vessel, wherein the buoyant stern section preferably has a length of 30 meters, for example a length between 40 meters and 55 meters.

11. A vessel according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The second crane is arranged in front of the monocoque pile deck storage, preferably along the same side of the hull as the one first crane.

12. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The hull of the vessel supports, for example, a trolley rail extending along the side of the hull parallel to the central axis, and wherein the monocoque bottom end supporting trolley is supported by the trolley rail so as to support the bottom end of the monocoque during erection of the monocoque using at least one crane of the vessel.

13. A vessel according to claim 12, wherein: The transport vehicle track is arranged on the main deck layer.

14. A vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The vessel is provided with a monohull transverse displacement system, which is different and independent from at least one crane, arranged at the main deck level and configured to displace the monohull across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.

15. A vessel according to claims 2 and 14, wherein: The monopiles transverse displacement system is configured to engage and absorb the weight of the monopiles in the second group that have been brought into a transfer position by the monopiles elevator system, thereby enabling the monopiles to be transversely displaced across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.

16. A vessel according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The monocoque pile lateral displacement system comprises a plurality of lateral rails supported by a ship hull and a monocoque pile supporting bracket travelling on the lateral rails.

17. A vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The at least one crane comprises a monobloc pile erecting crane, the monobloc pile erecting crane comprising: - a crane base mounted to the hull, e.g. behind the monopiled deck storage means and at least one monopiled storage hold, e.g. along the side of the hull, - a crane housing and a slew bearing, which is arranged between the crane bed and the crane housing, wherein the slew bearing enables the crane housing to swivel about a vertical slew axis; - a boom, wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is pivotably supported by the crane housing at the base end for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and the boom is used in an elevated upright position for erecting a monolithic pile; - a luffing winch and an associated luffing cable, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing cable extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable the boom to pivot between a lowered upright position and a raised upright position; - a lifting system, wherein the lifting system comprises a lifting winch and an associated lifting cable, wherein the lifting cable is guided via an upper pulley assembly in the boom to a lower pulley assembly of the load coupling device for coupling with the top end of the monolithic pile, thereby enabling the crane to lift the top end of the monolithic pile using the lifting winch; - a trolley guide, such as a track comprising one or more guide rails, which is mounted to the boom of the crane; and - a trolley coupled to the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with engagement means configured to engage the top end of the monolithic pile and / or the load coupling means.

18. A method for transporting and installing a monolithic pile, wherein: Use of a vessel according to any one or more of claims 1-17.

Images