Vessel and method for providing a monopile into a seabed

Abstract

In a method and vessel for arranging a monopile from the vessel into a seabed, the monopile is stored on a storing arrangement with the longitudinal direction 5 of the monopile parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel, and the monopile is gripped at the top end by a first gripping and moving arrangement and at the bottom end by a second gripping and moving arrangement. The monopile is lifted by lifting both the top end and the bottom end and moved to a side of the vessel and alongside the vessel by moving the top end and bottom 10 end of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements to provide the monopile above the water surrounding the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The bottom end of the monopile is lowered into the water to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the 15 monopile in a vertical orientation, and the monopile is lowered by the first gripping and moving arrangement until the bottom end is supported by the seabed.

Description

Title: Vessel and method for providing a monopile into a seabedFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a vessel for arranging a monopile from a vessel into a waterbed, like a seabed, below water surrounding the vessel, wherein the vessel has a front end, a back end and a longitudinal direction, and wherein the monopile has a bottom end, a top end and a longitudinal direction.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vessels and methods for providing monopiles into a seabed, or a waterbed in general, are known as such. Vessels and corresponding methods can be designed for only installing the monopile into the seabed while the one or more monopiles to be provided into the seabed are transported to the installation vessel by a separate transportation vessel. Also, vessels are known for transporting and installing the monopile without the need for a separate transportation vessel. The vessels can be laid for very specific monopiles in term of length and / or diameter of other characteristics, while not being suited for other types of monopiles. Especially, heavy monopiles are quite difficult to handle. Construction of known vessels can be quite complex using various tools and / or equipment that is specifically designed for the purpose, which can be very complex, vulnerable to malfunction and difficult to service and repair. Further, loading of monopiles on a vessel for transport to the installation location at sea generally requires dedicated equipment as well, or may be quite cumbersome and time-consuming to carry out.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an or alternative objective of the invention to provide a vessel and corresponding method for arranging a monopile into a waterbed, which is very flexible for various types of monopiles to be handled and installed.

[0004] It is another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a vessel and corresponding method for arranging a monopile into a waterbed, which is requires straightforward and / or uncomplicated technology.

[0005] It is yet another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a vessel and corresponding method for arranging a monopile into a waterbed, which employs standard and / or proven technology.

[0006] It is yet another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a vessel and corresponding method for upending very long (and cumbersome) monopiles, by utilizing the depth of the water body. With other means of upending the length of the crane boom or boom clashes during upending can become a problem.

[0007] It is yet another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a vessel and corresponding method for good control of monopile oscillations (such as when excited by waves).

[0008] It is yet another or alternative objective of the invention to provide a vessel and corresponding method for very safe operation.

[0009] In an aspect the invention provides a method for arranging a monopile from a vessel into a waterbed, like a seabed, below water surrounding the vessel, wherein the vessel has a front end, aback end and a longitudinal direction, and wherein the monopile has a bottom end, a top end and a longitudinal direction, wherein the method comprises the steps of- storing the monopile on the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile arranged in a horizontal orientation at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel;- gripping the monopile at the top end by a first gripping and moving arrangement;- gripping the monopile at the bottom end by a second gripping and moving arrangement;- lifting the monopile from the vessel by lifting both the top end and the bottom end of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements;- moving the monopile to a side of the vessel and alongside the vessel by moving the top end and bottom end of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements to provide the monopile above the watersurrounding the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel;- lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water by the second gripping and moving arrangement to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in a vertical orientation; and- lowering the monopile by the first gripping and moving arrangement until the bottom end of the monopile is supported by the waterbed.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method comprises lifting the top end of the monopile by the first gripping and moving arrangement while lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water by the second gripping and moving arrangement to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

[0011] In an embodiment, the method comprises releasing the bottom end of the monopile by the second gripping and moving arrangement when the monopile has been provided into the vertical orientation.

[0012] In an embodiment, the method comprises- providing the monopile, by the first gripping and moving arrangement or the first and second gripping and moving arrangements, into a guiding arrangement arranged on the vessel for maintaining and guiding the monopile with the longitudinal direction in a vertical orientation;- lowering the monopile onto the waterbed while being guided by the guiding arrangement by lowering the top end of the monopile by the first gripping and moving arrangement; and- driving the monopile into the waterbed while being guided by the guiding arrangement.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method comprises- providing the monopile, by the first gripping and moving arrangement or the first and second gripping and moving arrangements, into a guiding arrangement arranged on the vessel for maintaining and guiding the monopile with the longitudinal direction in a vertical orientation;- controlling an orientation of the guiding arrangement to maintain the monopile in the vertical orientation;- lowering the monopile onto the waterbed while being guided by the guiding arrangement by lowering the top end of the monopile by the firstgripping and moving arrangement and controlling the orientation of the guiding arrangement to maintain and guide the monopile with the longitudinal direction in the vertical orientation; and- driving the monopile into the waterbed while being guided by the guiding arrangement and controlling the orientation of the guiding arrangement to maintain and guide the monopile with the longitudinal direction in the vertical orientation.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method comprises releasing the top end of the monopile by the first gripping and moving arrangement when the monopile has been provided onto the waterbed.

[0015] In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling a position of the vessel to maintain the monopile at a predetermined position while lowering the monopile onto the waterbed and driving the monopile into the waterbed.

[0016] In an embodiment, the method comprises- gripping a monopile provided alongside the vessel at the top end and bottom end of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements and moving the monopile onto the storing arrangement for storing the monopile on the storing arrangement on the vessel to load at least one monopile onto the vessel with the longitudinal direction of each monopile arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vessel; and- navigate the vessel to a predetermined location for arranging at least one monopile into the waterbed.

[0017] In an aspect the invention provides for a vessel for arranging a monopile from the vessel into a waterbed, like a seabed, below water surrounding the vessel, wherein the vessel has a front end, aback end and a longitudinal direction, and wherein the monopile has a bottom end, a top end and a longitudinal direction, wherein the vessel comprises- a storing arrangement for storing the monopile on the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel;- a first gripping and moving arrangement configured and arranged forgripping the monopile at the top end and moving the top end of the monopile in vertical and / or horizontal directions; and- a second gripping and moving arrangement configured and arranged for gripping the monopile at the bottom end and moving the bottom end of the monopile in vertical and / or horizontal directions, wherein the first and second gripping and moving arrangements are configured and arranged for-- lifting the monopile from the vessel by lifting both the top end and the bottom end of the monopile;-- moving the monopile to a side of the vessel and alongside the vessel by moving the top end and bottom end of the monopile to provide the monopile above the water surrounding the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel;-- lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in a vertical orientation; and-- lowering the monopile until the bottom end of the monopile is supported by the waterbed.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first and second gripping and moving arrangements are configured for lifting the top end of the monopile while lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second gripping and moving arrangement is configured for releasing the bottom end of the monopile when the monopile has been provided into the vertical orientation.

[0020] In an embodiment, the vessel comprises- a guiding arrangement arranged on the vessel and configured for maintaining and guiding the monopile, when provided in the guiding arrangement by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements, with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation in water surrounding the vessel above the waterbed.

[0021] In an embodiment, the guiding arrangement is configured for controlling an orientation of the guiding arrangement to maintain thelongitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

[0022] In an embodiment, the guiding arrangement is configured to enclose the monopile at least partly around a circumference of the monopile, optionally wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a sleeve-like configuration to enclose the monopile at least partly around a circumference of the monopile.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first and second gripping and moving arrangements are configured and arranged for gripping a monopile provided alongside the vessel at the top end and bottom end of the monopile and moving the monopile onto the storing arrangement for storing the monopile on the storing arrangement on the vessel to load at least one monopile onto the vessel with the longitudinal direction of each monopile arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vessel.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first gripping and moving arrangement comprises a first crane.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first crane is provided on the vessel at a position associated with the top end of the monopile when stored on the storage arrangement on the vessel.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first crane is provided on the vessel between the front end of the vessel and an area for storage of the monopile on the storing arrangement of the vessel.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first crane is configured as a boom crane or a tower crane.

[0028] In an embodiment, the second gripping and moving arrangement comprises a second crane.

[0029] In an embodiment, the second crane is provided on the vessel at a position associated with the bottom end of the monopile when stored on the storing arrangement on the vessel.

[0030] In an embodiment, the second crane is provided on the vessel between the back end of the vessel and the first gripping and lifting arrangement.

[0031] In an embodiment, the second crane is configured as a gantry crane that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the vessel and comprises a trolley that is movable in a transverse direction of the vessel transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vessel and is movable to a position outside a hull of the vessel.

[0032] In an embodiment, the gantry crane is movable along an area for storage of the monopile on the storage arrangement on the vessel.

[0033] In an embodiment, the gantry crane is movable between the back end of the vessel and a position associated with a top end of the monopile when stored on the storing arrangement on the vessel.

[0034] In embodiments, the gantry comprises a gripping tool for gripping the bottom end of the monopile and wherein the gripping tool is suspended through a crane cable from the trolley, and wherein the trolley is configured for lowering the gripping tool while the gantry crane is moving along said longitudinal direction.

[0035] In embodiments, the gantry crane is configured for moving along the longitudinal direction towards the first crane while lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water.

[0036] In embodiments, the gantry crane comprises a gantry crane leg on either side of the vessel. Both gantry crane legs are at their top ends connected by a gantry beam, and each leg is at its bottom end movable over a rail located on either side of the vessel.

[0037] In an embodiment, a driving tool, optionally a hammer tool, is provided on the vessel for gripping and moving by the first gripping and moving arrangement from the vessel onto the monopile to drive the monopile into the waterbed when the driving tool has been provided onto the monopile.

[0038] In embodiments, the second gripping and movement arrangement is configured for performing the lowering of the bottom end of the monopile into the water and for moving the bottom end of the monopile along the longitudinal direction towards the first gripping and movement arrangement while performing the lowering of the bottom end of the monopile into the water.

[0039] In embodiments, the second gripping and movement arrangement is configured for moving the bottom end of the monopile at the same time in a vertical and a horizontal direction such that when lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water the bottom end is at the same time also movable towards the first gripping and movement arrangement. Generally, the horizontal direction is parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

[0040] In embodiments, the first gripping and movement arrangement isconfigured for moving or at least partly moving the top end of the monopile upward while the second gripping and movement arrangement is lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water. An upward movement has to be construed as a movement in the opposite direction of the lowering movement.

[0041] A waterbed is intended to indicate the soil (‘bed’) below a body of water, like a seabed below sea water. The water is surrounding the vessel and it is the waterbed (the soil, for instance, a seabed) into which the monopile is arranged during pile driving. Therefore, the invention relates to a method and a vessel with equipment suitable for arranging a monopile from a vessel into the water, prior to driving the pile into the waterbed, for instance, the seabed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention by way of non-limiting and nonexclusive embodiments. These embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection. The person skilled in the art will realize that other alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or same reference symbols denote like, same or corresponding parts, and in whichFigure 1 shows monopiles being stored on a storage arrangement on a vessel according to the invention;Figure 2 shows a monopile being taken from the storing arrangement of the vessel shown in figure 1;Figure 3 shows the monopile being provided into a guiding arrangement of the vessel of figure 2;Figure 4 shows the monopile received in the guiding arrangement of the vessel of figure 3;Figure 5 shows the monopile of figure 4, which has been lowered onto the seabed while a hammering tool has been provided onto the monopile; andFigure 6 shows the monopile of figure 5 after having been driven into the seabed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The figures show a vessel 100 for arranging a monopile 10 into a seabed, or another waterbed, below water surrounding the vessel at a location where the monopile is to be provided into the seabed or other waterbed. The vessel 100 has a front end 100.1 (also referred to as bow), a back end 100.2 (also referred to as stern) and a longitudinal direction 100L passing along the front and back ends 100.1, 100.2 of the vessel. More than one monopile 10 can be stored on the vessel in a storing arrangement 130 of the vessel 100. Each monopile has a top end 10.1, a bottom end 10.2 and a longitudinal direction 10L passing along the top and bottom ends 10.1, 10.2 of the monopile. The monopiles are stored in the storing arrangement 130 on the vessel with the longitudinal direction 10L of the monopiles 10 arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 100L of the vessel 100. The longitudinal direction 10L of the monopiles 10 is in a horizontal direction when stored in the storing arrangement 130 on the vessel.

[0044] The vessel 100 has a first gripping and moving arrangement in the form of a first crane 110 (also referred to as main crane) that is configured for gripping and moving the monopile onto and from the vessel by lifting the top end 10.1 of the monopile. The first crane 110 is on the vessel at a position associated with the top end 10.1 of one or more monopiles when stored on the storage arrangement 130 on the vessel. The first or main crane is a boom crane 110 in the embodiment shown. In another embodiment, the first or main crane can, for instance, be a tower crane or any other crane or means suited for the purpose. The boom crane 110 is positioned on the vessel between the front end 100.1 of the vessel 100 and the area for storage of the one or more monopiles 10 on the storing arrangement 130 on the vessel. The boom crane 110 has a crane pedestal 111 that is rotatable around a vertical rotation axis 110R. A crane boom 112 is pivotably mounted at its bottom end 112.2 on the crane pedestal 111 to allow to vary a distance HOD of the top end 112.1 of the crane boom 112 (also referred to as crane boom tip 112.1) with respect to the vertical rotation axis 110R of the crane pedestal 111 and crane 110. Rotation of the crane 110 with the crane boom 112 around the rotation axis 110R and pivoting of the crane boom 112 with respect to the crane pedestal 111 allows to position the top end 112.1 of the crane boom at various locations above the vessel andsurrounding water. The crane boom 112 can be pivoted with respect to the crane pedestal 111 by tightening or loosening luffing wires 113 fixed near the crane boom tip 112.1 and running over luffing frame 114. A first gripping tool 115 (also referred to as monopile upending tool) is suspended through a first crane cable 116 from the top end 112.1 of the crane boom 112, and can be raised or lowered by tightening or loosening the first crane cable 116, or multiple crane cables 116 as in the embodiment shown. The first gripping tool 115 is configured for insertion in the open top end 10.1 of a monopile 10. When inserted into the open top end, elements of the first gripping tool 115 can be expanded for gripping of the top end of the monopile by the first gripping tool. Subsequently, the top end 10.1 of the monopile can be lifted and lowered by tightening and loosening, respectively, the first crane cable(s) 116, and be provided to various locations within reach of the first crane 110 by pivoting of the crane boom 112 and rotation of the crane pedestal 111 and thus crane 110 around the vertical rotation axis 110R.

[0045] The vessel has a second gripping and moving arrangement in the form of a second crane 120 that is configured for gripping and lifting a monopile 10 onto and / or from the vessel by lifting the bottom end 10.2 of the monopile. The second crane 120 is on the vessel at a position associated with the bottom end 10.2 of one or more monopiles when stored on the storage arrangement 130 on the vessel. The second crane is configured as a gantry crane 120 that is movable along the longitudinal direction 100L of the vessel and is on the vessel between the back end 100.2 of the vessel and the first crane 110. The gantry crane 120 has a gantry crane leg 121 on either side of the vessel 100. Although the gantry crane legs 121, especially the gantry crane leg on the left-hand side (portside) of the vessel, are shown to have two sub-legs, each leg assembly is referred to as a gantry crane leg. Both gantry crane legs 121 are at their top ends 121.1 connected by a gantry beam 122. Each leg 121 is at its bottom end 121.2 movable over a rail 123 on either side of the vessel. Each rail 123 extends along the area for storage of one or more monopiles on the storage arrangement 130, especially between the back end 100.2 of the vessel and a location associated with the top end 10.1 of one or more monopiles when stored on the storing arrangement 130. The gantry crane 120 has a gantry trolley 124 that is movable in a transverse direction of the vessel 100 transverseto the longitudinal direction 100L of the vessel. The gantry trolley 124 is movable over the gantry beam 122 that extends to a position outside the hull 101 of the vessel 100, which is on the right-hand side (quayside) of the vessel in the embodiment shown. The gantry trolley 124 is therefore movable to a position outside the hull 101 of the vessel as well to a position above water surrounding the vessel. A second gripping tool 125 is suspended through a second crane cable 126 from the gantry trolley 124, and can be raised or lowered by tightening or loosening the second crane cable 126, or more than one crane cable 126 as in the embodiment shown. The second gripping tool 125 is configured for gripping the open bottom end 10.2 of a monopile 10. Part of the second gripping tool 125 is inserted into the open bottom end 10.2 while another part of the second gripping tool supports against the outside of the monopile near the extreme bottom end thereof. The second crane cable 126 is attached to a part of the second gripping tool at the extreme bottom end of the monopile when a monopile 10 is being held by the second gripping tool 125. Subsequently, the bottom end 10.2 of the monopile can be lifted and lowered by tightening and loosening, respectively, the second crane cable(s) 126, and be provided to various locations within reach of the gantry crane 120 by moving the gantry crane along the rails 123 and moving the gantry trolley along the gantry beam 122.

[0046] Figure 1 shows that monopiles 30 are being stored onto the storing arrangement 130 on the vessel. The vessel 100 is moored at a quay Q over which monopiles 10 are transported to the vessel so as to be alongside and approximately parallel to the vessel. The figure shows a monopile 10 provided on the quay Q alongside the vessel 100, while another monopile 10 is being put in a middle location of the storing arrangement 130 on the vessel. The top end 10.1 of a monopile 10 is gripped and lifted by the boom crane 110 and the bottom end 10.2 of the monopile is gripped and lifted by the gantry crane 120 as has been described above. By combined movements of the boom crane 110 and the gantry crane 120 a monopile can be taken from the quay Q and placed onto the storing arrangement 130.

[0047] The storage arrangement 130 has two lower storage supports 131 arranged on the deck 102 of the vessel 100. The two lower storage supports 131 provide for three positions for storage of monopiles 10 in the embodiment shown. When these three lower storage positions are filled with monopiles, two upperstorage supports 132 are provided onto the lower storage supports 131 to provide an additional three upper storage positions for monopiles in the embodiment shown. The storage arrangement 130 comprises the lower and upper storage supports 131, 132 on the deck 102 of the vessel 100 to provide storage positions for storing one or more monopiles 10 with the longitudinal direction 10L of each monopile arranged in a horizontal orientation and parallel to the longitudinal direction 100L of the vessel 100. The gantry crane 120 is used to place the upper storage supports 132 onto the lower storage supports 131 when putting monopiles onto the storage arrangement. When not in use, the upper storage supports 132 are positioned on the deck 102 at the back end 100.2 of the vessel within reach of the gantry crane 120. The gantry crane is used as well for placing the upper storage supports 132 from the lower supports 131 back onto the deck 102 of the vessel, when required.

[0048] Figure 2 shows that six monopiles 10 have been loaded onto the storage arrangement 130, but the number of monopiles shown on the vessel is just an example that should not be construed to limit the invention. More or less monopiles could be stored on the vessel as well, which will be dependent on the vessel used and the circumstances that the vessel is employed. The figure shows that the vessel 100 has sailed to a location where a monopile 10 is to be provided into the seabed. A first one of the six monopiles loaded onto the storage arrangement 130 is being taken from the storage arrangement in figure 2. The first and second cranes 110, 120 are being used again for gripping and moving the top and bottom ends 10.1, 10.2 of the monopile 10 to move the monopile as a whole next to and alongside the vessel above the water surrounding the vessel 100. The gantry trolley 124 of the gantry crane 120 has been moved to the end of the gantry beam 122 above the water W surrounding the vessel.

[0049] A guiding arrangement 140 has been brought into an active configuration for receiving the monopile 10 held by the first and second cranes, as is shown in figure 2. Figure 1 shows the guiding arrangement 140 in an idle configuration. The guiding arrangement 140 comprises a sleeve part 141 having two doors 141.1, and a holding and manipulating part 142 for holding and manipulating the sleeve part 141. In the idle configuration of figure 1, the guiding sleeve part 141 with closed doors 141.1, 141.2 has been moved onboard the vessel 100 by the holding and manipulating part 142. The idle configurationhas the sleeve part 141 moved upwards and rotated backwards onto the vessel. In the active configuration of figure 2, the sleeve part 141 has been moved alongside the vessel by the holding and manipulating part 142. The sleeve part 141 has been rotated into an active configuration such that the open ends of the sleeve part 141 are directed upward and downward. A lower end of the sleeve part 141 in the active configuration is shown to be in the water W surrounding the vessel 100. Figure 2 shows that the doors 141.1 of the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140 are open for receiving the monopile 10 held by the first and second cranes (boom and gantry cranes, respectively) 110, 120.

[0050] Next, the bottom end 10.2 of the monopile 10 held by the boom and gantry cranes 110, 120 is lowered by the gantry crane 120 while the gantry crane is moved towards the boom crane 110 as well. At the same time, the boom crane 110 moves the top end 10.1 of the monopile somewhat upwards while keeping the monopile top end 10.1 above the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140. The monopile 10 can be received into the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140 since the doors 141.1 of the sleeve part 141 are in an open position.

[0051] Figure 4 shows that the monopile has been received within the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140, and the doors 141.1 of the sleeve part have been moved to the closed position to close the sleeve part 141 to fully surround the monopile. The second gripping tool 125 of the gantry crane 120 has been released from the bottom end 10.2 of the monopile while the top end 10.1 of the monopile is still being held by the first gripping tool 115 of the boom crane 110. The bottom end 10.2 of the monopile 10 is still free from the seabed B, which allows the second gripping tool 125 to be released from the monopile bottom end 10.2.

[0052] After release of the second gripping tool 125 from the bottom end 10.2 of the monopile that has been provided into the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140, the gantry crane 120 is moved back over the rails 123 towards the back end 100.2 of the vessel 100, as is shown in figure 5. The figure shows that the second gripping tool 125 of the gantry crane has been made to grip the bottom end 10.2 of a next monopile 10. The boom crane 110 has lowered the monopile 10 being held and guided by the guiding arrangement 140 onto theseabed B. The boom crane 110 has released the first gripping tool 115 from the monopile held by the guiding arrangement 140 and has provided the first gripping tool 115 to the top end 10.1 of the next monopile 10 to grip said monopile top end 10.1. Subsequently, the boom crane 110 has decoupled the first gripping tool 115 so that the first gripping tool remains on the monopile top end 10.1 of the next monopile to be lifted and provided into the seabed, while the boom crane has further moved to pick up a hammer tool 150 from the vessel. The hammer tool 150 is a driving tool for driving the monopile into the seabed. The boom crane 110 has placed the hammer tool 150 on the top end 10.1 of the monopile 10 received in the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140 to hammer the monopile into the seabed B while being guided by the guiding arrangement 140.

[0053] The orientation of the guiding arrangement 140 is controlled in the embodiment shown to maintain the monopile in the vertical orientation. The orientation can be controlled by controlling the orientation of sleeve part 141 by actuators provided on the holding and manipulating part 142. The actuators can provide the sleeve part 141 in between the active and idle configurations and also control the orientation and position of the sleeve part 141 with respect to manipulating and holding part 142, and thus the vessel 100, so that the monopile is kept in the vertical orientation. Additionally, or in another embodiment, the position of the vessel can be controlled such as to keep the vessel in a fixed position and orientation with respect to the monopile to keep the monopile in the vertical orientation. For instance, the position of the vessel can be controlled for a rough positioning and the guiding arrangement 140 can be controlled in the horizontal plane for a fine positioning. Additionally, the orientation of the guiding arrangement may be controlled for control of the verticality of the monopile in the order of 0.1 degree. Alternatively, orientation and position control of the guiding arrangement may be done by control of position and orientation of the holding and manipulating part 142 with respect to the vessel 100.

[0054] When the monopile held by the guiding arrangement 140 has been provided sufficiently deep into the seabed B, the sleeve doors 141.1 of the sleeve part 141 of the guiding arrangement 140 are put in the open position and the vessel is maneuvered to move the sleeve part 141 away from the monopile. Theguiding arrangement is subsequently being provided in the idle configuration, as is shown in figure 6. An auxiliary crane 160 on the vessel 100 is used to provide some additional elements E onto the monopile provided into the seabed. After this, for instance, a wind turbine can be placed onto the monopile by another vessel, which is not further described.

[0055] The vessel and corresponding method according to the invention it is possible to upend very long (and cumbersome) monopiles, which is, inter alia, achieved by utilizing the depth of the water body above the waterbed. With other means of upending, parts of the upending equipment may clashes during upending, which can become a problem. Monopiles oscillations, which may be excited by waves, can be controlled in a much better manner due to the damping of the water. Oscillations can be particularly a problem when lowering monopiles vertically through the splash zone. The described method is able to upend the monopiles inclined through the waterline, which inhibits oscillations. With the proposed lifting arrangement using two cranes, a much safer operation is realized, since the monopile is lifted at two lifting points instead of one, which results in an inherently rotational resistance while lifting the monopile. Further, lifting tool stabbing operations can be performed within the confinements of the deck, making it easier and safer for the crew to control the lifting operations compared to monopiles that are oriented in a way where they are protruding outside of the deck confinements. Additionally, monopiles and deck equipment can be made to protrude much less outside of the deck confinements compared to alternative arrangements, which makes it possible (and easier) to access ports and harbours.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for arranging a monopile (10) from a vessel (100) into a waterbed (B), like a seabed, below water (W) surrounding the vessel, wherein the vessel (100) has a front end (100.1), a back end (100.2) and a longitudinal direction (100L), and wherein the monopile (10) has a top end (10.1), a bottom end (10.2) and a longitudinal direction (10L), wherein the method comprises the steps of- storing the monopile (10) on a storing arrangement (130) on the vessel (100) with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile arranged in a horizontal orientation at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (100L) of the vessel;- gripping the monopile (10) at the top end (10.1) by a first gripping and moving arrangement (110);- gripping the monopile (10) at the bottom end (10.2) by a second gripping and moving arrangement (120);- lifting the monopile (10) from the vessel by lifting both the top end and the bottom end of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements (110, 120);- moving the monopile (10) to a side of the vessel and alongside the vessel by moving the top end and bottom end of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements (110, 120) to provide the monopile above the water (W) surrounding the vessel with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile (10) at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (100L) of the vessel (100);- lowering the bottom end (10.2) of the monopile (10) into the water (W) by the second gripping and moving arrangement (120) to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile in a vertical orientation; and- lowering the monopile (10) by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110) until the bottom end (10.2) of the monopile is supported by the waterbed (B).

2. The method according to the preceding claims, wherein the methodcomprises lifting the top end (10.1) of the monopile (10) by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110) while lowering the bottom end (10.2) of the monopile into the water (W) by the second gripping and moving arrangement (120) to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises releasing the bottom end (10.2) of the monopile (10) by the second gripping and moving arrangement (120) when the monopile has been provided with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises- providing the monopile (10), by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110) or the first and second gripping and moving arrangements (110, 120), into a guiding arrangement (140) arranged on the vessel (100) for maintaining and guiding the monopile with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile in the vertical orientation;- lowering the monopile (10) onto the waterbed (B) while being guided by the guiding arrangement (140) by lowering the top end (10.1) of the monopile by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110); and- driving the monopile (10) into the waterbed (B) while being guided by the guiding arrangement (140).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises- providing the monopile (10), by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110) or the first and second gripping and moving arrangements (110, 120), into a guiding arrangement (140) arranged on the vessel (100) for maintaining and guiding the monopile with the longitudinal direction (10L) in the vertical orientation;- controlling an orientation of the guiding arrangement (140) to maintain the monopile (10) with the longitudinal direction (10L) in the verticalorientation;- lowering the monopile (10) onto the waterbed (B) while being guided by the guiding arrangement (140) by lowering the top end (10.1) of the monopile (10) by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110) and controlling the orientation of the guiding arrangement (140) to maintain and guide the monopile with the longitudinal direction (101) in the vertical orientation; and- driving the monopile (10) into the waterbed (B) while being guided by the guiding arrangement (140) and controlling the orientation of the guiding arrangement to maintain and guide the monopile with the longitudinal direction (10L) in the vertical orientation.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises releasing the top end (10.1) of the monopile (10) by the first gripping and moving arrangement (110) when the monopile has been provided onto the waterbed (B).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises controlling a position of the vessel (100) to maintain the monopile (10) at a predetermined position while lowering the monopile onto the waterbed (B) and driving the monopile into the waterbed.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises- gripping a monopile (10) provided alongside the vessel (100) at the top end (10.1) and bottom end (10.2) of the monopile by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements (110, 120) and moving the monopile onto the storing arrangement (130) for storing the monopile on the storing arrangement on the vessel to load at least one monopile onto the vessel with the longitudinal direction (10L) of the monopile (10) arranged in a longitudinal direction (100L) of the vessel (100); and- navigate the vessel (100) to a predetermined location for arranging at least one monopile into the waterbed (B).

9. A vessel for arranging a monopile from the vessel into a waterbed, like a seabed, below water surrounding the vessel, wherein the vessel has a front end, aback end and a longitudinal direction, and wherein the monopile has a top end, a bottom end and a longitudinal direction, wherein the vessel comprises- a storing arrangement for storing the monopile on the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel;- a first gripping and moving arrangement configured and arranged for gripping the monopile at the top end and moving the top end of the monopile in vertical and / or horizontal directions; and- a second gripping and moving arrangement configured and arranged for gripping the monopile at the bottom end and moving the bottom end of the monopile in vertical and / or horizontal directions, wherein the first and second gripping and moving arrangements are configured and arranged for-- lifting the monopile from the vessel by lifting both the top end and the bottom end of the monopile;-- moving the monopile to a side of the vessel and alongside the vessel by moving the top end and bottom end of the monopile to provide the monopile above the water surrounding the vessel with the longitudinal direction of the monopile at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vessel;-- lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water to provide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in a vertical orientation; and-- lowering the monopile until the bottom end of the monopile is supported by the waterbed.

10. The vessel according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second gripping and moving arrangements are configured for lifting the top end of the monopile while lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water toprovide the monopile with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

11. The vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second gripping and moving arrangement is configured for releasing the bottom end of the monopile when the monopile has been provided into the vertical orientation.

12. The vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel comprises- a guiding arrangement arranged on the vessel and configured for maintaining and guiding the monopile, when provided in the guiding arrangement by the first and second gripping and moving arrangements, with the longitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation in water surrounding the vessel above the waterbed.

13. The vessel according to the preceding claim, wherein the guiding arrangement is configured for controlling an orientation of the guiding arrangement to maintain the longitudinal direction of the monopile in the vertical orientation.

14. The vessel according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the guiding arrangement is configured to enclose the monopile at least partly around a circumference of the monopile, optionally wherein the guiding arrangement comprises a sleeve-like configuration to enclose the monopile at least partly around a circumference of the monopile.

15. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second gripping and moving arrangements are configured and arranged for gripping a monopile provided alongside the vessel at the top end and bottom end of the monopile and moving the monopile onto the storing arrangement for storing the monopile on the storing arrangement on the vessel to load at least one monopile onto the vessel with the longitudinal direction of each monopile arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vessel.

16. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gripping and moving arrangement comprises a first crane.

17. The method or the vessel according to the preceding claim, wherein the first crane is provided on the vessel at a position associated with the top end of the monopile when stored on the storage arrangement on the vessel.

18. The method or the vessel according to the preceding claim, wherein the first crane is provided on the vessel between the front end of the vessel and an area for storage of the monopile on the storing arrangement of the vessel.

19. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the first crane is configured as a boom crane or a tower crane.

20. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second gripping and moving arrangement comprises a second crane.

21. The method or the vessel according to the preceding claim, wherein the second crane is provided on the vessel at a position associated with the bottom end of the monopile when stored on the storing arrangement on the vessel.

22. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the second crane is provided on the vessel between the back end of the vessel and the first gripping and moving arrangement.

23. The method or the vessel according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the second crane is configured as a gantry crane that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the vessel and comprises a trolley that is movable in a transverse direction of the vessel transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vessel and is movable to a position outside a hull of the vessel.

24. The method or the vessel according to the preceding claim, wherein the gantry crane is movable along an area for storage of the monopile on the storage arrangement on the vessel.

25. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the gantry crane is movable between the back end of the vessel and a position associated with a top end of the monopile when stored on the storing arrangement on the vessel.

26. The method or the vessel according to any of claims 23 to 25 wherein the gantry comprising a gripping tool for gripping the bottom end of the monopile and wherein the gripping tool is suspended through a crane cable from said trolley, and wherein said trolley is configured for lowering the gripping tool while the gantry crane is moving along said longitudinal direction.

27. The method or the vessel according to any of claims 23 to 26 wherein the gantry crane is configured for moving along said longitudinal direction towards the first crane while lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water.

28. The method or the vessel according to any of claims 23 to 27 wherein the gantry crane comprises a gantry crane leg on either side of the vessel, and wherein both gantry crane legs are at their top ends connected by a gantry beam, and wherein each leg is at its bottom end movable over a rail located on either side of the vessel.

29. The method or the vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a driving tool, optionally a hammer tool, is provided on the vessel for gripping and moving by the first gripping and moving arrangement from the vessel onto the monopile to drive the monopile into the waterbed when the driving tool has been provided onto the monopile.

30. The method or the vessel according to any of previous claims wherein the second gripping and movement arrangement is configured forperforming the lowering of the bottom end of the monopile into the water and for moving the bottom end of the monopile towards said first gripping and movement arrangement while performing the lowering of the bottom end of the monopile into the water.

31. The method or the vessel according to any of previous claims wherein the second gripping and movement arrangement is configured for moving the bottom end of the monopile at the same time in a vertical and a horizontal direction such that when lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water the bottom end is at the same time also movable towards the first gripping and movement arrangement, and wherein the horizontal direction is substantially parallel with said longitudinal direction of the vessel,32. The method or the vessel according to claim 30 or 31 wherein said first gripping and movement arrangement is configured for moving or at least partly moving the top end of the monopile upward while the second gripping and movement arrangement is lowering the bottom end of the monopile into the water,

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