A pile holding system configured to be mounted or mounted on a vessel

Abstract

A pile holding system configured to hold a pile vertically during installation thereof in the seabed has a support assembly with a forked support member having a base and two arms projecting from the base. A pile holder has a pile holder ring which is at each of diametrically opposite locations thereof tiltable mounted to a respective arm via a tilt bearing connection so that the pile holder ring is tiltable about a horizontal tilt axis. Each of the arms is provided with a first load transfer member and the ring base of the pile holder ring is provided with second load transfer members. Each pair of a first and a second load transfer member is, at least in the operative orientation of the pile holder ring, in mechanical contact with one another so as to provide an additional load path between the ring base and the arm of the forked support member in addition to the tilt bearing connection.

Description

[0001] A PILE HOLDING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO BE MOUNTED OR MOUNTED ON A VESSEL.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of pile holding systems configured to hold a pile vertically during installation in the seabed. The system is configured to be mounted or is mounted on a vessel.

[0003] The system is, for example, configured for use in the installation of a (mono-)pile adapted to support thereon an offshore wind turbine. The pile holding system is configured to support the pile in an upright or vertical position at a pile installation location next to the vessel. Such piles are commonly referred to as monopiles. For example, the diameter of the pile to be handled by the pile holding system is at least 5 meters. For such systems stringent demands are placed on the verticality of the installed pile.

[0004] Examples of prior art pile holding systems are discussed in WO2019 / 172752. For example, a pile holder system is disclosed therein comprising a support assembly configured to be mounted or mounted on the vessel, e.g. on a deck of the vessel, and a pile holder supported by the support assembly and comprising a pile holder ring provided with multiple pile engaging devices distributed about the circumference of the pile holder ring, each pile engaging device being adapted to engage an exterior of the pile extending through the pile holder ring, e.g. each pile engaging device comprising one or more pile guiding rollers. The pile holder ring comprises a ring base and movable jaws which are movable between a closed position, wherein the pile holder ring forms a closed annulus, and an opened position. The support assembly is configured to move the pile holder between an inboard position and an outboard position, wherein the pile holder, when in the outboard position, is located outside a contour of the vessel, for holding the pile in the upright position at the installation location, and wherein the pile holder, when in the inboard position, e.g. with the first and second jaw in the open position, is located within the contour of the vessel.

[0005] In embodiments of WO2019 / 172752 shown in figures 10 - 19 the pile holder ring is mounted via the base thereof to a vertically extending mounting member that is connected to a support frame that is movable in horizontal direction over the deck of the vessel.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an improved or at least an alternative pile holding system. For example, the present invention aims to provide a pile holding system with enhanced stability, e.g. in view of the enormous weight of the (mono-)pile and / or (sea) forces acting on the pile and thus on the pile holding system during use. This, for example, allows for enhanced accuracy of X-Y positioning and / or of verticality of the pile during installation in the seabed.

[0007] The present invention provides a pile holding system according to claim 1.

[0008] Due to the presence of the pairs of first and a second load transfer members and, at least in the operative orientation of the pile holder ring, their mechanical contact with one another within each pair, an additional load path is created between the ring base and each of the arms of the rigid forked support member in addition to the tilt bearing connection. This provides enhanced stability of the pile holder ring when subjected to loads, primarily loads caused by the (mono-)pile and / or sea forces acting on the pile. Otherwise, such loads had to be absorbed completely by the tilt bearing connections. Due to the inventive approach, the structure of the forked support member and the pile holder ring, as well as the tilt bearing connections, can be designed relatively light.

[0009] In embodiments, the first and second load transfer members each include a contact face configured to be in contact with one another, at least in the operative position of the pile holder ring, e.g. over a tilt angle range including the operative position. Preferably, the contact faces are rigid faces that are stationary mounted on the respective arm and the ring base. For example, the first and second load transfer members are embodied as welded steel load transfer brackets mounted on the respective arm or the ring base. For example, at least one of the contact faces of each pair is embodied with a slide bearing material.

[0010] In embodiments, the second load transfer members are embodied with a vertical extension that is greater than the height of the ring base.

[0011] In embodiments, a first tilt actuator is provided between the forked support member and the pile holder ring configured to control the orientation of the pile holder ring relative to the forked support member about the tilt axis of the pile holder ring. For example, the first tilt actuator may serve to stabilize or lock the pile holder ring when in the operative orientation thereof relative to the forked member. In embodiments, a pair of first tilt actuators is provided, each mounted between an arm of the forked support member and the base of the pile holder ring. In embodiments, the first tilt actuators are hydraulic cylinders, e.g. arranged substantially perpendicular to the tilt axis of the pile holder ring. In embodiments, the support assembly comprises a support frame, wherein the forked support member is tiltable mounted to the support frame via a tilt connection between the base of the forked support member and the support frame so that the forked support member is tiltable relative to the support frame about a horizontal tilt axis which extends parallel to the horizontal tilt axis of the pile holder ring, and wherein the support assembly comprises a second tilt actuator between the support frame and the forked support member. This arrangement allows for lifting and lowering of the pile holder ring due to tilting of the forked member. For example, compared to the embodiments of WO2019 / 172752 shown in figures 10 - 19 thereof, the stability of the system is enhanced.

[0012] In embodiments, the forked support member is tiltable relative to the support frame into an operative position of the pile holder wherein the tilt axis of the pile holder ring is at a lower level than the deck of the vessel on which the support assembly is to be mounted or is mounted.

[0013] In embodiments, the base of the forked support member comprises a horizontal main beam from which the arms project at one side, wherein the main beam is tiltable connected to the support frame at an opposite side of the main beam, and wherein the base of the forked support member comprises a lever structure projecting upward from the main beam, the second tilt actuator being arranged between the support frame and the lever structure.

[0014] In embodiments, the forked support member further comprises stay members, wherein each stay member extends from an outer end of the lever structure to a respective arm at a location where the tilt bearing connection is arranged.

[0015] In embodiments, the lever structure of the forked support member has two upright main posts, each adjoining the main beam at an axial end thereof, the main posts being interconnected by one or more brace members, and wherein each stay member extends from an outer end of the main post to a respective arm at a location where the tilt bearing connection is arranged.

[0016] In embodiments, the second tilt actuator between the support frame and the forked support member comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders.

[0017] In embodiments, a cylinder body of the one or more hydraulic cylinders forming the second tilt actuator is provided with a first locking member, wherein the forked support member is provided with a second locking member, and wherein the first and second locking member are embodied such that in retracted mode of the cylinder, the first and second locking member are connectable to lock the forked support member.

[0018] In embodiments, the support assembly is configured to provide for controlled positioning and / or motion of the forked support member and the pile holder ring supported thereby in at least one horizontal direction, e.g. in two orthogonal horizontal directions, e.g. in an X- direction running horizontally in a plane along a length of the vessel, and / or a Y-direction running horizontally in a transverse plane of the vessel, e.g. the tilt axis of the ring extending in X- or Y-direction.

[0019] In embodiments, the support assembly is configured to move the pile holder between an inboard parking position and an outboard operative position, wherein the ring of the pile holder, when in the outboard operative position, is located outside a contour of the vessel, and wherein the pile holder, when in the inboard position, possibly with each jaw thereof in the open position, is located within the contour of the vessel. As discussed above, it is preferred for this functionality that the forked support member is tiltable relative to a support frame of the support assembly. For example, the tiltability of the forked support member is such that in the outboard position, the ring is below the deck level of the vessel. Herein, for example, the forked member can be retracted to the inboard parking position, by first tilting the forked support member so as to raise the pile holder from its operative position to a level that allows for translation of the system inward over the deck, e.g. the first tilt actuator herein keeping the ring horizontal.

[0020] In embodiments, the support assembly is configured to provide for controlled positioning and / or motion of the forked support member and the pile holder ring supported thereby to provide compensation for motion, e.g. wave and / or current induced motion, of the vessel in order to maintain a predetermined X-Y location of the pile holder independent of the motion of the vessel. As known in the field, this design is advantageous when the pile holding system is mounted on a vessel that operates in floating condition during the installation of the pile into the seabed.

[0021] In embodiments, the pile holding system further comprises a bubble screen device which is suspended under the pile holder ring in view of mitigation of noise during installation of the pile. Such bubble screen devices are known in the art, for example with a net, hoses, and / or slats from which air bubbles emerge to form an air curtain about the (mono-)pile during installation. In practical embodiments, the pile holder ring is embodied such that the pile engaging devices define a passage for a pile having a diameter of at least 5 meters, e.g. of at least 8 meters, e.g. with a maximum diameter of between 10 and 16 meters.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a vessel for installation of a pile in the seabed, e.g. a monopile for an offshore wind turbine, wherein the vessel is provided with a pile holding system as discussed herein. For example, the vessel is a jack-up vessel or a vessel that is in floating condition during pile installation.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a method for installation of a pile in the seabed, wherein use is made of a vessel and / or pile holding system as described herein.

[0024] The present invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] - fig. 1 shows in side view an example of a pile holding system of the invention with the pile holding ring in outboard operative position,

[0026] - fig. 2 shows the pile holding system of figure 1 with the pile holding ring in inboard parking position,

[0027] - fig. 3 shows the situation of figure 2 from another angle,

[0028] - fig. 4 shows a top view onto the pile holding system of figure 1 with the pile holding ring in operative position,

[0029] - fig. 5 illustrates the cooperation of the first and second load transfer members in the situation of figure 4,

[0030] - fig. 6 shows the system of figure 2 in a perspective view,

[0031] - fig. 7 shows a close up of figure 6 from another angle,

[0032] - fig. 8 shows the system of figure 1 while holding a monopile vertically.

[0033] The figures 1 - 3 show a part, here a stern part, of a vessel 1 for installation of a pile 110 (see figure 8) in the seabed, here a monopile for an offshore wind turbine. For example, as shown, the diameter of the monopile may be between 6 and 11 meters.

[0034] The vessel 1 has a hull 2 with a deck 3.

[0035] For example, as here, the vessel 1 is a jack-up vessel, wherein the hull 2 has been lifted above sea level for the pile installation process.

[0036] The vessel 1 includes a crane for handling the monopile. Pile holding system 10 is mounted on the vessel 1, here on deck 3 of the vessel.

[0037] The system 10 is configured to hold the monopile vertically during installation thereof in the seabed. The installation may involve upending of the monopile from a horizontal transport position, e.g. resting on the deck 3 of the vessel or on deck of another vessel, bringing the monopile in engagement with the system 10, lowering the monopile onto the seabed, and then driving (e.g. by a pile driving device) the monopile sufficiently deep into the seabed.

[0038] The pile holding system comprises a support assembly 20 which is mounted on deck 3 of the vessel.

[0039] In this example, the support assembly 20 comprises a support frame 29 which is movable in a horizontal plane over the deck in two orthogonal horizontal directions, e.g. in an X-direction running horizontally in a plane along a length of the vessel, and a Y-direction running horizontally in a transverse plane of the vessel. In this example, motion actuator 29a controls motion and position of the support frame in Y-direction, and motion actuator 29b controls motion and position of the support frame in X-direction. The motion assembly here includes rails 21 extending in Y-direction on the deck 3, on which a subframe is placed, the subframe having rails 22 in X-direction, on which the support frame 29 is arranged.

[0040] In an embodiment, the support assembly comprises a support frame which is movable in a horizontal plane over the deck in just one horizontal direction, e.g. between an inboard parking position and an outboard operative position.

[0041] The support assembly 20 further comprises a forked support member 25 having a base 26 and two arms 27,28 projecting from the base 26.

[0042] The forked support member 25 is tiltable mounted to the support frame 29 via a tilt connection 35 between the base 26 of the forked support member 25 and the support frame 29 so that the forked support member 25 is tiltable relative to the support frame about a horizontal tilt axis 36, here extending in X-direction.

[0043] The support assembly 20 comprises second tilt actuators 37a, 37b between the support frame 29 and the forked support member 25 for controlled tilting of the support member 25.

[0044] The system 10 further comprises a pile holder 40 which comprises a pile holder ring 50. The pile holder ring 50 comprises a ring base 51 and two movable jaws 52,53 that are end pivotally connected to the ring base 51 at one end thereof and can be releasably coupled to one another at their other ends. The jaws here are semi-circular. As known in the field, the jaws are movable between a closed position, wherein the pile holder ring 50 forms a closed annulus, and an opened position.

[0045] The pile holder ring 50, here the ring base 51 thereof, is at each of diametrically opposite locations thereof tiltable mounted to a respective arm 27, 28 of the forked support member via a tilt bearing connection 54, 55 so that the pile holder ring is tiltable relative to the forked support member about a horizontal tilt axis 60 over a tilt angle range at least including an operative orientation in which, in use, a pile can extend vertically through the pile holder ring 50.

[0046] As common in the field, the pile holder ring 50 is provided with multiple pile engaging devices 70, also referred to as centralizing pile engaging devices, which are distributed about the circumference of the pile holder ring 50. Each pile engaging device 70 is adapted to engage an exterior of the pile extending through the pile holder ring 50.

[0047] As shown, each pile engaging device 70 comprises one or more pile guiding rollers 71.

[0048] The pile engaging devices 70 are directed and movable radially relative to the center 50a of the ring 50 and are controllably movable and positionable in radial direction so as to control the position of the (mono-)pile relative to the ring 50 and center 50a thereof. For example, each pile engaging device 70 has an actuator 73, e.g. a hydraulic cylinder, to move the one or more rollers 71 in radial direction.

[0049] The pile holder ring 50 is further provided with one or more pile rotator devices 72 configured to engage on the pile and to controllably rotate the (mono-)pile about its longitudinal axis.

[0050] As can be best seen in the figure 5 where parts of the system have been left out for clarity, each of the arms 27, 28 of the forked support member 25 is provided with a first load transfer member 27a, 28a which is located on the arm at a location between the tilt bearing connection 54, 55 and the base 26 of the forked support member 25, spaced from the tilt bearing connection 54, 55, preferably close to the base 26 of the forked support member 25.

[0051] The ring base 51 of the pile holder ring 50 is provided with second load transfer members 80, 81, each corresponding to a respective one of the first load transfer members 27a, 28a on the arms of the forked support member. The figures 4 and 5 show that for each pair of a first and a second load transfer member 27a, 80 and 28a, 81 , at least in the operative orientation of the pile holder ring 50, there is mechanical contact with one another so as to provide an additional load path between the ring base 51 and the arm 27, 28 of the forked support member in addition to the tilt bearing connection 54, 55. As explained above, the provision of these load transfer members 27a, 80 and 28a, 81 which are in mechanical contact pairwise when the pile holding system is being used for pile installation is beneficial over a design wherein these additional load paths would be absent and loads would only be transferred between the pile holder ring and the arms via the tilt bearing connection 54, 55. In practice, this concerns, e.g. primarily, transfer of lateral loads, so loads in the horizontal plane, e.g. due to swell and / or sea currents acting on the monopile, e.g. loads in direction parallel to the tilt axis 60 causing lateral bending of the arms 27, 28.

[0052] As shown, the first and second load transfer members 27a, 80, 28a, 81 each include a contact face configured to be in contact with one another pairwise, at least in the operative position of the pile holder ring, e.g. over a tilt angle range including the operative position.

[0053] As shown, preferably, these contact faces between the ring base and each of the arms are rigid faces that are stationary mounted on the respective arm or the ring base. In this example, the first and second load transfer members are embodied as welded steel load transfer brackets mounted on the respective arm or the ring base. For example, at least one of the contact faces is embodied with a slide bearing material.

[0054] As shown, the second load transfer members 80, 81 are embodied with a vertical extension that is greater than the height of the ring base 50, so that the effect of the additional load transfer paths is available over a range of tilt angles of the ring 50 relative to the arms 27, 28, e.g. over a range of at least 20 degrees.

[0055] First tilt actuators 61a, 61b are provided between the forked support member 25 and the pile holder ring 50 and are configured to control the orientation of the pile holder ring relative to the forked support member about the tilt axis 60 of the pile holder ring. This may, for example, be used to keep the ring 50 horizontal at all times, e.g. also during tilting of the forked support member 25 using the second tilt actuator 37a, 37b.

[0056] As shown, the forked support member 25 is tiltable relative to the support frame 29 into an operative position of the pile holder 40, wherein the tilt axis 60 of the ring 50 is at a lower level than the deck 3 of the vessel 1 on which the support assembly 20 is mounted. This allows to bring the ring rather close to the water surface, which is beneficial, e.g. in view of supporting the pile during the pile driving process.

[0057] The base of the forked support member 25 comprises a horizontal main beam 26 from which the arms 27, 28 project at one side. The main beam is tiltable connected to the support frame 29 at an opposite side of the main beam. The base 26 of the forked support member comprises a lever structure 30 projecting upward from the main beam. The second tilt actuators 37a, 37b are arranged between the support frame 29 and the lever structure 30.

[0058] The forked support member 25 further comprises stay members 31a, 31b. Each stay member extends from an outer end of the lever structure 30 to a respective arm 27, 28 at a location where the tilt bearing connection 54, 55 is arranged.

[0059] The lever structure 30 of the forked support member has two upright main posts 32a, 32b, each adjoining the main beam 26, here at an axial end thereof. The main posts are interconnected by one or more brace members 32c. Each stay member 31a, 31b extends from an outer end of the main post 32a, 32b to a respective arm 27, 28, here connected to the arm at a location where the tilt bearing connection is arranged.

[0060] As shown, the second tilt actuators between the support frame and the forked support member are embodied as hydraulic cylinders 37a, 37b.

[0061] The figures shown that a cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinders 37a, 37b is provided with a first locking member 38a, 38b and that the forked support member is provided with a second locking members 39a, 39b. Generally, the first and second locking members are embodied such that in retracted mode of the tilt cylinder 35a, 35b for tilting the forked support member 25, the first and second locking member are connectable to lock the forked support member. This is, as shown, e.g. done when the pile holder 40 is brought in a parking position thereof, here an inboard parking position.

[0062] The support assembly 20 is configured to move the pile holder 40 between an inboard parking position and an outboard operative position, wherein the pile holder ring 50, when in the outboard operative position, is located outside a contour of the vessel 1 , and wherein the pile holder ring 50, when in the inboard position, possibly with each jaw thereof in the open position but here even with the jaws 52, 53 closed, is located within the contour of the vessel. The pile holding system here further comprises a bubble screen device 90 which is suspended under the pile holder ring 50. As shown, the support assembly 20 allows to bring the holder ring 50 in a raised non-operative position wherein the bubble screen 90 can remain under the pile holder ring 50 even in the inboard retracted parking position of the system 10.

[0063] A power and control unit 100 is placed on the support frame 29, e.g. provided with a hydraulic power unit configured to supply hydraulics for the system 10.

[0064] The figures 6 - 8 further illustrate the pile holding system 10 in 3D views.

[0065] In figure 6 the system 10 is in the inboard, parked position thereof. The rigid forked support member 25 has been tilted backwards by operation of cylinders 37a, b.

[0066] In figure 7 it can be seen that each of the arms 27, 28 of the rigid forked support member 25 is provided with a first load transfer member 27a, 28a which is located between the tilt bearing connection 54, 55 and the base 26 of the forked support member 25, spaced from the tilt bearing connection 54, 55.

[0067] In figure 8 the pile holder ring 50 is in its outboard and operative position, holding monopile 110 vertical (e.g. the pile being driven into the seabed by a pile driver device). Now the two pairs of first and a second load transfer members 27a, 80 and 28a, 81 are in mechanical contact with one another so that each pair provides an additional load path between the ring base 51 and the respective arm 27, 28 of the forked support member in addition to the tilt bearing connection 54, 55.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A pile holding system (10) configured to be mounted or mounted on a vessel (1) and configured to hold a pile (110) vertically during installation thereof in the seabed, e.g. for installation of a (mono-)pile adapted to support an offshore wind turbine, the pile holding system comprising:- a support assembly (20) configured to be mounted or mounted on the vessel (1), e.g. on a deck (3) of the vessel, which support assembly comprises a rigid forked support member (25) having a base (26) and two arms (27,28) projecting from the base (26),- a pile holder (40) comprising a pile holder ring (50) which is at each of diametrically opposite locations thereof tiltable mounted to a respective arm (27,28) of the forked support member via a tilt bearing connection (54, 55) so that the pile holder ring is tiltable relative to the forked support member about a horizontal tilt axis (60) over a tilt angle range at least including an operative orientation in which, in use, a pile can extend vertically through the pile holder ring, wherein the pile holder ring (50) is provided with multiple pile engaging devices (70) distributed about the circumference of the pile holder ring, each pile engaging device being adapted to engage an exterior of the pile extending through the pile holder ring (50), e.g. each pile engaging device (70) comprising one or more pile guiding rollers, wherein the pile holder ring (50) comprises a ring base (51) and one or more movable jaws (52,53), e.g. two semi-circular jaws, wherein the one or more jaws are movable between a closed position, wherein the pile holder ring (50) forms a closed annulus, and an opened position, wherein each of the arms (27,28) of the forked support member (25) is provided with a first load transfer member (27a, 28a) which is located between the tilt bearing connection (54,55) and the base (26) of the forked support member (25), spaced from the tilt bearing connection (54,55), and wherein the ring base (51) of the pile holder ring (50) is provided with second load transfer members (80,81), each corresponding to a respective one of the first load transfer members (27a, 28a) of the forked support member,and wherein each pair of a first and a second load transfer member (27a, 80, 28a, 81) is configured to be, at least in the operative orientation of the pile holder ring (50), in mechanical contact with one another so as to provide an additional load path between the ring base (51) and the arm (27,28) of the forked support member in addition to the tilt bearing connection (54,55).

2. Pile holding system according to claim 1, wherein a first tilt actuator (61 a, b) is provided between the forked support member (25) and the pile holder ring (50), which first tilt actuator (61a, b) is configured to control the orientation of the pile holder ring relative to the forked support member about the tilt axis (60) of the pile holder ring.

3. Pile holding system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support assembly (20) comprises a support frame (29), wherein the forked support member (25) is tiltable mounted to the support frame via a tilt connection (35) between the base of the forked support member and the support frame so that the forked support member is tiltable relative to the support frame about a horizontal tilt axis (36) which extends parallel to the horizontal tilt axis (60) of the pile holder ring, and wherein the support assembly (20) comprises a second tilt actuator (37a, b) between the support frame and the forked support member.

4. Pile holding system according to any one or more of claims 1 - 3, wherein the forked support member is tiltable relative to the support frame into an operative position of the pile holder wherein the tilt axis of the ring is at a lower level than the deck of the vessel on which the support assembly (20) is to be mounted or is mounted.

5. Pile holding system according to claim 2, wherein the base of the forked support member comprises a horizontal main beam (26) from which the arms (27,28) project at one side, wherein the main beam is tiltable connected to the support frame (29) at an opposite side of the main beam, and wherein the base (26) of the forked support member comprises a lever structure (30) projecting upward from the main beam, the tilt actuator being arranged between the support frame and the lever structure.

6. Pile holding system according to claim 5, wherein the forked support member further comprises stay members (31 a, b), wherein each stay member extends from an outer end of the lever structure to a respective arm at a location where the tilt bearing connection is arranged.

7. Pile holding system according to claim 6, wherein the lever structure of the forked support member has two upright main posts (32a, b), each adjoining the main beam (26) at an axial end thereof, the main posts being interconnected by one or more brace members (32c), and wherein each stay member (31 a, b) extends from an outer end of the main post to a respective arm (27,28) at a location where the tilt bearing connection is arranged.

8. Pile holding system according to claim 2, wherein the second tilt actuator between the support frame and the forked support member comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders (37a, b).

9. Pile holding system according to claim 8, wherein a cylinder body of the one or more hydraulic cylinders (37a, b) is provided with a first locking member (38a, b) and wherein the forked support member is provided with a second locking member (39a, b), wherein the first and second locking members are embodied such that in retracted mode of the cylinder (35a, b), the first and second locking member are connectable to lock the forked support member.

10. Pile holding system according to any one or more of claims 1 - 9, wherein the support assembly is configured to provide for controlled positioning and / or motion of the forked support member (25) and the pile holder ring (50) supported thereby in at least one horizontal direction, preferably in two orthogonal horizontal directions, e.g. in an X-direction running horizontally in a plane along a length of the vessel, and a Y-direction running horizontally in a transverse plane of the vessel, e.g. the tilt axis of the ring extending in Y- direction.

11. Pile holding system according to claim 10, wherein the support assembly (20) is configured to move the pile holder (40) between an inboard parking position and an outboard operative position, wherein the pile holder ring (50), when in the outboard operative position, is located outside a contour of the vessel (1), and wherein the pile holder ring (50), when in the inboard position, possibly with each jaw thereof in the open position, is located within the contour of the vessel.

12. Pile holding system according to any one or more of claims 1 - 11 , wherein the support assembly (20) is configured to provide for controlled positioning and / or motion of the forked support member (25) and the pile holder (40) supported thereby to provide compensation for motion, e.g. wave and / or current induced motion, of the vessel (1) in orderto maintain a predetermined X-Y location of the pile holder (40) independent of the motion of the vessel (1).

13. Pile holding system according to any one or more of claims 1 - 12, wherein the pile holding system further comprises a bubble screen device (90) which is suspended under the pile holder ring (50), e.g. wherein the support assembly (20) is configured to bring the pile holder ring (50) in a raised non-operative position wherein the bubble screen (90) remains under the pile holder ring (50) in the inboard retracted parking position.

14. Pile holding system according to any one or more of claims 1 - 13, wherein the pile holder ring (50) is embodied such that the pile engaging devices (70) define a passage for a pile having a diameter of at least 5 meters, e.g. of at least 8 meters.

15. A vessel (1) for installation of a pile in the seabed, e.g. a monopile for an offshore wind turbine, wherein the vessel is provided with a pile holding system (10) according to any one or more of claims 1 - 14, e.g. wherein the vessel is a jack-up vessel.

16. Method for installation of a pile in the seabed, e.g. a (mono-)pile, e.g. as foundation of an offshore wind turbine, wherein use is made of a vessel (1) according to claim 15, e.g. wherein the vessel is a jack-up vessel.

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