Offshore Jack-Up Resupply via Vessel Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Offshore jack-up rigs face inefficiencies in resupplying wind turbine generator components due to the need to sail back to port, reducing installation time, and difficulties in transferring components in bad weather, particularly when using supply vessels.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that involve positioning a vessel underneath the hull of an offshore jack-up, engaging a stabilizing mechanism to increase buoyant force, and using lifting arms to transfer cargo, allowing for secure and efficient loading and unloading of components without requiring calm weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If WTG components are stored on the deck of the jack-up rig in port, then the jack-up rig can be replenished with components, but the jack-up rig must sail back to port reducing installation time

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWTG components availabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A supply vessel acts as an intermediary between port and the jack-up rig, transporting WTG components directly to the rig at the offshore installation site. This eliminates the need for the jack-up rig to sail back to port, maintaining component availability while preserving installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resupply operation is segmented into independent phases: the supply vessel delivers components to the jack-up rig while the rig continues installation operations. This allows component replenishment to occur without interrupting the installation workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If WTG components are transferred via a supply vessel, then the jack-up vessel can be resupplied without returning to port, but the transfer of components becomes difficult in bad weather

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedowntimeVSAvoidtransfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supply vessel positions itself alongside the jack-up rig at the same water level, creating equipotential conditions for component transfer. This eliminates the need for complex lifting operations and allows direct side-to-side transfer of components, which can be performed in various weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The supply vessel serves as a stable intermediary platform that remains positioned next to the jack-up rig, providing a reliable transfer point that is less affected by sea state conditions compared to operations from the rig deck or port.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If a detachable deck with WTG components is lifted using a rail system, then the components can be transferred offshore, but the vessel requires very calm weather to avoid collision with the legs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWTG components transferVSAvoidweather conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supply vessel acts as an intermediary that receives components offshore and transfers them to the jack-up rig without requiring the rig's legs to be extended or repositioned. This eliminates the collision risk between the vessel and the legs that occurs with rail system operations in rough weather.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of lifting the detachable deck and components vertically using the rail system (which requires calm weather to prevent swinging and collision), the components are transferred horizontally via the supply vessel alongside the rig, inverting the traditional lifting approach and enabling operation in rougher conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables continuous operation of offshore wind turbine installations by allowing resupply without returning to port and facilitates secure and efficient transfer of components in various weather conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

pushing the stabilizing mechanism down on the vessel to increase the buoyant force acting on the vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyant force: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3947223B1A method of securing and transferring a load between a vessel and an offshore installation and an apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2023.12.27 PHOENIX II AS

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AI summary

A method of securing a vessel (206) with an offshore jack-up (100). The offshore jack-up (100) has a hull (102) and a plurality of moveable legs (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) engageable with the seafloor. The offshore jack-up (100) is arranged to move the legs (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) with respect to the hull to position the hull (102) out of the water. The method comprises moving at least a portion of a vessel underneath the hull (102) of the offshore jack-up or within a cut-out (400) of the hull (102) when the hull is positioned out of the water and the legs (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) engage the seafloor. A stabilizing mechanism (502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512) mounted on the offshore jack-up (100) is engaged against the vessel (206). The stabilizing mechanism is pushed down on the vessel to increase a buoyant force acting on the vessel.