Tow-Line Vessel Securing for Offshore Wind Component Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of offshore wind turbine installations due to the need for multiple vessels, crews, and crane assets, and the lack of suitable vessels in the U.S. due to the Jones Act, hinder the commercial viability of offshore wind turbine projects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving securing a first vessel with wind turbine components to an offshore installation vessel using tow lines attached to its bow and stern, optionally with fender walls or a secondary vessel received within an opening, and stabilizing the installation vessel with jack-up legs for safe and efficient component transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vessels are used for offshore wind turbine installation, then the installation can be completed with sufficient crew and equipment, but the cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vessel functions into a single integrated vessel. The vessel includes both a barge for transporting wind turbine components and a tugboat for propulsion and positioning, merged into one unit that can perform both transportation and installation support functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated vessel is designed with multi-functionality to perform various roles: transporting wind turbine components (tower, blades, nacelle), providing propulsion power, positioning the components, and supporting installation operations. This single vessel replaces what traditionally required multiple specialized vessels
2Device complexity
If foreign vessels are used for offshore wind turbine installation, then cost-effective solutions are available, but the Jones Act restricts their operation in U.S. waters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, off-the-shelf tugboats and barges that can be quickly assembled and deployed. Rather than investing in expensive, purpose-built specialized vessels, the solution uses readily available equipment that can be combined to meet project requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated vessel is designed as a modular combination of separate tugboat and barge units that can be connected or separated as needed. This segmentation allows flexibility in deployment and compliance with U.S. maritime regulations while maintaining operational effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If traditional vessel securing methods are used, then simple attachment is achieved, but vessel stability during component transfer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tugboat connects to the barge before the barge begins its towing operation. This preliminary connection ensures that the propulsion and positioning systems are established and tested before the actual transport and component transfer operations begin, preventing instability during critical phases
Solution Approach 2:
The tugboat acts as an intermediary between the barge and the offshore installation vessel. It provides controlled propulsion and positioning, mediating the interaction between the moving barge and the stationary installation vessel to maintain stability during component transfer operations
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transporting a first vessel having wind turbine components to an offshore installation vessel. The method includes (i) securing the first vessel to a second vessel using a first tow line attached to a front end (or bow) of the first vessel, and (ii) securing the first vessel to a third vessel using a second tow line attached to a back end (or stern) of the first vessel. The method further includes transporting the first vessel to the offshore installation vessel using the second vessel and the third vessel secured to the first vessel via the first and second tow lines, respectively. The method also includes securing the first vessel to the offshore installation vessel. The first vessel can include one or more fender walls. The first vessel can be secured to the offshore installation vessel using one or more mooring lines.