WO2024018024A1 - Monopiles transport and installation vessel - Google Patents

Monopiles transport and installation vessel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024018024A1
WO2024018024A1 PCT/EP2023/070204 EP2023070204W WO2024018024A1 WO 2024018024 A1 WO2024018024 A1 WO 2024018024A1 EP 2023070204 W EP2023070204 W EP 2023070204W WO 2024018024 A1 WO2024018024 A1 WO 2024018024A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
monopile
monopiles
hull
crane
vessel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/070204
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Diederick Bernardus Wijning
Original Assignee
Itrec B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Itrec B.V. filed Critical Itrec B.V.
Publication of WO2024018024A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024018024A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B77/00—Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms
    • B63B77/10—Transporting or installing offshore structures on site using buoyancy forces, e.g. using semi-submersible barges, ballasting the structure or transporting of oil-and-gas platforms specially adapted for electric power plants, e.g. wind turbines or tidal turbine generators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/10—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of cranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/003—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for for transporting very large loads, e.g. offshore structure modules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B75/00—Building or assembling floating offshore structures, e.g. semi-submersible platforms, SPAR platforms or wind turbine platforms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbines.
  • the invention concerns a monopiles transportation and installation vessel which is configured for transportation of monopiles to an offshore site and for installation of monopiles at said offshore site, e.g. a windfarm, where one or more monopiles are to be installed in the seabed.
  • the monopiles each may serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine.
  • a proposed 14 MW turbine has a rotor diameter of 220 metres combined with the hub height of about 160 metres above sea level.
  • a well-known foundation type is the monopile that is installed in the seabed.
  • a monopile may have a greatest diameter of at least 10 meters, e.g. at least 12 meters, for example about 15 meters.
  • a monopile length of 60 meters is currently considered fairly small, as designs already have a length of 100 meters or more, e.g. about 150 meters is nowadays considered for some windfarms.
  • monopiles are now planned for water depths up to 65 meter.
  • the weight of a monopile may well be in excess of 1000mt, even well above 2000 mt.
  • the present invention aims to provide a versatile and efficient vessel for the transportation and installation of monopiles, e.g. in view of the ever increasing dimensions and weight of monopiles.
  • the invention provides a monopiles transportation and installation vessel configured for transportation and installation of monopiles to an offshore site, where one or more monopiles are to be installed in the seabed to each serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine, wherein the vessel has hull of the monohull type with a bow, stern, sides, bottom, and a longitudinal central axis, wherein the vessel has a propulsion system, e.g.
  • the vessel has a monopiles deck storage which is configured for storage of a first group of multiple monopiles above a main deck level of the hull, wherein the monopiles of the first group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to one another and to the central axis of the hull, wherein the vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling of a monopile to be installed, wherein the vessel comprises a monopile gripper device configured for positioning and maintaining vertically of the monopile during installation, wherein the hull of the vessel comprises at least one monopile storage hold below the main deck level, which at least one monopile storage hold is configured for storage therein of a second group of one or more monopiles, e.g.
  • the vessel Due to the storage of one or more monopiles, e.g. just two, below the main deck level an efficient use of the vessel is possible.
  • the vessel is configured to store three monopile in the deck storage and two monopiles in the hold(s) of the vessel.
  • vessel stability is enhanced by the inventive approach, e.g. during sailing with the vessel and during operations performed at the offshore site, e.g. during installation of a monopile in the seabed.
  • deck storage of multiple monopiles e.g. three monopiles, is configured and done in just one layer, so in absence of storing monopiles above one another at the main deck level as is a prior art approach to increase the capacity of monopile transportation and installation vessels.
  • the vessel is equipped with the crane or (two) cranes needed for handling of the monopile and with the monopile gripper device. So, the vessel is not merely a transportation vessel, but is also configured to perform the actual installation of the monopile using the one or more cranes and the pile gripper device of the vessel.
  • the at least one monopile storage hold is provided with a monopile elevator system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering of a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation between a stored position in the monopile storage hold and a transfer position at the main deck level.
  • a monopile elevator system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering of a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation between a stored position in the monopile storage hold and a transfer position at the main deck level.
  • a monopile elevator system is advantageous.
  • a primary advantage is that manoeuvring the enormous monopile into and out of the storage hold by means of a crane on the monohull vessel is particularly challenging. And undue contact, collision, between the monopile and the hull may lead to damage.
  • the monopile is exceptionally large and very heavy, it still is a rather fragile component as the wall thickness is rather minimal in relation to the diameter. So, a collision may locally dent the monopile and thus render the monopile unsuited for installation. Of course, the hull may also suffer in case of such a collision.
  • operation of the monopile elevator system can be done whilst the at least one crane is involved in the handling of another monopile.
  • the elevator system may be used for lowering a monopile into the storage hold, whilst the crane is employed for taking onboard another monopile from a quayside location.
  • the monopile elevator system comprises multiple monopile support frames distributed along the length of the monopile storage hold and configured to support thereon a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation, which support frames are vertically mobile.
  • the monopile elevator system comprises an elevator drive mechanism for each of the multiple monopile support frames.
  • the monopile is supported by two or three monopile support frames.
  • Such a frame may be completely rigid, yet may also include resilient support members to evenly support the monopile and avoid undue local stresses.
  • the elevator drive mechanism comprises one or more winches connected to the monopile support frame via one or more cables.
  • winches are mounted to the hull, e.g. at or just below main deck level, e.g. at opposed lateral sides of each support frame.
  • the support frame is then suspended from winch driven cables allowing to move the support frame and the monopile resting thereon up and down.
  • the elevator drive mechanism comprises hydraulic cylinders, e.g. telescopic cylinders, are mounted to the hull, e.g. standing vertically on a bottom structure of the hull, e.g. at opposed lateral sides of each support frame.
  • the elevator drive mechanism comprises a rack and pinion mechanism between the hull and the monopile support frame.
  • Rack and pinion mechanism can provide sufficient force for controlled lifting and lowering of the support frame and the monopile resting thereon.
  • jack-up vessels where such mechanisms are used to lift the entire hull.
  • the elevator drive mechanism comprises a jacking mechanism between the hull and the monopile support frame which is configured to stepwise lift and lower the monopile support frame.
  • jacking mechanisms are also used on so-called jack-up vessels where such mechanisms are used to lift the entire hull.
  • embodiments of the elevator drive mechanism combines approaches discussed herein, e.g. combines the use of winches with the use of hydraulic cylinders for moving support frames in the storage hold(s) up and down.
  • the at least one storage hold is configured to store therein exactly two monopiles, each having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
  • the hull of the vessel is provided with two monopile storage holds with an intermediate longitudinal hull section between them, wherein each of the two monopile storage holds is configured to store therein one monopile having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
  • the intermediate longitudinal hull section is offset from the central axis of the vessel towards one side of the hull.
  • the at least one crane is located along the other side of the vessel, e.g. allowing for arranging a cart track and cart for use in upending of the monopile using the at least one crane in a zone along said other side of the vessel.
  • each monopile storage hold is provided with a corresponding monopile elevator system that is operable independent from the monopile elevator system of the other monopile storage hold.
  • the monopiles deck storage and the at least one monopile storage hold are configured for storage of monopiles having a maximum length of at least 120 meters, e.g. of 150 meters, e.g. with a greatest diameter of the monopiles of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
  • the at least one crane preferably one first crane, is arranged aft of the monopiles deck storage and aft of the at least one monopile storage hold, preferably along a side of the hull of the vessel. Due to this arrangement, the width of the hull can be used optimally for deck storage of monopiles. For example, in practical embodiments, three monopiles can be stored on main deck level side-by-side.
  • the hull has a buoyant stern section aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold on which the at least one crane, preferably one first crane, is arranged.
  • the stern section so provides additional buoyancy where the crane is mounted.
  • the vessel is configured and operated so that the monopile is upended and suspended from the one first crane, which crane is then used to lower the monopile towards the seabed as it is engaged by the monopile gripper device.
  • the stern section then supports the weight of the crane as well as of the monopile and of the monopile gripper device.
  • the crane is arranged along a side of the hull of the vessel.
  • the buoyant stern section preferably, has a length of 30 meters, e.g. between 40 and 55 meters. In combination with the capacity to handle monopiles of a maximum length of 150 meters, this means that the hull is at least 190 meters long.
  • the vessel has an accommodation structure at the bow provided with a bridge and crew quarters. This may result in a vessel having a hull that is at least 220 meters long.
  • the width of the hull of the vessel is more than the Panamax width of 32.3 meters.
  • the width of the hull of the vessel is between 50 and 65 meters, e.g. about 62 meters.
  • a second crane is arranged forward of the monopiles deck storage, preferably along the same side of the hull as the one first crane. This, for example, allows for engaging a horizontally oriented monopile at both of its ends by the cranes, which cranes then are operated in unison to handle the monopile.
  • a monopile can be displaced in transverse direction by means of the two cranes, e.g. in the course of lifting a monopile from a quayside onto the main deck of the vessel.
  • the hull of the vessel supports a cart track extending parallel to the central axis, e.g. along a side of the hull, wherein a monopile bottom end support cart is supported by the cart track allowing to support the bottom end of a monopile during upending thereof using the at least one crane of the vessel.
  • the cart track is arranged at the main deck level. In other embodiment, the cart track is arranged at a distance below the main deck level, optionally in the monopile storage hold.
  • the one first crane aft of the main deck level storage is used in the process of upending a monopile, with the cart track extending such that in the process the support cart moves towards the crane.
  • the monopile is in a state suspended from the crane.
  • the crane is then slewed to move the monopile overboard into alignment with the monopile gripper device.
  • This device can be mounted along a side of the vessel or at the stern of the vessel, e.g. the stern having a recess in the stern section where the gripper device is located.
  • the vessel is provided with a monopile transverse displacement system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane, which monopile transverse displacement system is arranged at the main deck level and is configured to displace a monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.
  • a monopile transverse displacement system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane, which monopile transverse displacement system is arranged at the main deck level and is configured to displace a monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.
  • the monopile transverse displacement system is configured to engage on and absorb the weight of a monopile of the second group that has been brought into the transfer position by the monopile elevator system allowing for transverse displacement of the monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.
  • This approach entails that the at least one crane is not needed in the process of advancing one of the second group monopiles out of the storage hold and towards a lateral side of the hull, e.g. in order to be upended when at said lateral side.
  • the monopile transverse displacement system comprises multiple transverse rails supported by the hull and monopile support carriages travelling over the transverse rails.
  • the at least one crane comprises a monopile upending crane, which comprises:
  • a crane base mounted to the hull, e.g. aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold, e.g. along a side of the hull,
  • the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is at the base end pivotable supported by the crane housing for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and a raised upend position for upending the monopile;
  • luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing wire extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable pivoting of the boom between the lowered and the raised upend position;
  • the hoist system comprises a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, wherein the hoisting wire is guided via an upper sheave assembly in the boom to a lower sheave assembly of the load coupling device for coupling with a top end of the monopile, to enable the crane to lift the monopile top end using the hoisting winch;
  • a trolley guide e.g. a track comprising one or more guide rails, the trolley guide being mounted to the boom of the crane;
  • trolley coupled with the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with an engagement device that is configured to engage the top end of the monopile and/or the load coupling device.
  • upending of the monopile is done whilst both the top end and the bottom end of the monopile follow a track, which avoids undue swing motion of the monopile in the upending process. .
  • the crane lifts the monopile in a vertical direction from the support cart, and slews about the vertical slew axis to position the monopile above the monopile gripper. Subsequently, the crane is used to lower the monopile towards the seafloor, while the monopile is guided by the pile gripper.
  • the upending crane is embodied as described in WO2022229455, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the invention also relates to a method for transportation and installation of monopiles, wherein use is made of a vessel as described herein.
  • the invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings.
  • - fig. 1 shows a side view of a vessel according to the invention
  • - fig. 2 shows a plan view of the vessel of figure 1 ,
  • FIG. 3a shows a cross-section of the vessel of figure 1
  • FIG. 3b shows the cross-section of figure 3a with a second group monopile lifted out of the storage hold
  • - fig. 4 shows the upending of a monopile using the upending crane and support cart for the bottom end of the monopile.
  • the figures illustrate an example of a monopiles transportation and installation vessel 1 that is configured for transportation and installation of monopiles.
  • the monopiles are transported to the offshore site, e.g. having been loaded onto the vessel at a quayside location, by means of the vessel. Then the monopiles are installed, e.g. as foundations for wind turbines of an offshore windfarm.
  • the monopiles that are to be installed in the seabed each serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine. It is noted that a monopile could also serve as foundation for another offshore structure, e.g. a substation of a windfarm.
  • the vessel has hull 2 of the monohull type with a bow 3, stern 4, port and starboard sides 5, 6, a bottom 7, and a longitudinal central axis 8.
  • the vessel has an accommodation structure 10 at the bow provided with a bridge and crew quarters.
  • the vessel has a hull that is at least 220 meters long, here about 230 meters.
  • the width of the hull of the vessel is more than the Panamax width of 32.3 meters.
  • the width of the hull of the vessel is between 50 and 65 meters, e.g. about 62 meters.
  • the vessel has a propulsion system, here including a dynamic position system with thrusters 15.
  • the vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling of a monopile to be installed.
  • the vessel comprises a monopile gripper device 300, e.g. X-Y motion compensated, which is configured for positioning and maintaining verticality of the monopile during installation in the seabed.
  • the vessel has a monopiles deck storage 30 which is configured for storage of a first group of multiple monopiles, here exactly three monopiles 20a, above a main deck level of the hull.
  • the monopiles 20a of the first group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to one another and to the central axis of the hull.
  • the hull of the vessel comprises at least one monopile storage hold below the main deck level.
  • two monopile storage holds 40, 50 are provided in the hull.
  • the hull of the vessel is provided with two monopile storage holds 40, 50 with an intermediate longitudinal hull section 2c between them.
  • the hull section 2c extends, as preferred, from the bottom structure of the hull up to the main deck level and over the length of the storage holds 40, 50. This enhances stability of the hull.
  • Each monopile storage hold 40, 50 is configured for storage therein of one monopile of a second group of here two monopiles 20b. These two monopiles 20b are parallel to one another and are in horizontal orientation, parallel to the central axis of the hull.
  • Each of the two monopile storage holds 40, 50 is configured to store therein one monopile 20b having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, here of about 15 meters.
  • Each of the two monopile storage holds 40, 50 is configured to store therein one monopile 20b having a maximum length of at least 120 meters, here of about 150 meters.
  • Each monopile storage hold 40, 50 is accessible from the main deck level for loading and unloading of the monopile 20b of the second group.
  • each monopile storage hold 40, 50 is provided with a monopile elevator system 70, 80 which is distinct and independent from the cranes 100, 200 of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering of a monopile 20b of the second group in horizontal orientation between a stored position in the monopile storage hold 40, 50 (see figure 3a) and a transfer position at the main deck level (see an example in figure 3b).
  • the monopile elevator system comprises multiple monopile support frames 71 , 81 distributed along the length of the monopile storage hold 40, 50 and configured to support thereon a monopile 20b of the second group in horizontal orientation. These support frames 71 , 81 are vertically mobile.
  • the monopile elevator systems 70, 80 each comprises an elevator drive mechanism for each of the multiple monopile support frames 71 , 81.
  • Figure 3b shows, by way of example only, an embodiment of the elevator systems wherein one or more winches are connected to the monopile support frame 71 , 81 via one or more cables 72, 82.
  • upper sheaves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders 73, 74 as well to provide additional lifting height.
  • alternative designs of the elevator systems 70, 80 are envisaged as well.
  • the hull has a buoyant stern section 2c aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold 40, 50 on which the upending crane 100 is arranged, here along a side of the hull of the vessel.
  • the buoyant stern section preferably, has a length of 30 meters, here between 40 and 55 meters.
  • the second crane 200 is arranged forward of the monopiles deck storage, along the same side of the hull as the crane 100.
  • the hull of the vessel supports a cart track 90 extending parallel to the central axis, here along the side of the hull where the cranes 100, 200 are arranged.
  • a monopile bottom end support cart 95 is supported by the cart track 90 allowing to support the bottom end of a monopile 20a, b during upending thereof using the crane 100 of the vessel.
  • the cart track 90 is arranged at the main deck level.
  • the monopile upending crane 100 comprises:
  • a crane base 101 mounted to the hull, here aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold, here along a side of the hull,
  • a boom 104 wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is at the base end pivotable supported by the crane housing for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and a raised upend position for upending the monopile; - a luffing winch 105 and an associated luffing wire 106, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing wire extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable pivoting of the boom between the lowered and the raised upend position; and
  • hoist system comprises a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire 108, wherein the hoisting wire is guided via an upper sheave assembly in the boom 104 to a lower sheave assembly of a load coupling device 110 for coupling with a top end of the monopile 20a, b, to enable the crane to lift the monopile top end using the hoisting winch;
  • trolley guide 115 e.g. a track comprising one or more guide rails, the trolley guide being mounted to the boom of the crane;
  • trolley 120 coupled with the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with an engagement device that is configured to engage the top end of the monopile and/or the load coupling device.

Abstract

A monopiles transportation and installation vessel has a monopiles deck storage for storage of a first group of multiple monopiles above a main deck level of the hull, wherein the monopiles of the first group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to one another and to the central axis of the hull. The vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling of a monopile to be installed. The vessel comprises a monopile gripper device. The hull of the vessel comprises at least one monopile storage hold below the main deck level, which at least one monopile storage hold is configured for storage therein of a second group of one or more monopiles, e.g. of two monopiles parallel to one another, wherein the one or more monopiles of the second group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to the central axis of the hull, which at least one monopile storage hold is accessible from the main deck level for loading and unloading of the one or more monopiles.

Description

MONOPILES TRANSPORT AND INSTALLATION VESSEL
The present invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbines. In particular, the invention concerns a monopiles transportation and installation vessel which is configured for transportation of monopiles to an offshore site and for installation of monopiles at said offshore site, e.g. a windfarm, where one or more monopiles are to be installed in the seabed. As is known in the art, the monopiles each may serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine.
At present, many offshore wind farms are planned to allow for a significant electricity production. For reasons of efficiency the wind turbines have an ever increasing capacity and size. Whilst currently many 5 MW and 8 MW designs are being installed or already operational, future designs envisage wind turbines of 14 MW or more capacity. A proposed 14 MW turbine has a rotor diameter of 220 metres combined with the hub height of about 160 metres above sea level.
These wind turbines can be mounted on various foundation types. A well-known foundation type is the monopile that is installed in the seabed. A monopile may have a greatest diameter of at least 10 meters, e.g. at least 12 meters, for example about 15 meters. A monopile length of 60 meters is currently considered fairly small, as designs already have a length of 100 meters or more, e.g. about 150 meters is nowadays considered for some windfarms. For example, monopiles are now planned for water depths up to 65 meter. The weight of a monopile may well be in excess of 1000mt, even well above 2000 mt.
The present invention aims to provide a versatile and efficient vessel for the transportation and installation of monopiles, e.g. in view of the ever increasing dimensions and weight of monopiles.
The invention provides a monopiles transportation and installation vessel configured for transportation and installation of monopiles to an offshore site, where one or more monopiles are to be installed in the seabed to each serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine, wherein the vessel has hull of the monohull type with a bow, stern, sides, bottom, and a longitudinal central axis, wherein the vessel has a propulsion system, e.g. including a dynamic position system, wherein the vessel has a monopiles deck storage which is configured for storage of a first group of multiple monopiles above a main deck level of the hull, wherein the monopiles of the first group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to one another and to the central axis of the hull, wherein the vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling of a monopile to be installed, wherein the vessel comprises a monopile gripper device configured for positioning and maintaining vertically of the monopile during installation, wherein the hull of the vessel comprises at least one monopile storage hold below the main deck level, which at least one monopile storage hold is configured for storage therein of a second group of one or more monopiles, e.g. of two monopiles parallel to one another, wherein the one or more monopiles of the second group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to the central axis of the hull, which at least one monopile storage hold is accessible from the main deck level for loading and unloading of the one or more monopiles of the second group.
Due to the storage of one or more monopiles, e.g. just two, below the main deck level an efficient use of the vessel is possible. For example, the vessel is configured to store three monopile in the deck storage and two monopiles in the hold(s) of the vessel.
For example, vessel stability is enhanced by the inventive approach, e.g. during sailing with the vessel and during operations performed at the offshore site, e.g. during installation of a monopile in the seabed.
It is envisaged, as preferred, that deck storage of multiple monopiles, e.g. three monopiles, is configured and done in just one layer, so in absence of storing monopiles above one another at the main deck level as is a prior art approach to increase the capacity of monopile transportation and installation vessels.
The vessel is equipped with the crane or (two) cranes needed for handling of the monopile and with the monopile gripper device. So, the vessel is not merely a transportation vessel, but is also configured to perform the actual installation of the monopile using the one or more cranes and the pile gripper device of the vessel.
In embodiments, the at least one monopile storage hold is provided with a monopile elevator system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering of a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation between a stored position in the monopile storage hold and a transfer position at the main deck level. Whilst one can envisage the use of the one or more cranes for loading and unloading the monopiles into and out of the storage hold(s), the provision of a dedicated monopile elevator system is advantageous. A primary advantage is that manoeuvring the enormous monopile into and out of the storage hold by means of a crane on the monohull vessel is particularly challenging. And undue contact, collision, between the monopile and the hull may lead to damage. In this regard, it is noted that whilst the monopile is exceptionally large and very heavy, it still is a rather fragile component as the wall thickness is rather minimal in relation to the diameter. So, a collision may locally dent the monopile and thus render the monopile unsuited for installation. Of course, the hull may also suffer in case of such a collision. Another advantage is that operation of the monopile elevator system can be done whilst the at least one crane is involved in the handling of another monopile. For example, the elevator system may be used for lowering a monopile into the storage hold, whilst the crane is employed for taking onboard another monopile from a quayside location.
In embodiments, the monopile elevator system comprises multiple monopile support frames distributed along the length of the monopile storage hold and configured to support thereon a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation, which support frames are vertically mobile. The monopile elevator system comprises an elevator drive mechanism for each of the multiple monopile support frames. For example, the monopile is supported by two or three monopile support frames. Such a frame may be completely rigid, yet may also include resilient support members to evenly support the monopile and avoid undue local stresses.
In embodiments, the elevator drive mechanism comprises one or more winches connected to the monopile support frame via one or more cables. For example, winches are mounted to the hull, e.g. at or just below main deck level, e.g. at opposed lateral sides of each support frame. The support frame is then suspended from winch driven cables allowing to move the support frame and the monopile resting thereon up and down. In embodiments, the elevator drive mechanism comprises hydraulic cylinders, e.g. telescopic cylinders, are mounted to the hull, e.g. standing vertically on a bottom structure of the hull, e.g. at opposed lateral sides of each support frame.
In embodiments, the elevator drive mechanism comprises a rack and pinion mechanism between the hull and the monopile support frame. Rack and pinion mechanism can provide sufficient force for controlled lifting and lowering of the support frame and the monopile resting thereon. For example, reference is made to so-called jack-up vessels where such mechanisms are used to lift the entire hull.
In embodiments, the elevator drive mechanism comprises a jacking mechanism between the hull and the monopile support frame which is configured to stepwise lift and lower the monopile support frame. These jacking mechanisms are also used on so-called jack-up vessels where such mechanisms are used to lift the entire hull.
In embodiments, embodiments of the elevator drive mechanism combines approaches discussed herein, e.g. combines the use of winches with the use of hydraulic cylinders for moving support frames in the storage hold(s) up and down.
In embodiments, the at least one storage hold is configured to store therein exactly two monopiles, each having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
In embodiments, the hull of the vessel is provided with two monopile storage holds with an intermediate longitudinal hull section between them, wherein each of the two monopile storage holds is configured to store therein one monopile having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters. For example, the intermediate longitudinal hull section is offset from the central axis of the vessel towards one side of the hull. The latter, for example, is advantageous in embodiments wherein the at least one crane is located along the other side of the vessel, e.g. allowing for arranging a cart track and cart for use in upending of the monopile using the at least one crane in a zone along said other side of the vessel.
In embodiments, each monopile storage hold is provided with a corresponding monopile elevator system that is operable independent from the monopile elevator system of the other monopile storage hold. In embodiments, the monopiles deck storage and the at least one monopile storage hold are configured for storage of monopiles having a maximum length of at least 120 meters, e.g. of 150 meters, e.g. with a greatest diameter of the monopiles of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
In embodiments, the at least one crane, preferably one first crane, is arranged aft of the monopiles deck storage and aft of the at least one monopile storage hold, preferably along a side of the hull of the vessel. Due to this arrangement, the width of the hull can be used optimally for deck storage of monopiles. For example, in practical embodiments, three monopiles can be stored on main deck level side-by-side.
In embodiments, the hull has a buoyant stern section aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold on which the at least one crane, preferably one first crane, is arranged. The stern section so provides additional buoyancy where the crane is mounted. For example, the vessel is configured and operated so that the monopile is upended and suspended from the one first crane, which crane is then used to lower the monopile towards the seabed as it is engaged by the monopile gripper device. The stern section then supports the weight of the crane as well as of the monopile and of the monopile gripper device. Preferably, the crane is arranged along a side of the hull of the vessel.
In embodiments, the buoyant stern section, preferably, has a length of 30 meters, e.g. between 40 and 55 meters. In combination with the capacity to handle monopiles of a maximum length of 150 meters, this means that the hull is at least 190 meters long.
In practical embodiments, the vessel has an accommodation structure at the bow provided with a bridge and crew quarters. This may result in a vessel having a hull that is at least 220 meters long.
In embodiments, the width of the hull of the vessel is more than the Panamax width of 32.3 meters. For example, the width of the hull of the vessel is between 50 and 65 meters, e.g. about 62 meters.
In embodiments, a second crane is arranged forward of the monopiles deck storage, preferably along the same side of the hull as the one first crane. This, for example, allows for engaging a horizontally oriented monopile at both of its ends by the cranes, which cranes then are operated in unison to handle the monopile. For example, a monopile can be displaced in transverse direction by means of the two cranes, e.g. in the course of lifting a monopile from a quayside onto the main deck of the vessel.
In embodiments, the hull of the vessel supports a cart track extending parallel to the central axis, e.g. along a side of the hull, wherein a monopile bottom end support cart is supported by the cart track allowing to support the bottom end of a monopile during upending thereof using the at least one crane of the vessel. In embodiments, the cart track is arranged at the main deck level. In other embodiment, the cart track is arranged at a distance below the main deck level, optionally in the monopile storage hold.
For example, the one first crane aft of the main deck level storage is used in the process of upending a monopile, with the cart track extending such that in the process the support cart moves towards the crane. Once upended orientation is reached, the monopile is in a state suspended from the crane. For example, the crane is then slewed to move the monopile overboard into alignment with the monopile gripper device. This device can be mounted along a side of the vessel or at the stern of the vessel, e.g. the stern having a recess in the stern section where the gripper device is located.
In embodiments, the vessel is provided with a monopile transverse displacement system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane, which monopile transverse displacement system is arranged at the main deck level and is configured to displace a monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull. This approach allows to avoid use of the at least one crane when displacing a monopile in transverse direction. This, again, allows to avoid challenging crane operations.
In embodiments, the monopile transverse displacement system is configured to engage on and absorb the weight of a monopile of the second group that has been brought into the transfer position by the monopile elevator system allowing for transverse displacement of the monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull. This approach entails that the at least one crane is not needed in the process of advancing one of the second group monopiles out of the storage hold and towards a lateral side of the hull, e.g. in order to be upended when at said lateral side.
In embodiments, the monopile transverse displacement system comprises multiple transverse rails supported by the hull and monopile support carriages travelling over the transverse rails. In embodiments, the at least one crane comprises a monopile upending crane, which comprises:
- a crane base mounted to the hull, e.g. aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold, e.g. along a side of the hull,
- a crane housing and a slew bearing provided between the crane base and the crane housing, wherein the slew bearing enables the crane housing to slew about a vertical slew axis;
- a boom, wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is at the base end pivotable supported by the crane housing for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and a raised upend position for upending the monopile;
- a luffing winch and an associated luffing wire, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing wire extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable pivoting of the boom between the lowered and the raised upend position; and
- a hoist system, wherein the hoist system comprises a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, wherein the hoisting wire is guided via an upper sheave assembly in the boom to a lower sheave assembly of the load coupling device for coupling with a top end of the monopile, to enable the crane to lift the monopile top end using the hoisting winch;
- a trolley guide, e.g. a track comprising one or more guide rails, the trolley guide being mounted to the boom of the crane; and
- a trolley, coupled with the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with an engagement device that is configured to engage the top end of the monopile and/or the load coupling device.
When the above described upending crane is used in combination with the cart track and cart as discussed above, upending of the monopile is done whilst both the top end and the bottom end of the monopile follow a track, which avoids undue swing motion of the monopile in the upending process. . Once the monopile is upended, the crane lifts the monopile in a vertical direction from the support cart, and slews about the vertical slew axis to position the monopile above the monopile gripper. Subsequently, the crane is used to lower the monopile towards the seafloor, while the monopile is guided by the pile gripper.
For example, the upending crane is embodied as described in WO2022229455, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The invention also relates to a method for transportation and installation of monopiles, wherein use is made of a vessel as described herein. The invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:
- fig. 1 shows a side view of a vessel according to the invention,
- fig. 2 shows a plan view of the vessel of figure 1 ,
- fig. 3a shows a cross-section of the vessel of figure 1 ,
- fig. 3b shows the cross-section of figure 3a with a second group monopile lifted out of the storage hold,
- fig. 4 shows the upending of a monopile using the upending crane and support cart for the bottom end of the monopile.
The figures illustrate an example of a monopiles transportation and installation vessel 1 that is configured for transportation and installation of monopiles. The monopiles are transported to the offshore site, e.g. having been loaded onto the vessel at a quayside location, by means of the vessel. Then the monopiles are installed, e.g. as foundations for wind turbines of an offshore windfarm.
As known in the art, the monopiles that are to be installed in the seabed each serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine. It is noted that a monopile could also serve as foundation for another offshore structure, e.g. a substation of a windfarm.
The vessel has hull 2 of the monohull type with a bow 3, stern 4, port and starboard sides 5, 6, a bottom 7, and a longitudinal central axis 8.
The vessel has an accommodation structure 10 at the bow provided with a bridge and crew quarters.
The vessel has a hull that is at least 220 meters long, here about 230 meters.
The width of the hull of the vessel is more than the Panamax width of 32.3 meters. In this example, the width of the hull of the vessel is between 50 and 65 meters, e.g. about 62 meters.
The vessel has a propulsion system, here including a dynamic position system with thrusters 15.
The vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling of a monopile to be installed. In this example, there is an upending crane 100 and an auxiliary handling crane 200. The vessel comprises a monopile gripper device 300, e.g. X-Y motion compensated, which is configured for positioning and maintaining verticality of the monopile during installation in the seabed.
Aft of the accommodation 10, the vessel has a monopiles deck storage 30 which is configured for storage of a first group of multiple monopiles, here exactly three monopiles 20a, above a main deck level of the hull. The monopiles 20a of the first group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to one another and to the central axis of the hull.
In addition, the hull of the vessel comprises at least one monopile storage hold below the main deck level. Here two monopile storage holds 40, 50 are provided in the hull.
The hull of the vessel is provided with two monopile storage holds 40, 50 with an intermediate longitudinal hull section 2c between them. The hull section 2c extends, as preferred, from the bottom structure of the hull up to the main deck level and over the length of the storage holds 40, 50. This enhances stability of the hull.
Each monopile storage hold 40, 50 is configured for storage therein of one monopile of a second group of here two monopiles 20b. These two monopiles 20b are parallel to one another and are in horizontal orientation, parallel to the central axis of the hull.
Each of the two monopile storage holds 40, 50 is configured to store therein one monopile 20b having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, here of about 15 meters.
Each of the two monopile storage holds 40, 50 is configured to store therein one monopile 20b having a maximum length of at least 120 meters, here of about 150 meters.
Each monopile storage hold 40, 50 is accessible from the main deck level for loading and unloading of the monopile 20b of the second group.
The figures 3a, b illustrate that each monopile storage hold 40, 50 is provided with a monopile elevator system 70, 80 which is distinct and independent from the cranes 100, 200 of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering of a monopile 20b of the second group in horizontal orientation between a stored position in the monopile storage hold 40, 50 (see figure 3a) and a transfer position at the main deck level (see an example in figure 3b). For example, the monopile elevator system comprises multiple monopile support frames 71 , 81 distributed along the length of the monopile storage hold 40, 50 and configured to support thereon a monopile 20b of the second group in horizontal orientation. These support frames 71 , 81 are vertically mobile. The monopile elevator systems 70, 80 each comprises an elevator drive mechanism for each of the multiple monopile support frames 71 , 81.
Figure 3b shows, by way of example only, an embodiment of the elevator systems wherein one or more winches are connected to the monopile support frame 71 , 81 via one or more cables 72, 82. In this example, upper sheaves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders 73, 74 as well to provide additional lifting height. As explained, alternative designs of the elevator systems 70, 80 are envisaged as well.
The hull has a buoyant stern section 2c aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold 40, 50 on which the upending crane 100 is arranged, here along a side of the hull of the vessel. The buoyant stern section, preferably, has a length of 30 meters, here between 40 and 55 meters.
The second crane 200 is arranged forward of the monopiles deck storage, along the same side of the hull as the crane 100.
The hull of the vessel supports a cart track 90 extending parallel to the central axis, here along the side of the hull where the cranes 100, 200 are arranged. A monopile bottom end support cart 95 is supported by the cart track 90 allowing to support the bottom end of a monopile 20a, b during upending thereof using the crane 100 of the vessel.
In this example, the cart track 90 is arranged at the main deck level.
The monopile upending crane 100 comprises:
- a crane base 101 mounted to the hull, here aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold, here along a side of the hull,
- a crane housing 102 and a slew bearing 103 provided between the crane base and the crane housing, wherein the slew bearing enables the crane housing to slew about a vertical slew axis;
- a boom 104, wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is at the base end pivotable supported by the crane housing for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and a raised upend position for upending the monopile; - a luffing winch 105 and an associated luffing wire 106, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing wire extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable pivoting of the boom between the lowered and the raised upend position; and
- a hoist system 107, wherein the hoist system comprises a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire 108, wherein the hoisting wire is guided via an upper sheave assembly in the boom 104 to a lower sheave assembly of a load coupling device 110 for coupling with a top end of the monopile 20a, b, to enable the crane to lift the monopile top end using the hoisting winch;
- a trolley guide 115, e.g. a track comprising one or more guide rails, the trolley guide being mounted to the boom of the crane; and
- a trolley 120, coupled with the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with an engagement device that is configured to engage the top end of the monopile and/or the load coupling device.
As shown in figure 4, during upending the top end of the monopile 20a, b is effectively guided by the trolley 120 along the near vertical or vertical boom 104, whilst the bottom end of the monopile is guided by the cart 95 and the track 90. Thereby, undue sway motion of the enormously large and heavy monopile during the upending process is prevented. For example, roll motion of the vessel 1 does not unduly impact the upending process even when the plane of upending is parallel to and offset from the central axis of the monohull.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. A monopiles transportation and installation vessel configured for transportation and installation of monopiles to an offshore site, where one or more monopiles are to be installed in the seabed to each serve as foundation for an offshore wind turbine, wherein the vessel has hull of the monohull type with a bow, stern, sides, bottom, and a longitudinal central axis, wherein the vessel has a propulsion system, e.g. including a dynamic position system, wherein the vessel has a monopiles deck storage which is configured for storage of a first group of multiple monopiles above a main deck level of the hull, wherein the monopiles of the first group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to one another and to the central axis of the hull, wherein the vessel comprises at least one crane configured for handling of a monopile to be installed, wherein the vessel comprises a monopile gripper device configured for positioning and maintaining verticality of the monopile during installation, wherein the hull of the vessel comprises at least one monopile storage hold below the main deck level, which at least one monopile storage hold is configured for storage therein of a second group of one or more monopiles, e.g. of two monopiles parallel to one another, wherein the one or more monopiles of the second group are in horizontal orientation and parallel to the central axis of the hull, which at least one monopile storage hold is accessible from the main deck level for loading and unloading of the one or more monopiles of the second group.
2. Vessel according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one monopile storage hold is provided with a monopile elevator system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane of the vessel and is configured for lifting and lowering of a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation between a stored position in the monopile storage hold and a transfer position at the main deck level.
3. Vessel according to claim 2, wherein the monopile elevator system comprises multiple monopile support frames distributed along the length of the monopile storage hold and configured to support thereon a monopile of the second group in horizontal orientation, which support frames are vertically mobile, and wherein the monopile elevator system comprises an elevator drive mechanism for each of the multiple monopile support frames.
4. Vessel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elevator drive mechanism comprises:
- one or more winches connected to the monopile support frame via one or more cables,
- hydraulic cylinders arranged between the hull and the monopile support frame, or
- a rack and pinion mechanism between the hull and the monopile support frame,
- a jacking mechanism between the hull and the monopile support frame configured to stepwise lift and lower the monopile support frame.
5. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 4, wherein the at least one storage hold is configured to store therein two monopiles each having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
6. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein the hull of the vessel is provided with two monopile storage holds with an intermediate longitudinal hull section between them, wherein each of the two monopile storage holds is configured to store therein one monopile having a greatest diameter of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
7. Vessel according to claims 2 and 6, wherein each monopile storage hold is provided with a corresponding monopile elevator system that is operable independent from the monopile elevator system of the other monopile storage hold.
8. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 7, wherein monopiles deck storage and the at least one monopile storage hold are configured for storage of monopiles having a maximum length of at least 120 meters, e.g. of 150 meters, e.g. with a greatest diameter of the monopiles of at least 12 meters, e.g. of at least 15 meters.
9. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 8, wherein the at least one crane, preferably one first crane, is arranged aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold, preferably along a side of the hull of the vessel.
10. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 9, preferably claim 9, wherein the hull has a buoyant stern section aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold on which the at least one crane, preferably one first crane, is arranged, preferably along a side of the hull of the vessel, wherein the buoyant stern section, preferably, has a length of 30 meters, e.g. between 40 and 55 meters.
11 . Vessel according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a second crane is arranged forward of the monopiles deck storage, preferably along the same side of the hull as the one first crane.
12. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 11, wherein the hull of the vessel supports a cart track extending parallel to the central axis, e.g. along a side of the hull, and wherein a monopile bottom end support cart is supported by the cart track allowing to support the bottom end of a monopile during upending thereof using the at least one crane of the vessel.
13. Vessel according to claim 12, wherein the cart track is arranged at the main deck level.
14. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 13, wherein the vessel is provided with a monopile transverse displacement system which is distinct and independent from the at least one crane, which monopile transverse displacement system is arranged at the main deck level and is configured to displace a monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.
15. Vessel according to claims 2 and 14, wherein the monopile transverse displacement system is configured to engage on and absorb the weight of a monopile of the second group that has been brought into the transfer position by the monopile elevator system allowing for transverse displacement of the monopile transverse across the main deck level to one of the sides of the hull.
16. Vessel according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the monopile transverse displacement system comprises multiple transverse rails supported by the hull and monopile support carriages travelling over the transverse rails.
17. Vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 16, wherein the at least one crane comprises a monopile upending crane, which comprises:
- a crane base mounted to the hull, e.g. aft of the monopiles deck storage and of the at least one monopile storage hold, e.g. along a side of the hull, - a crane housing and a slew bearing provided between the crane base and the crane housing, wherein the slew bearing enables the crane housing to slew about a vertical slew axis;
- a boom, wherein the boom extends between a base end and a top end, wherein the boom is at the base end pivotable supported by the crane housing for lifting a load at a distance from the crane base and a raised upend position for upending the monopile;
- a luffing winch and an associated luffing wire, wherein the luffing winch is mounted on the crane housing and the luffing wire extends between the luffing winch and the boom to enable pivoting of the boom between the lowered and the raised upend position; and
- a hoist system, wherein the hoist system comprises a hoisting winch and an associated hoisting wire, wherein the hoisting wire is guided via an upper sheave assembly in the boom to a lower sheave assembly of the load coupling device for coupling with a top end of the monopile, to enable the crane to lift the monopile top end using the hoisting winch;
- a trolley guide, e.g. a track comprising one or more guide rails, the trolley guide being mounted to the boom of the crane; and
- a trolley, coupled with the trolley guide to be guided along the boom of the crane, wherein the trolley is provided with an engagement device that is configured to engage the top end of the monopile and/or the load coupling device.
18. A method for transportation and installation of a monopiles, wherein use is made of a vessel according to any one or more of claims 1 - 17.
PCT/EP2023/070204 2022-07-21 2023-07-20 Monopiles transport and installation vessel WO2024018024A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018139918A1 (en) * 2017-01-25 2018-08-02 Itrec B.V. A method and tool for installation of an offshore wind turbine
WO2019231329A1 (en) * 2018-06-01 2019-12-05 Itrec B.V. Offshore vessel, preferably an offshore wind turbine installation vessel, a crane for providing such a vessel, and a method for using such a crane, preferably for upending a monopile
WO2021130133A1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-07-01 Itrec B.V. A feeder vessel
WO2022144253A1 (en) * 2020-12-30 2022-07-07 Macgregor Norway As Displacement of a horizontal pile
WO2022229455A1 (en) 2021-04-30 2022-11-03 Itrec B.V. Upend crane and installation vessel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018139918A1 (en) * 2017-01-25 2018-08-02 Itrec B.V. A method and tool for installation of an offshore wind turbine
WO2019231329A1 (en) * 2018-06-01 2019-12-05 Itrec B.V. Offshore vessel, preferably an offshore wind turbine installation vessel, a crane for providing such a vessel, and a method for using such a crane, preferably for upending a monopile
WO2021130133A1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-07-01 Itrec B.V. A feeder vessel
WO2022144253A1 (en) * 2020-12-30 2022-07-07 Macgregor Norway As Displacement of a horizontal pile
WO2022229455A1 (en) 2021-04-30 2022-11-03 Itrec B.V. Upend crane and installation vessel

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