Knud E. Hansen, a renowned name in maritime design since 1937, is setting a new standard in offshore wind turbine maintenance with their pioneering “Jack-up on Jack-up” concept. This next-generation vessel is designed specifically to handle the challenges of maintaining massive wind turbines, including those up to 20 MW, in some of the harshest offshore environments.
The new design introduces an innovative elevating work platform, which stays geostationary thanks to an X-Y motion compensating system positioned between the platform and the platform carriers. This stability ensures the “factory hall” of the vessel remains steady, allowing maintenance operations to continue uninterrupted, even in rough seas.
One of the most notable features of this vessel is a “cherry picker” mounted on a hammerhead at the opposite end of the platform, providing access to the nacelle—the heart of the wind turbine. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with a main crane mounted on an elevating structure. This setup allows the use of a conventional pedestal-mounted crane with a boom that is 30% shorter than those found on traditional wind turbine maintenance vessels. The shorter boom not only maintains the necessary reach but also provides a superior view of the blades and nacelle from the crane driver’s cabin, enhancing safety and precision.
Measuring 154 meters in length and 64.4 meters in breadth, this vessel is capable of handling a wide range of maintenance tasks on wind turbines up to 20 MW. It can replace and manage nacelles weighing up to 1,000 tons at hub heights of 175 meters and handle blades up to 130 meters long—all while jacked up in water depths of up to 80 meters. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool in the growing offshore wind sector.
The vessel also serves as a mother ship for Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) working in the area, with two crew access vessels arranged in davits on the aft deck. A retractable boat landing can reach the water when the vessel is jacked up, allowing for easy transfer of personnel and equipment.
Currently patent pending, the “Jack-up on Jack-up” design offers a unique solution to the challenges of offshore wind maintenance. Its ability to position itself precisely beneath a turbine blade, combined with its innovative suspension system and weather cover, sets a new benchmark for efficiency and safety in the field.
Knud E. Hansen, with over 85 years of experience in ship and yacht design, continues to lead the way in maritime innovation. Headquartered in Denmark and with offices worldwide, the company employs a team of about 100 naval architects and mechanical engineers dedicated to developing state-of-the-art and practical solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client.
By combining decades of experience with fresh thinking and a commitment to innovation, Knud E. Hansen is poised to make a significant impact on the future of offshore wind energy maintenance.
Source: Knud E. Hansen
