Mammoet successfully tackled the challenges posed by extreme tidal ranges at the Port of Nigg, Scotland. The port, a crucial facility for the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm, faced the dilemma of navigating water level changes exceeding four meters every six hours. Such conditions can significantly impede the load-in and load-out processes for large jackets, causing delays and downtime for installation vessels.
Innovative Ring Crane Solution Defies Tidal Challenges
Global Energy Group, working in collaboration with Mammoet, sought a solution that would eliminate the impact of tidal shifts on the project schedule. Mammoet proposed an unconventional approach: the utilization of a PTC210-DS ring crane in conjunction with self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). Unlike the traditional method of relying solely on SPMTs, Mammoet’s approach allowed for continuous operations regardless of tidal conditions, optimizing the overall project schedule and reducing downtime.
Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm, positioned to become the world’s deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm, presented unique challenges with its 114 wind turbine foundation jackets standing at an impressive 95 meters tall. These jackets are designed to support new 10MW variants of Vestas turbines and, once operational in 2023, are poised to power two-thirds of Scotland’s population.
Enhanced Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness
The decision to incorporate the ring crane was not taken lightly, considering the scale of the project. Mammoet’s UK Technical Sales Manager, Oliver Smith, emphasized the importance of cost-efficiency in such large-scale endeavors. The ring crane solution not only proved to be more flexible and cost-effective than SPMT-only operations but also showcased safety and operational advantages.
The utilization of the ring crane increased the length of each load-out window, allowing for smoother parallel operations. The crane lifted jackets to waiting vessels while SPMTs simultaneously offloaded others, optimizing the overall efficiency of the installation campaign. This innovative approach accelerated the pace of work, significantly reducing downtime for the installation vessel and maximizing output.
Success in Action: From Concept to Implementation
Mammoet’s involvement in the project dates back to 2018, and the successful execution of the innovative methodology at Nigg Energy Park near Inverness in July 2021 showcased the effectiveness of the ring crane solution. The loading, storing, and loading-out of the 2,200-ton giants were executed in separate phases, demonstrating the adaptability and scalability of Mammoet’s approach.
As Smith affirms, the project proceeded as planned, and feedback from stakeholders, including Global Energy Group, has been overwhelmingly positive. The integrated engineering teams demonstrated the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the solution, solidifying Mammoet’s position as a trailblazer in offshore wind infrastructure installation.
A Template for the Future of Offshore Wind Infrastructure
Mammoet’s successful utilization of the ring crane in the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm project paves the way for a template on expediting offshore wind infrastructure projects, especially in regions with challenging tidal variances. The innovative approach ensures a faster and more cost-efficient deployment, signaling a paradigm shift in the industry.
Source:MAmmoet
