Image credit: Tugdock.com
Renewable energy giant RWE has announced a collaboration with heavy-lift specialists Sarens and innovative Cornish company Tugdock. The joint venture aims to conduct an in-depth study on the quayside offload and launch of two distinct types of floating offshore wind platforms – one made of steel and the other of concrete. This initiative also includes the integration of next-generation wind turbine generators onto these platforms.
Exploring Local Opportunities
RWE is committed to maximizing local supply chain opportunities by leveraging the port infrastructure at strategic locations like Port Talbot and Milford Haven, two of Wales’ deepest ports. The study will particularly focus on the Port Talbot facility, managed by Associated British Ports, which is undergoing upgrades to support the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of floating offshore wind turbines.
Cutting-Edge Technology Integration
The study will incorporate Sarens’ well-established crane and barge technology alongside Tugdock’s revolutionary submersible platform. Tugdock’s technology, a fusion of a steel frame and patented air lift bags, can function as additional buoyancy or as a submersible platform for lifting and launching heavy marine structures. With a remarkable load capacity of up to 25,000 tonnes and a modular design, Tugdock’s solution is transportable by road, making it an ideal choice for supporting large-scale floating wind deployment.
Addressing Logistical Challenges
The primary goal of these technical solutions is to address the logistical challenges faced by ports in accommodating commercial-scale floating offshore wind deployment. The study will explore a range of land and marine equipment to maneuver structures into the water, offering innovative solutions to the rapidly expanding floating offshore wind industry.
RWE’s Global Vision
As one of the world’s largest offshore wind companies, RWE is actively pursuing the Crown Estate’s UK Round 5 seabed auction to secure a minimum of 1 gigawatt of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Philippa Powell, the Celtic Sea Project Director at RWE, emphasized the vast potential in this region, stating, “We see huge potential in a combined Sarens-Tugdock solution, that is flexible and exportable.”
Future Endeavors
Beyond the Celtic Sea, RWE envisions developing, building, and operating cost-competitive commercial-scale floating projects worldwide. The company has already participated in high-profile demonstration projects, secured a commercial-scale floating offshore wind lease off the California coast, and is exploring opportunities in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas.
Innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning are at the forefront of RWE’s efforts, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of the floating offshore wind industry.
