SeaOwls and Ulstein launched a pioneering heavy lift jackup vessel design, the SOUL, at the Offshore Wind Journal Conference today (7 February).
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Illustration of the SOUL, from SeaOwls. |
The cruciform structural layout makes the patent-pending solution more than 10% lighter than conventional jackup vessel designs. In combination with a high capacity crane, SOUL enables operators to take the next step in developing offshore wind farms. The concept aims to install the next generation wind turbines (10-12 MW) in the same time frame as currently used for installing 6-8 MW units, a significant efficiency gain over any jackup vessel design currently available in the market.
The SOUL series will come in various sizes, allowing the transport of three up to six of the 10-12MW wind turbines. Still, all loading and installation operations can be performed without the need of ballast water.
“The development of this novel jackup vessel is the logical next step in our strategy to widen our portfolio and become a leading company in supporting the offshore wind industry with more efficient assets,” says Tore Ulstein, deputy CEO at Ulstein Group. “Combining the vast track record in heavy lift vessel designs from our Dutch Ulstein branch with SeaOwls’ experience in jackup technology, resulted in an innovative jackup vessel concept based on proven technologies.”
Scaling-up conventional heavy lift jackup vessel designs proves challenging due to the disproportional weight increase compared to gain in variable deck load (VDL).
“We noticed this created uncertainty with turbine manufacturers, wind farm operators and installation contractors on how to install the future generation wind turbines, as floating vessels are not a viable alternative,” says Erik Snijders, founder and managing director at SeaOwls. “So we went back to the optimal jackup design, a square platform with the legs spaced out as much as possible. Rotating the platform by 45o provided a natural bow shape with two legs and the crane on vessel centre line.”
“This seemingly simple twist in the design allowed to make a huge improvement in operational aspects as well,” says Bram Lambregts, deputy managing director at Ulstein Design & Solutions BV. “With the main crane around the stern leg, optimal main deck reach and over-the-side lifting capabilities is created. And as the hull now houses much larger leg footings, bearing pressures on the seabed are reduced, while the wake of the spud cans does not interfere with the inflow to the propulsion thrusters.”
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