News | Energy Efficiency

http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/wartsila-aker-offshore-wind-farm-vessel-prepares-for-market.html

Marine company Wärtsilä and oil and gas service provider Aker Solutions are one step closer to marketing their innovative concept for offshore wind farm installation.

The pair said they have seen high interest for the product and expect to secure its first orders this year.
Aker Solutions has developed a continuous hydraulic jacking system for truss legs using its background knowledge of the offshore drilling market, which it has customised for the turbine installation vessels.
Jack vessels are used for the installation of wind turbines in shallow waters and work by lowering legs to the seabed, and jacking the vessel above the waves using a hydraulic grip system.
The companies said their new vessel concept will be marketed as a complete package. The vessel aims to fulfill the industry’s requirements for crane capacity and is designed to operate in harsh weather conditions.
Wärtsilä and Aker’s device is designed specifically for operating in the International Maritime Organization’s emission control areas.
They signed a contract earlier this year that required Wärtsilä to provide installation vessels with ship design, power generation, propulsion machinery and automation included. Aker Solutions agreed to supply the jacking system.
They also agreed to offer global support services for maintenance and repair of their new systems, and to supply components.
‘This new concept is already generating significant interest among that segment of the industry involved with the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms,’ said Riku-Pekka Hägg, vice president of Wärtsilä Ship Design.
‘There is a notable demand for a high technology, and fully integrated installation vessel design having significant environmentally sound features…We expect to get the first orders this year.’