Sea Fastening fabrication for 14.7MW Wind Turbines

Customer: Dominion EnergyLocation: Bergen, NorwayPeriod: 2024-2025

Semco Maritime has embarked on a large scale fabrication project to construct sea fastening structures capable of transporting 14.7MW wind turbines for installation on a new build wind turbine installation vessel currently under construction in the USA. This case study delves into the project's scope, the challenges encountered, the innovative solutions applied, and the strategic capabilities that drive its success.

Project background: 

The renewable energy sector is rapidly advancing, with wind turbines increasing in size and capacity to meet global energy demands more efficiently. In response to this trend, Dominion Energy has commissioned Semco Maritime to construct sea fastening units for their new 14.7MW wind turbines. These sea fastening structures are being fabricated to allow the transport of the wind turbines from their marshalling stations to the end user offshore wind farm utilizing a specially constructed wind turbine installation vessel.

Objectives:

• Construct Sea fastening Units: To construct robust sea fastening structures capable of handling the immense size and weight of 14.7MW wind turbines.
• Ensure Safety and Compliance: To adhere to stringent industry safety standards and ensure the secure transportation of high-value equipment.
• Optimize for Efficiency: To enhance the operational efficiency of turbine installation processes, reducing time and costs associated with offshore deployments.

Challenges: 

• Size and Weight: The sheer size and weight of the 14.7MW turbines present unique challenges in terms of design and materials strength.
• Engineering Precision: Precision in engineering and fabrication is critical to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the sea fastening structures.
• Facility Capabilities: The project requires facilities with advanced capabilities in handling and fabricating large-scale structures.

Solution and innovation:

• Advanced Facilities: Semco Maritime's yards are equipped with high-capacity lifting and fabrication tools, making them well-suited for this large-scale project. The quayside facilities have been crucial in accommodating the substantial dimensions and weights involved.
• Engineering Expertise: Leveraging decades of experience in offshore projects, Semco Maritime's engineering team has developed innovative solutions to meet the project's demands.
• Collaborative Approach: Working closely with the client and turbine manufacturers, Semco Maritime has ensured that all specifications and requirements are meticulously met, facilitating smooth operations and later installation.

Impact:

The sea fastening structures are set to play a crucial role in the efficient and safe transportation of turbines and foundations.

Semco Maritime's project to construct 1600 tons of sea fastening for 14.7MW wind turbines highlights the company's approach and commitment to advancing the renewable energy sector. By overcoming significant engineering and logistical challenges, Semco Maritime is contributing to the efficient deployment of larger and more powerful wind turbines, driving forward the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.