FEATURE SPONSOR
SHIP DESIGN & BUILD
Mike Simpson commented “Our current design and analysis projects are challenging assumptions about size, validating ingenious thinking and expanding operating envelopes. Optimising capacity and operability is the kind of work we thrive on.”
FLOATING ACCOMMODATION As well as wind farm installation, the industry is rightly concerned with their long term operation and maintenance. As a result, Houlder has developed a novel, green accommodation mother ship that ensures technicians can be supported in field for as long as possible whilst complying with HSE and environmental regulations. The Houlder mother ship is based on the company’s proven low-roll hull form and, with a single point mooring, takes advantage of 'weather vaning' to keep wind and waves on the bow.
INTEGRATION DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
This project utilised Houlder’s expertise at integration design and engineering. The offshore wind sector’s requirement for a flexible approach to installing and mobilising equipment sits well within the team’s capability. Mike explains “Houlder also supplies handling, lifting and flex-lay equipment, which means we know how to go about installing it. Clients often come to us as a one-stop-shop, particularly when equipment is non-standard and setting to work requires some lateral thinking.”
The resulting sea keeping performance is therefore within operating limits for housing crew and workers in relative comfort. Recesses in the hull support work and crew transfer boats and a walk to walk system allows direct turbine access. Having developed a generic concept that balances CAPEX and OPEX, the company is now in discussions with developers regarding their specific requirements moving forward.
ADAPTING EXISTING VESSELS New floating accommodation is not necessarily required. In 2012, P&O Ferries made its first major step into offshore energy by deploying the 23,000 tonne European Seaway freighter to house workers on the Lynn & Inner Dowsing wind farm array.
Houlder’s work included the design of hull access doors, crane installations and boarding ladders which were installed during a short refit at the Arno shipyard in Dunkerque, France. Some of the vessel’s cabin accommodation was also upgraded and offices for the charterers’ managers were constructed on board.
Houlder’s preference for challenging design work that stretches its people and delivers a genuine step-change in capability is a key reason it has secured its place in the offshore wind supply chain. Mike Simpson concludes “Houlder has been inspired by the opportunities the industry gives us to use our corporate brain power and develop new ideas. Offshore wind vessel design is an exciting business to be in and we look forward to seeing where it takes us.”
Houlder
Click to view more info = Click to view video 1 = Click to view video 2
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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