Technology and Innovation

Monopile Foundation Installation on DP.

In 2022, following a multi-year innovation programme, Seaway7 performed the world’s first commercial monopile foundation installation in Dynamic Positioning (DP) mode. An industry breakthrough which significantly reduces installation time and cost by avoiding the need to anchor on each location. Since the successful validation of the technique in 2019, Seaway7 has further developed the integrated motion-compensated gripper, capable of installing repetitively in a production environment. The new gripper was fitted on the Seaway Strashnov in 2022, ready for deployment offshore. Installing on DP significantly increased installation efficiency for the 2022 HKZ campaign. Including loading and transits, an installation rate of more than one monopile per day was achieved. This technique reduces installation cycle times, as well as the overall project duration and associated cost. This approach also brings environmental benefits, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating the impact on the seabed and local infrastructure.

Bubble Curtains – Co-operating to Minimise Environmental Impact.

In order to reduce noise levels and minimise the impact to the marine environment, our client opted to implement a complex Double Big Bubble Curtain (DBBC). This consisted of two separate rings of perforated hoses, blowing air from the seabed to the water surface, producing ‘shields’ of air bubbles at predetermined distances from the monopile. The bubble curtains, deployed by Seaway7, were highly effective, keeping actual underwater noise well below anticipated thresholds during both campaigns.

Optimising Interfaces and Design by Collaborative Contracting Principle.

The contract was the first in the offshore renewables market on the basis of collaborative contracting principles. All stakeholders agreed to cooperate in optimising interfaces and design to maximize the business case for the project in a sustainable manner without compromising on health, safety and environment.