Installation vessel for offshore wind turbines

摘要

This invention relates to a transportation, installation and maintenance vessel (1) for wind turbines at sea. The vessel (1) is a semi-submersible (can partially submerge) and uses a number of spud poles (12) / legs to dampen vessel motions. As a result the vessel (1) forms a stable platform from where installation and maintenance work can be performed. The hull is U-shaped. Through the moon pool at the aft which turbines and foundations can be skidded onboard. During transport the wind turbine(s) (3) is fastened on the main deck and the foundation(s) is fastened in the moon pool. Submerging is done by pumping water into the ballast tanks. The spud poles (12) / legs are lowered on to the seabed by winches and/or a hydraulic system. A preload is applied on the spud (12) poles by means of the ballast tanks that can be emptied with compressed air or gravity filled.