Due to the barge extension, also properly connecting the mooring system to Pioneering Spirit is a challenge. This barge position is challenging due to limited shielding from Pioneering Spirit, leading to excessive environmental loads acting on the barge. In this research a pre-defined vessel orientation is analysed where the barge stern is extended 40m in longitudinal direction from Pioneering Spirit stern, to increase the barge area reachable by the unloading crane. The mooring system secures the barge alongside Pioneering Spirit where it has to stay for multiple days. This operation requires a proper mooring procedure of which the mooring system is an essential part. Allseas investigates the possibility to enter the offshore wind turbine installation industry with Pioneering Spirit.įor Allseas’ preliminary wind turbine installation design, wind turbines are assembled offshore, requiring wind turbine components to be brought from shore to Pioneering Spirit by means of a cargo barge. Continuous development in the wind turbine industry leads to increasing size of wind turbines.
