Offshore staff
ZWIJNDRECHT, Belgium — DEME Offshore and Liftra ApS will join forces to develop a novel offshore installation methodology for the next generation of offshore wind turbine generators. The Liftra crane technology will be fully integrated onboard DEME’s vessels on an exclusive basis.
Aalborg-based Liftra is providing the design and engineering, based on its LT1500 turbine installation crane technology, and this is combined with DEME’s engineering, operations and installation technology.
The companies said the offshore turbine installation crane offers the possibility of erecting higher and heavier turbines using existing vessels at a lower cost, while at the same time reducing the environmental footprint, and is suitable for both bottom-fixed and floating turbines.
Bart de Poorter, general manager with DEME Offshore Renewables, said, "There are many advantages of this new joint technology, the major one being the ability to install fixed or floating turbines from a floating vessel, which naturally means there are no limitations regarding water depth. As well as this, there are no longer any lifting height issues and relative motions at high heights can be controlled. This new method also reduces the environmental footprint on the seabed at the wind farm’s location and in port.”
Due to its flexibility, the system can be exclusively integrated for use onboard DEME’s floating offshore heavy-lift vessels such as Orion or Green Jade, as well as its existing jackup vessels.
The partners will develop and integrate the technology in stages. Following an extensive testing program, the new system is expected to be operational in 2027.
04.17.2023
