Wind energy – HMC
Heerema Marine Contractors are modifying the two cranes on the world’s second-largest semi-submersible crane vessel, SSCV Thialf, to be capable of lifting 14,200t.
In 2022, Heerema will be using the SSCV Thialf to install 27 wind turbines for Parkwind’s Arcadis Ost I wind farm in the Baltic Sea using Heerema’s novel Rotor Nacelle Assembly (RNA) installation method.
However, to get the SSCV Thialf to the Arcadis Ost wind farm site it will have to sail under Denmark’s Storebaelt Bridge connecting the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen, and the bridge has a maximum clearance of 65m. The current height from sea level to the top of the Thialf cranes’ A-Frames is 105m.
Heerema is currently modifying the A-Frames in the Port of Rotterdam which will allow the SSCV Thialf to pass under the bridge and into the Baltic Sea without compromising the integrity of their 14,200 metric ton cranes.
This modification is possible because Thialf’s A-frames already have hingable corners that can accommodate the NOV custom-designed semi-permanent adjustment system.
Using this system, when combined with ballasting the vessel, Heerema can lower Thialf’s cranes and fold the A-frames and create a sufficient air gap to pass under the Storebaelt Bridge.
