Wind Energy – Self Elevating Platform
ClassNK – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the conversion plan of the medium-sized self-elevating platform (SEP) vessel.
This would provide installation of a large wind turbine generator on a semisubmersible floater in a port. The project is a joint development between TOA Corp., NIHON Shipyard and Japan Marine United (JMU).
This project involves a semi-sub floater developed by JMU, and a large WTG to be installed by converted SEP vessel.
As a solution to the current lack of port facilities for installing a large wind turbine on a foundation at ports in Japan, TOA, NSY and JMU have been jointly researching and developing a method to convert a medium-sized SEP vessel to be used as a jacked-up tall crane in a port.
Such three-party’s joint R&D is based on the SEP vessel (equipped with a 1,250-ton crane) under the construction at JMU shipyard and to be co-owned by two companies including TOA corporation after her delivery.
The converted SEP will enable the installation of large wind turbines even at ports without adequate facilities and is expected to promote the expansion of floating offshore wind power generation by providing a wider range of base port options.
